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SCOTTISH FUNDING COUNCIL: APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR 2013
Application Information Pack
Please read these notes carefully before you fill in your application form.
Contents
This pack contains the following:
Guidance notes for applicants (this document); Advertisement/Publicity Material; Background information – Scottish Funding Council; Role description; Person specification; Application form; Monitoring form; Nine Principles of Public Life; and Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland’s information
leaflet on the public appointment process
1. Your Application
Your application is the key document which will determine whether or not you will proceed through the assessment stages conducted by the selection panel. These are a sift of all applications received, shortlisting for interview followed by the interview itself and if successful, appointment by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning. You must, therefore, demonstrate clearly the evidence required at the first stage to show how you meet the relevant published criteria.
In the application form you are asked to provide both a short CV simply detailing dates and brief descriptors of positions held and a separate career history which should demonstrate how your skills and experience match the published criteria for this appointment. Please do not substitute your full Curriculum Vitae (CV) instead of a completed form, as this is not sufficient.
Please note that we accept applications in a number of different formats including audio, Braille and large print. The Scottish Government will always give consideration to disability-related reasonable adjustments that an applicant might request to enable them to meet the person specification and participate fully in the selection process.
If you have any general queries regarding this application pack, please do not hesitate to contact David Thomson on 0141 227 9133 or by email at: [email protected]
Further information about the duties and functions of the Scottish Funding Council can also be found at www.sfc. ac.uk
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2. Completing Your Application
When applying, you can download an application in word format from the website. If you have any difficulties using the online system please contact: [email protected]
You can also submit your application in hardcopy. If your application is handwritten, please use black ink and ensure it is legible as your form will either be downloaded or photocopied/scanned and the relevant sections read by the selection panel.
If you are submitting a hard copy, please send your completed application to:
SFC Chair AppointmentHudson130 St Vincent StreetGLASGOW G2 5HF
Closing date for receipt of applications is 21 July 2013. Late applications will not be considered.
The Monitoring Information section is not seen by the selection panel and will not be used to assess your suitability for appointment.
The remaining parts of your application form are made available to those involved in the sift/short-list and selection for interview stages.
Review the selection criteria before completing the initial stage. You are asked to provide a short, tailored career history, which should be no more than 1500 words, which demonstrates that you have the essential and desirable skills, knowledge and experience detailed in the person specification, including details of how you consider they link to the Chair appointment in the Scottish Funding Council. This will be supported by the short CV, referred to in paragraph 1, above.
We would advise applicants to keep a copy of their initial application for reference.
3. Fit and Proper Person Test
The selection panel must provide sufficient information and evidence to the Scottish Ministers to enable them to feel confident that the person they are appointing to the board of the public body is a fit and proper person to take up the appointment.
In the context of public appointments this is an individual who is suitable for appointment because they meet the requirements of the role and because their past or present activities and/or behaviours do not render them unsuitable for a given appointment. This is an on-going process with various checks built in to the stages of the appointment round, designed to gather the appropriate information and evidence required. For this appointment round, the verifications in place for the fit and proper person tests are:
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Verification of relevant information provided by the applicant
Evaluation of the evidence provided by you in relation to the skills and knowledge required for the role will be tested in the application and further probed at interview should you be invited.
If applicants provide information in support of having the relevant competency which details roles or qualifications held which is material to the selection panel’s decision making, this information may be checked as part of the final assessment.
Ensuring that the individual’s conduct to date has been compatible with the public appointment in question
Confirmation that you understand the work of the body and the nature of the appointment and that you are not aware of having committed any offence or performed any act incompatible with the position that you are applying for forms part of the declaration statement of the application form. By virtue of submitting the completed form you are declaring that the information provided is, to the best of your knowledge and belief, true and complete.
If invited for interview, further assessment will be through seeking evidence on how you have practically demonstrated the principles of public life through your conduct in a given situation.
Confirmation that the individual has no inappropriate or unmanageable conflicts of interest incompatible with their appointment
You are asked in the application form to complete questions about potential conflicts of interest.
If invited for interview, further assessment will be through questioning that you understand what is meant by a conflict; asking you to confirm that, to the best of your belief, you do not have any conflicts that are incompatible/unmanageable; or seeking additional information if you have declared a conflict in your initial application.
Determining that the individual’s appointment is not barred by reference to the constitution of the body concerned by way of, for example, criminal offences or other relevant matters
Information on disqualifications is provided in the application form and you are asked to review this prior to submitting your application. Confirmation that you are not disqualified on any grounds from being appointed to this Board forms part of the declaration statement of the application form. By virtue of submitting the completed form you are declaring that the information provided is, to the best of your knowledge and belief, true and complete.
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Ensuring that the applicant agrees to be bound by the members’ code of conduct for the body concerned
You are referred to the members’ code of conduct for the Board in the application pack material and you should review this prior to submitting your application. Confirmation that you have read the members code of conduct for the Board, that you understand this code and that you agree to be bound by it in the event that you are appointed forms part of the declaration statement of the application form. By virtue of submitting the completed form you are declaring that the information provided is, to the best of your knowledge and belief, true and complete.
Establishing that the individual is able to meet the time commitment required
The publicity for the role sets out the time commitment involved for the role. If invited for interview, this will be fully explored with you to ensure that you can offer the appropriate assurance that you can undertake the commitment required of the role.
4. How we will handle your application
Following receipt of your completed application the Monitoring Information sections will be separated from the rest of the form.
Initially your completed application will be assessed against the advertised criteria for this appointment. The panel will invite to interview those applicants who most closely meet the criteria. Scottish Ministers are not involved at this stage.
Applicants who are not selected for the interview stage of the assessment will be advised of the outcome of their applications in writing.
The selection panel are:
Leslie Evans, (Chair) Director General Learning and Justice, Scottish Government;
Andrew Scott, Director Employability, Skills and Lifelong Learning, Scottish Government;
Ian McKay, Chair Edinburgh College; and Andrea Nolan, Principal Napier University.
Applicants will be asked in the application form to declare if and how they know any of the above selection panel.
If invited to the interview stage and you have a disability, it will be at this point that you should let us know (contact details will be provided in your invitation to next stage) if you would like particular arrangements made.
If invited to the interview stage you will be asked to undertake a 5 minute presentation on a topic which will be provided to you in the invitation letter. The panel will ask questions on your presentation before moving on to questions aimed
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at assessing whether you can demonstrate that you have the skills, knowledge and experience set out in the criteria required for this role.
All applicants invited to the interview stage will be advised in writing of the outcome of their assessment.
The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning is then presented with an applicant summary containing a description of those being recommended for appointment. The Cabinet Secretary may choose to meet the applicants the panel has recommended for appointment. If you are successful you will be invited in writing, by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong learning to accept the appointment.
Feedback will be offered to all applicants. Feedback will be based on the:
o assessment of your merit in relation to the skills and knowledge and experience required; and
o outcome of the fit and proper person test (Commissioner’s Code requirement) where appropriate.
5. Appointment Round Timetable
The table below shows the key milestones during the appointments process.
Stage in Progress Timescale
Date appointment publicised 5 July 2013Closing date for applications 21 July 2013Date of Shortlist meeting to select applicants for interview 30 July 2013
Date by which outcome of shortlist will be relayed to applicants
16 August 2013
Latest date for applicants to request feedback for not being selected for next stage
16 September 2013
Dates for interviews 9 & 10 September 2013
Date by which the Scottish Ministers will decide whom to appoint
24 September 2013
Date by which applicants will be informed of Ministers decision
26 September 2013
Date of appointment 3 October 2013Latest date by which applicants may request feedback on non-selection for appointment
3 November 2013
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6. Nationality
There is no bar on non-British nationals applying for and being appointed to the board of Non-Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs). However, you must be legally entitled to work in the UK.
7. Equality and Diversity
Accessibility to public appointments is a fundamental requirement and the public appointments process promotes, demonstrates and upholds equality of opportunity and treatment to all applicants. The Scottish Government will always give consideration to disability-related reasonable adjustments that an applicant might request to enable them to meet the person specification and participate fully in the selection process. If you require any of the application pack documentation in an alternative format, please contact David Thomson on 0141 227 9133 or by email at : [email protected]
The Scottish Government is committed to appointment on merit, diversity and equality for public appointments. For more information about public appointments and other vacancies please visit the dedicated public appointments website at www.appointed-for-scotland.org.
8. Effect on existing benefits you may receive currently
The effect of taking up a remunerated public appointment may, however, affect any benefits you receive. This will depend on your individual circumstances and you should therefore seek early advice from the office that pays your benefit. Advice can also be found at these two websiteswww.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/index.htm or www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/FinancialSupport/DisabilityLivingAllowance/index.htm
9. Postage
If returning your application by post, please ensure it bears the correct value of postage. Late applications will not be considered.
10. Interviews/Expenses
Applicants can claim for reasonable expenses incurred in attending for interview, including dependent carer expenses. It is expected that the most efficient and economic means of travel will be used and reimbursement will normally be restricted to that amount. When an overnight stay is necessary, you must contact Julie Martin on 0300 244 1313, in advance, for confirmation of current subsistence rates. A copy of the Scottish Government’s Travel and Subsistence rates and claim form can be obtained directly from the sponsor team although, if invited for interview, the rates with a claim form will be included in the letter of invitation. Receipts must be provided in support of all claims.
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11. Publicising Appointments
Should you be appointed, some of the information that you have provided will be made public in the press announcement of your appointment. This applies particularly to any other public appointments you may hold, and of any significant political activity recently undertaken by you. The press release will include:
Your name A short description of the body to which you have been appointed A brief summary of the skills and knowledge you bring to the role The period of appointment Any remuneration associated with the appointment Details of all other public appointments held and any related remuneration
received A statement that the appointment has been made in accordance with the
Commissioner of Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland’s Code of Practice
Details of any political activity declared (as required Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland).
12. Complaints
All complaints should be sent to the Appointments Manager at Scottish Government, Human Resources Public Appointments Centre of Expertise (HR-PACE), E1 Spur, Saughton House, Edinburgh, EH11 3XD; free-phone 0800 015 8449 or email [email protected]. The Human Resources Public Appointments Centre of Expertise will co-ordinate a response to your complaint and assign a senior civil servant who will be responsible for considering your complaint.
On receipt of your complaint we aim to:
acknowledge your complaint within three working days and the acknowledgement will include the name and title of the individual within the Scottish Government who will investigate your complaint.
complete our investigation and issue a response to your complaint within 20 working days. If it is not possible for us to do this we will inform you and keep you up-to-date with progress every 10 working days.
If you are dissatisfied with the response to your complaint the Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland can investigate the matter for you. The Commissioner is independent of the Scottish Government. To find out more about the work of the Commissioner please visit www.publicappointments.org. You can contact the Commissioner at 39 Drumsheugh Gardens, Edinburgh, EH3 7SW; telephone 0131 226 8138 or email [email protected].
For any questions on Complaints Handling, please contact the Public Appointments Manager on 0131 244 4612 or by email at [email protected]
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13. Conflicts of Interest
More guidance on conflicts of interest can be obtained from the Commissioner’s website at: http://www.publicappointments.org/publications/publication/596/Alternatively you can contact the Commissioner direct, contact details can be found in the enclosed leaflet.
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PUBLICITY MATERIAL - ADVERT
Scottish Funding Council, Chair
Are you looking for an opportunity to contribute to public life? Have you got the skills to lead the reform of Further and Higher education in Scotland?
We are looking for an influential communicator, able to build and sustain productive partnerships, to lead the Council through a period of considerable reform.
You will lead the delivery of significant cultural change around the role and functions of the Council and its staff. You will deliver outcome-based approaches that focus on the contribution that the colleges and universities make towards improving life chances, supporting world-class research and creating sustainable economic growth for Scotland.
The expected time commitment is around 2 days per week in return for remuneration of £447 per day/ £46,488 per annum.
For further information please visit www.appointed-for-scotland.org.uk
Scottish Ministers particularly welcome applications from groups currently under-represented on Scotland’s public bodies, such as women, disabled people and people aged under 50.
Appointed on merit; committed to diversity and equality.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION – SCOTTISH FUNDING COUNCIL
The Scottish Further and Higher Education Funding Council (SFC) is the national, strategic body that is responsible for funding teaching and learning provision, research and other activities in Scotland's 37 colleges and 19 universities and higher education institutions. We are more commonly known as 'the Scottish Funding Council' or 'SFC'.
SFC is a Non-Departmental Public Body of the Scottish Government and was established on 3 October 2005. Further information about the SFC can be found on its website, www.sfc.ac.uk.
SFC EXTERNAL AUDIENCES FOR POST-16 REFORM
Useful links to Scottish Government Strategies:http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Economy/EconomicStrategyhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Education/skills-strategy/overviewhttp://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/Performance/purposestratobjs
The sectorsUniversities Scotland, Colleges Scotland, individual HE & FE institutions, NUS Scotland, education unions, practitioners in areas such as student support, widening access, skills and employability
The Scottish GovernmentSponsor departmentPost-16 implementation teams Scottish MinistersSpecial advisors, members of the Education and Culture Committee
SFC
Partners for reformBusinesses/employers, community forums, local authorities, SDS, Scottish Enterprise, HIE, SAAS, Education Scotland
Opinion formersEducation correspondents, political correspondents, local media in college regions
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SCOTTISH FUNDING COUNCIL: APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR 2013
ROLE DESCRIPTION
Background
Further and higher education in Scotland have an essential role to play in the Scottish Government’s plans for economic recovery and growth, particularly by improving the level of skills within the economy and by more knowledge-driven innovation.
Building upon the successful system of learning and research, the SFC and the institutions which it funds via its annual budget of around £1.6 billion are going through a dynamic period of change and reform.
The SFC through its Board, led by its Chair and current 12 members, are responsible for delivering a programme of reform which will transform the learning landscape in order to improve the outcomes that colleges and universities deliver for learners, employers and the economy.
Strategic Context
The Scottish Government wants to improve life chances for young people, support economic growth and increase the number of jobs. In order to achieve this, the Scottish Government is undertaking a reform programme within which the SFC plays a central role. The SFC is leading and working with colleges and universities to exploit their huge potential in being able to improve the outcomes they deliver for learners, employers and the economy.
The SFC is radically changing its relationship with colleges and universities through the introduction of an outcome-based approach to funding. This approach makes clear the outcomes expected of colleges and universities and the contribution they make to the priorities of the SFC and Scottish Government in return for the significant public investment they receive.
In delivering these outcomes, the SFC is committed to delivering a post-16 education system that offers equal access to educational opportunity for all and allows learners to progress efficiently and effectively through different parts of the learning system.
As part of this reform programme, the SFC is supporting a major re-structuring of the college sector, through merger and federation, which will create a network of regional colleges (or, in some cases, groups of colleges federated on a regional basis). In delivering learning in a planned and coherent regional basis, colleges will be working in close collaboration with strategic partners including Local Authorities, Skills Development Scotland, Enterprise Bodies and Community Planning Partners. The SFC’s role is pivotal in delivering this structural change which will significantly improve learner choice, improve their progression and ultimately their employment prospects.
The SFC is supporting universities to maintain their international competitiveness and standing in the face of increased global competition. This includes investing and supporting world leading research in areas such as life sciences, physics, renewable energy and informatics. This support will help to turn research into business opportunities and vice versa.
Main duties
The Chair of the SFC will provide the organisation with strategic leadership at this time of change. The main duties are to:
lead significant change in the role and functions of the Council and drive a new culture throughout the organisation and its staff. The objective is to deliver outcome-based approaches
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for further and higher education and to simplify the Council’s operations and interactions with both sectors;
promote the highest standards of governance, propriety and conduct in the Council’s business;
develop well-informed strategic connections across and between further and higher education and with businesses and wider civic Scotland;
maintain a strong collective sense of delivery, accountability and challenge in the investment of considerable public funds;
lead on promoting new ideas and forging innovative partnerships to increase their contribution to the knowledge economy and economic growth in pursuit of the Government’s Economic Strategy;
develop productive strategic relationships with Ministers and Parliament, ensuring that the SFC’s policies and actions support Scottish Ministers’ wider strategic priorities and outcomes; and
lead the Council board in making decisions, developing its capacity to do so; direct the Council’s corporate vision, purpose, strategic outcomes and goals, and communicate these in representing the SFC to the Scottish Parliament, Ministers and more widely.
Public Service Role
In carrying out this public service role, you will be expected to adhere to the Nine Principles of Public Life. These are: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, leadership, public service and respect. At all times you will act in good faith and in the best interests of SFC.
Time Commitment
You will be expected to devote an average of 2 days per week to SFC matters which may include sitting on committee/advisory groups of SFC and on joint committees of other UK public bodies. Board meetings are mainly held in Edinburgh although they can take place at different locations throughout Scotland.
Length of term of appointment
The appointment will be effective from 3 October 2013 and will be for a period of four years. Consideration may be given to a second term of appointment at the end of this period.
Remuneration
Remuneration will be £447 per day spent of SFC business, paid monthly in arrears. The post is not pensionable. Expenses incurred as a result of carrying out the duties of the appointment including reasonable travel and subsistence, and dependant carer and childcare expenses will be reimbursed.
For further information about the role contact Julie Martin at the Scottish Government on 0300 244 1313 or by email at [email protected]
Further information about the SFC and its Code of Conduct can be found on its website, www.sfc.ac.uk. A copy of the SFC’s strategic plan can be found within the ‘About us’ section of its website.
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SCOTTISH FUNDING COUNCIL: APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR 2013
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Please read this document in conjunction with the Background Note and Role Description. This document provides you with the overarching skills, knowledge and experience the Chair of the SFC will require to enable them to perform in that role. Through your application, and interview (if invited to attend), you should be able to demonstrate how your skills, knowledge and experience match those required.
Essential DesirableSkills and knowledge criteria
Governance and AccountabilityDemonstrable experience of working effectively on a Board of a multi-functional organisation whilst ensuring the highest levels of corporate governance.
x
Partnership workingDemonstrable ability to build and sustain productive partnerships facilitating wider engagement between different elements of the economy.
x
Strategic approachAn ability to stimulate, shape and implement broad strategy successfully.
x
LeadershipAn ability to lead significant cultural change within an organisation.
x
Stakeholder engagementDemonstrable sound judgement in working with multiple stakeholders including the highest levels of Government.
x
CommunicationsAn influential communicator who can successfully challenge, secure delivery and gain commitment for the achievement of better outcomes across a range of partners.
x
EducationKnowledge of tertiary education. xStrategic contextUnderstanding of the Scottish Government’s Economic Purpose and its Skills Strategy, alongside an awareness of the political environment.
x
Public service reformKnowledge and experience of the public service reform agenda.
x
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SFC CHAIREssential Criteria Examples of how criteria might be met. The list is not exhaustive or definitive. Applicants
are not expected to demonstrate every example shown, and may choose to use other examples in their application.
Governance and AccountabilityDemonstrable experience of working effectively on a Board of a multi-functional organisation whilst ensuring the highest levels of corporate governance.
As a member of a board or other governance structure within a multi-functional organisation: Holding to account the executive management team of an organisation and reviewing
organisational performance Applying the principles of good governance (eg Good Governance Standard for Public
Services) Assessing and responding to risks facing the organisation Delivering good value for money
As a member of an executive management team, engaging with a board/ governance structure in a multi-functional organisation:
Developing a business plan for approval by a Board Reporting organisational performance, including financial performance, against plans,
demonstrating action to improve performance to deliver overall strategy Putting proposals to a Board for decision and responding to questions
Partnership workingDemonstrable ability to build and sustain productive partnerships facilitating wider engagement between different elements of the economy.
Gaining commitment and working with a range of partners to deliver strategic objectives Influencing people from different organisations to commit to delivering a task together,
potentially using their own resources. Identifying opportunities to bring on board new and different partners for the greater good
of all. Developing and maintaining strong, professional relationships at senior levels and building
networks across the economy. Dealing effectively with challenges to relationships, ensuring constructive working relations
are re-built.Strategic approachAn ability to stimulate, shape and implement broad strategy successfully.
Contributing to the formulation and agreement of strategy, allocating overall resources in line with strategy, and establishing the direction an organisation will take.
Being accountable for developing and delivering strategic plans within an organisation.
LeadershipAn ability to lead significant cultural change within an organisation.
Leading change successfully at an organisational level Establishing a strong direction and persuasive vision for the future Taking an outcome-based approach Identifying and acting on opportunities. Exploring new technologies and approaches Maintaining service delivery, staff morale, and clear vision during times of significant
change. Managing risk and resources to drive continuous improvement
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Stakeholder engagementDemonstrable sound judgement in working with multiple stakeholders including the highest levels of Government.
Identifying and using appropriate evidence and analysis to make well-informed decisions in financial and other matters
Evaluating options, impacts and risks Upholding the reputation of an organisation Recognising own strengths and limitations in engagement with stakeholders Commanding personal respect through work with stakeholders
CommunicationsAn influential communicator who can successfully challenge, secure delivery and gain commitment for the achievement of better outcomes across a range of partners.
Leading others through complex issues and conflicting perspectives. Tailoring communication method to engage different audiences and assist the desired
outcome. Building influential networks to communicate ad engage with others effectively in a wide
range of settings. Articulating a strategic vision for an organisation and proactively promoting its aims. Maintaining consistent communication messages with different groups (eg Board,
Executives, staff, partners) as plans develop and progress to support achievement of outcomes
Desirable CriteriaEducationKnowledge of tertiary education.
Knowledge of post-16 education and its contribution to economic growth. Knowledge gained through working in tertiary education. Knowledge of the tertiary education sector gained from working in partnership with
Universities or CollegesStrategic contextUnderstanding of the Scottish Government’s Economic Purpose and its Skills Strategy, alongside an awareness of the political environment.
Showing an understanding of the context and wider public needs and impacts Understanding of SG’s ambitions from economic development and skills provision, and an
ability to anchor that in a political environment. Understanding of the challenges and opportunities of the current political environment.
Public service reformKnowledge and experience of the public service reform agenda.
Relevant professional or personal high-level experience of the public service reform agenda.
Able to demonstrate knowledge of key aspects of the public service reform agenda, including the drivers, principles and approaches.
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Nine Principles of Public Life
Selflessness Holders of public office should take decisions solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or other friends.
Integrity Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might influence them in the performance of their official duties.
Objectivity In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.
Accountability Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.
Openness Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.
Honesty Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.
Leadership Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.
Public Service Holders of public office have a duty to act in the interests of the public body of which they are a Board member and to act in accordance with the core tasks of the body.
Respect Holders of public office must respect fellow members of their public body and employees of the body and the role they play, treating them with courtesy at all times.
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Commissioner for Ethical Standardsin Public Life in Scotland
Who We Are
This leaflet is about the work of the Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland, as it relates to public appointments, and the Commissioner’s office. The Commissioner regulates appointments to the boards of many of Scotland’s public bodies. The Commissioner is wholly independent of the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Government.
What We Do
Every one of us living in Scotland benefits from the essential services provided by our public bodies. Their boards play a vital role in guiding and shaping these services. Our job is to oversee appointments to these boards to help ensure that the people who serve on them are appointed on merit, using methods that are fair and open. That oversight is usually provided by one of the Commissioner’s Public Appointments Assessors. Whilst we regulate the process used to make appointments, it is run by civil servants on behalf of the Scottish Government. Our website has a list of the bodies that we regulate and also has useful information on applying for a public appointment.
This leaflet is sent to everyone who applies for a regulated public appointment in Scotland so that they know that the process is regulated and what to do if things go wrong.
Making a complaint about a
public appointment
Anyone who believes that an appointment has not been made appropriately or who has concerns about the appointment process itself can make a complaint.
If you have a complaint about a public appointment you first have to complain to the Scottish Government and give the people there a chance to respond. If you are unhappy with the Scottish Government’s response to your complaint you can then ask the Commissioner to investigate the matter for you.
If you are in any doubt about whether we can deal with your complaint, or if you want advice before raising a formal complaint, please contact us using the details provided below. You can read in more detail about the way in which we deal with complaints by downloading our complaints leaflet from our website. We can send you the leaflet in another format if you would prefer.
Our website also tells you what to do if you want to make a complaint about us.
www.ethicalstandards.org.uk
Contact detailsCommissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland
39 Drumsheugh GardensEdinburghEH3 7SW
T: 0131 226 8138E: [email protected]
