Appointment of Members to the Board of Scottish Enterprise

The Scottish Government; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 14,000; Part time

Job summary

An economic development agency in Scotland seeks Board Members to guide strategic decisions and ensure effective use of resources. Candidates should have significant experience in their field, strong networks, and an understanding of Scotland's economic landscape. The role requires shaping the National Strategy for Economic Transformation and managing public funds responsibly.

Benefits

Annual remuneration of £14,068

Reimbursed reasonable expenses

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Qualifications

• Ability to analyze complex issues and make informed decisions.
• Experience engaging with senior colleagues and influencing decision-making.
• Operational experience at a senior management level.
• Understanding of Scotland's economic landscape.

Responsibilities

• Establish overall strategic direction for Scottish Enterprise.
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements and manage public funds.
• Provide assurance on financial management to the Sponsor Directorate.
• Demonstrate high standards of corporate governance.

Skills

Senior network

Collaboration skills

International business experience

Financial strategic investment

Real estate expertise

Job description

SCOTTISH ENTERPRISE

Scottish Enterprise (SE) is Scotland’s national and international economic development agency. Through Our Focus on Economic Transformation, SE focuses specifically on accelerating the energy transition; scaling innovation; and boosting capital investment and works closely with regional partners including Highland and Islands Enterprise and South of Scotland Enterprise. It has statutory powers to promote and assist economic development, enterprise and international competitiveness and to advise Scottish Ministers on all related matters. SE has its headquarters in Glasgow and is responsible in 2025-26 for an annual budget allocation of approximately £236 million together with additional business income from its investments and property assets. SE’s current and previous Annual Report and Accounts can be found at:

Accessing our information | Scottish Enterprise

SE has been supporting Scotland’s businesses to grow the economy for over 30 years. In that time much has been achieved - they’ve helped secure significant levels of investment to Scotland, built world-class facilities and shaped new market opportunities, supported entrepreneurs and businesses to grow and expand into international markets and encouraged more companies to invest in their most important asset – their people.

SCOTTISH ENTERPRISE BOARD

Board Members are appointed by the Scottish Ministers in accordance with paragraph 5 (a) of Schedule 1 to the Enterprise and New Towns (Scotland) Act 1990. The appointments are made in line with the Code of Practice for Ministerial Appointments to Public Bodies in Scotland issued by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Responsibilities

The Board has corporate responsibility for ensuring that SE fulfils the aims and objectives set by the Scottish Ministers. It also has responsibility for promoting the efficient and effective use of staff and other resources by SE in line with the principles of Best Value as set out in the Scottish Public Finance Manual (SPFM). More specifically, and in pursuit of its wider corporate responsibilities, the Board shall:

• establish the overall strategic direction of SE, working within the policy, planning and resources framework determined by the Scottish Ministers and, in particular, ensuring delivery of the National Strategy for Economic Transformation (NSET) priorities;
• ensure that Scottish Ministers are kept informed of any changes likely to impact on the strategic direction of SE or on its ability to achieve its targets, and determine the steps needed to deal with such changes;
• ensure that any statutory or administrative requirements for the use of public funds (i.e. all funds falling within the stewardship of SE) are complied with; that the Board operates within the limits of its statutory authority and any delegated authority agreed with the Scottish Government Sponsor Directorate, and in line with any other conditions relating to the use of public funds; and that, in reaching decisions, the Board takes into account relevant guidance issued by the Scottish Ministers;
• ensure that it receives and reviews regular financial information concerning the management of SE; is informed in a timely manner about any concerns about the activities of SE; and provides positive assurance to the Sponsor Directorate that appropriate action has been taken on such concerns;
• demonstrate high standards of corporate governance at all times, including through effective use of its independent audit committee, to help the Board address the key financial and other risks facing SE. The Board is expected to assure itself on the effectiveness of the internal control and risk management systems;
• provide commitment and leadership in the development and promotion of Best Value principles throughout the organisation.
  
  

BOARD MEMBERS

Individual Board Members shall act in accordance with their wider responsibility as Members of the Board - namely to:

• comply at all times with the code of conduct for SE that is adopted by SE and with the rules relating to the use of public funds, conflicts of interest and confidentiality; acceptance of gifts and hospitality, and of business appointments;
• not misuse information gained in the course of their public service for personal gain or for political profit, nor seek to use the opportunity of public service to promote their private interests or those of connected persons or organisations;
• act in good faith and in the best interests of SE at all times;
• contribute to the work of the Board’s Committees (Audit and Risk, Remuneration and Nominations & Governance);
• support the Chief Executive, the Senior Management Team and wider SE staff, ensuring that the values and standards expected are maintained at all times;
• take responsibility for specific tasks, including representing the Board as agreed with the Chair.
  
  

Further information about the role and the board can be found in the Applicant Information Pack.

For more information about the roles, please contact Karen Hannah in SE at [e-mail]. More information about SE can be found at www.scottish-enterprise.com/.

Skills And Experience

Priority Criteria

Applicants Must Demonstrate Evidence Of At Least One Of The Priority Criteria. You May Provide Evidence For More Than One Priority Criterion If You Wish

• An extensive and relevant senior network which will add value to discussions at the SE Board on the future of Scotland’s economy.
• An understanding of collaboration between government, private sector and other agencies to drive positive change and outcomes for Scotland.
• International business experience/evidence of a global mindset, attracting investment for growth, international trade and expertise in key markets.
• Senior level experience of financial (e.g. non-executive or CFO level) and strategic investment approaches.
• Experience and expertise in real estate/property management.
  
  

Essential Criteria

Applicants must also demonstrate evidence of all of the essential criteria:

• The ability to analyse and review complex issues affecting a major, impactful, organisation, weigh up conflicting opinions and reach informed decisions.
• The ability to engage with senior colleagues and Directors to challenge constructively and influence decision-making within a board or team setting.
• Experience of operating effectively at a senior management level in a business/organisation/social enterprise.
• An understanding of the Scottish Government’s National Strategy for Economic Transformation and Scotland’s economic landscape, as well as the ability to work with partner organisations to achieve Scotland-wide benefits.
  
  

APPLYING FOR THE ROLES

Full details on how to apply, and the evidence that should be submitted, are set out at pages 15-16 of the Applicant Information Pack.

About Us

Public appointments are made by Scottish Ministers. The appointments process is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner you can find out more about the Commissioner here: Public appointments | Ethical Standards Commissioner

REMUNERATION AND TIME COMMITMENT

Board Members receive £14,068 per annum (daily rate of £457.92 per day), subject to an ongoing review, for a time commitment of 30 days per year (2.5 days per month). Reasonable expenses incurred will be reimbursed. The appointments are non-pensionable.

EQUALITY STATEMENT

Scottish Ministers value highly the benefits of diverse Public Body Boards. People from all walks of life are encouraged to apply for public appointments. Find out more about our commitment todiversityand how we offer and supportrecruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Find out more about public appointments here: Public appointments - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)