Non-Executive Member

Overview:
Could you be Social Security Scotland’s next Non-Executive Member and influence our strategic direction, promote good governance and enable a social security service which retains dignity, fairness and respect at its core?
Social Security Scotland: Appointment of a Non-Executive Member

Social Security Scotland is the Scottish Government’s Executive Agency for social security, and is recruiting a non-executive member to join its Executive Advisory Body.

The role of a non-executive is appointed by, and accountable to, the Chief Executive of Social Security Scotland.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our non-executive body and become a ’critical friend’ to our Executive Team. As a non-executive, you will provide strategic advice and support to help improve the services we offer and promote good governance. If successful, you will l be expected to reflect and model the Code of Conduct for Members of Devolved Public Bodies at all times.

About Social Security Scotland

Social Security Scotland delivers a social security system for the people of Scotland, based on our values of dignity, fairness and respect. Our Charter sets out what our clients can expect from us.

We are an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government, and since 2018, we have introduced 13 benefits. Seven of these are completely new forms of financial support, only available in Scotland.

These benefits are available to people on low incomes responsible for children under 16, for people who need help paying for a funeral, disabled people, carers, young people entering the workplace and to help people heat their homes.

We are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that is representative of the people of Scotland, and which treats those clients– as well as each other – with dignity, fairness and respect.

Members of our Executive Advisory Body make a critical contribution to our governance through their mix of lived and professional experience. We are therefore looking for people who believe in and can demonstrate our values to join the Executive Advisory Body of Social Security Scotland and make a real difference to the people we support.

Responsibilities: Key responsibilities/Purpose and role of Group Members
The Executive Advisory Body performs a key role in assisting Social Security Scotland in the delivery of its functions. As a member of the Body, you will:

• 
  Play an important role as a ‘critical friend’, providing effective challenge and advice at senior level to develop and enhance executive thinking;
• Encourage performance improvement ideally within a service-delivery environment;
• Have experience of ensuring effective governance within the public or private sector or through involvement within a charity or as a member of a committee;
• Have excellent communication skills, with the vision and experience to understand what Social Security Scotland can achieve and to advise on how to make it happen;
• Contribute to the development of organisational strategy;
• Demonstrate interest, enthusiasm and commitment to our values.

We actively encourage applications from those who can demonstrate experience in one or more of the following:

• 
  Large transformation programmes, ideally with a good understanding of how governance is best used to support decision-making and accountability within complex delivery environments.
• Transitioning digital products, services and supporting infrastructure to Live Running in a Business as Usual environment.

We value diversity of thought as well as diversity of experience on our Executive Advisory Body. We seek to recruit a workforce reflective of the people of Scotland and encourage applications from people with protected characteristics or from underrepresented groups. These groups include women, disabled people, LGBTI+ people, those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities and people of all ages.
We would also welcome applications from people with direct or personal experience of the current benefits system.

Terms of Appointment

The Executive Advisory Body meet approximately every six weeks and unless otherwise stated, all meetings will be hybrid based, although there is an expectation of regular in-person attendance. Meetings usually take place at Social Security Scotland’s headquarters, located in Agnes Husband House, 17 South Union Street, Dundee, DD1 4BF. On occasion, meetings may also be held at Social Security Scotland’s Glasgow office, located at 220 High Street, Glasgow, G4 0QW. Both locations are readily accessible by public transport although alternative arrangements can be made if required.

At present, the anticipated minimum time commitment for Members is up to 24 days per year reflecting attendance at meetings, reading, travel time, and the consideration of papers, in an alternative formats if required, out with meetings. Included within this time commitment, there will also be periods when non-executive members are invited to attend a number of additional organisational priority meetings and events.

You will be remunerated at a gross daily rate of £239 per day (non-pensionable). You will also receive reimbursement for reasonable travel expenses and reasonable child care/carer costs incurred whilst undertaking non-executive duties. Reimbursement for additional childcare or caring expenses can be made as long as the childcare or care is provided by a registered caring provider. Any reimbursement application for childcare or caring must be supported by the original receipts or certified copies of the original receipts.

This appointment will be for 3 years, effective from October 2023 lasting until September 2026, at which point the appointment will be reviewed. In the event that further posts are required, we may keep a reserve list of successful candidates for up to 3 months.

Qualifications: No formal qualifications required for this post.
Further Information
The closing date for applications is 11:59pm on 22 May 2023.
If you would like to find out more about Social Security Scotland and its Executive Advisory Body members, please visit our website at: https://www.socialsecurity.gov.scot
If you wish to discuss this role further, please contact our governanceteam@socialsecurity.gov.scot or via Governance team, Social Security Scotland, Agnes Husband House, 17 South Union Street, Dundee, DD1 4BF.
Social Security Scotland plan to hold a virtual information session on Tuesday 09 May, 17.30 – 18.30 for anyone wishing to find out more information about this role. If you wish to attend this session, please register your interest by contacting our governanceteam@socialsecurity.gov.scot.
An application pack with full details on this non-executive appointment and how to apply can be downloaded at Social Security Scotland - Governance - Non-Executive Member Application Pack.
As part of your application you must also complete a Conflicts and Political Activity Declaration Form which can be downloaded here. Completed forms should be emailed to recruitment@socialsecurity.gov.scot after you have submitted your application and prior to the advert closing.
We are committed to removing any barriers that there may be to people applying for roles with Social Security Scotland. We will always give consideration to disability-related reasonable adjustments that an applicant might request to enable them to demonstrate their merit and participate fully in the selection process. If you require an application pack in an alternative format, please use the contact details below. You should provide your name, address and the appointment that you are interested in.
Email: governanceteam@socialsecurity.gov.scot
Postal: Governance Team Social Security Scotland Agnes Husband House 17 South Union Street Dundee DD1 4BF