POLICING IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST MEMBERS OF THE SCOTTISH AUTHORITY INFORMATION PACK 2020

Closing date for applications: 23rd November 2020 MEMBERS OF THE SCOTTISH POLICE MEMBERS OF THE SCOTTISH POLICE AUTHORITY INFORMATION PACK 2020 AUTHORITY INFORMATION PACK 2020 03 05

A MESSAGE FROM THE INFORMATION ABOUT THE INTERIM CHAIR SCOTTISH POLICE AUTHORITY 07 09

ABOUT THE ROLE PERSON SPECIFICATION STRATEGIC 13 15

KEY DATES GUIDANCE ON COMPLETING NON- SELECTION PANEL YOUR APPLICATION 17 18 EXECUTIVES GENDER REPRESENTATION - EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY ON PUBLIC BOARDS - VETTING PROCESS - EQUALITIES MONITORING SOUGHT FOR 19 20

APPLICATION AND - RECOMMENDED CANDIDATES ASSESSMENT PROCESS - FEEDBACK SCOTTISH - APPOINTMENT 21 22 POLICE - TRAINING AND SUPPORT THE FIT AND PROPER - LOBBYING PERSON TEST - POTENTIAL EFFECT ON BENEFITS AUTHORITY - COMPLAINTS 23 24

THE PRINCIPLES OF PUBLIC ETHICAL STANDARDS LIFE IN COMMISSIONER

01 02 MEMBERS OF THE SCOTTISH POLICE AUTHORITY INFORMATION PACK 2020 POLICING IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST A MESSAGE FROM THE INTERIM CHAIR

Dear Applicant, As a Member of the Authority, you will be at the heart Thank you for your interest in becoming a Member of of this endeavour. You will work with up to 14 other the Scottish Police Authority. The police service has a Authority members, supported by a team of around 40 fundamental role to play in the fabric of any society, staff. As well as the full Authority meetings, you will be a there to protect human rights, maintain community member of a number of our sub-committees, working safety and wellbeing, operate independently from in areas such as audit, resources, performance, people, government and respect diversity in all its forms. forensics, complaints and conduct and legal. You may also join shorter-life working groups which deal with We are fortunate in Scotland to have in specific projects. a national force which is fully committed to these basic principles. But we must never take the performance You will become familiar with the full range of of any police service for granted, and strong support, challenges facing Police Scotland and contribute to governance and scrutiny are essential. That is the core the Authority’s essential work in building partnerships purpose of the Scottish Police Authority. The Authority across Scottish civic society. You will also play an works with Police Scotland to prepare an overall strategy important part in ensuring that the Authority and Police for policing. It is accountable for an annual budget of Scotland demonstrate a strong, practical commitment around £1.1bn. It monitors performance, appoints the to ensuring diversity and equality in all that they do and Police Scotland senior leadership team and strives at all that they reflect and respect the increasingly rich and times to understand and protect the public interest. It complex fabric of Scottish society. Applicants with lived ensures that the necessary support and protection is in and professional experience in this area are especially place for over 17,000 officers and 5,000 staff. welcome. Alongside these roles, the Authority is responsible Being an Authority member is a demanding role, for the Forensics Service, providing a “crime scene often carried out in the political and media spotlight. to court” service for the criminal justice system. It is But it is also a hugely enriching one. You will be working also responsible for the Independent Custody Visiting with a supportive team of colleagues, and appropriate Service, which safeguards the safety and rights of those induction and training will be provided. I am delighted in police custody centres. that you are showing an interest in being an Authority member and if this information pack reinforces that interest I encourage you to apply. Yours sincerely, David Crichton

David Crichton, Interim Chair, Scottish Police Authority

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INFORMATION The Scottish Police Authority was established in 2013 following BACKGROUND The 2012 Act sets out a number of actions and responsibilities relating to the introduction of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012. policing in Scotland which the Authority must undertake. These include: The functions of the Authority are: ABOUT THE INFORMATION • The maintenance of the Police: For example, providing the Chief SCOTTISH • To maintain the Police Service; with an annual budget to provide police officers with pay, vehicles, POLICE • To promote the policing principles (see below); equipment and other services; • To promote and support continuous improvement in the • The appointment of Senior Officers: This includes the Chief Constable, AUTHORITY policing of Scotland one or more deputy Chief , and one or more Assistant Chief Constables. If the Chief Constable’s office becomes vacant, the Authority • To keep under review the policing of Scotland, and must delegate a Deputy Chief Constable to carry out its functions. • To hold the Chief Constable to account for the policing of Scotland • The employment of police staff: The Authority has the power to appoint police staff to assist in the carrying out of police functions. However, the The SPA works to uphold and strengthen a set of policing principles, Chief Constable has power to make such appointments on behalf of the which are: Authority. • that the main purpose of policing is to improve the safety and • Police Terms and Conditions: The Authority determines Police Staff terms well-being of persons, localities and communities in Scotland, and and conditions and has the power to pay pensions, allowances or gratuities. • that the Police Service, working in collaboration with others where • Scottish Government Regulations: The Authority is consulted by the appropriate, should seek to achieve that main purpose by policing Scottish Government when it is developing regulations on the governance, in a way which — administration and conditions of service of constables and police cadets. - is accessible to, and engaged with, local communities, and The following links provide further useful information in relation to the - promotes measures to prevent crime, harm and disorder. Scottish Police Authority and Police Scotland. • 2020/21 Budget for Police Scotland, Forensic Services and the SPA

In brief, the SPA has oversight of local and specialist policing for 5.3 million • 10 Year Financial Strategy people, from growing cities to small islands, and for an annual budget of • 3 Year Financial Plan 2018-19 to 2020-21 around £1 billion and a workforce of over 17000 police officers and 5000 • SPA Annual Report & Accounts 2018/2019 police staff. The latter are engaged in a diverse range of work, including Forensic Services, ICT, Strategy and Performance, Finance, and HR. • SPA Corporate Plan 2020-2023 • SPA Annual Business Plan 2020-2021 The SPA is supported by a team based in Pacific Quay in , and also has statutory responsibility for the delivery of SPA Forensic Services, the only • SPA Corporate Governance Framework ‘crime scene to court’ forensics operation in the UK.

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ABOUT THE BOARD THE ROLE OF THE AUTHORITY The Board is the main decision making body of the SPA. The Authority is a scrutiny body, overseeing a separately THE ROLE Its complement is up to 15 non-executive members, constituted organisation. This differs from more conventional including the Chairing Member. The full Board currently public bodies where the Board and executive are part of the meets around eight times a year, and has a number of same corporate entity. The Members of the Authority along sub-committees. Current Member’s details are available with their executive colleagues, have to demonstrate a healthy at: www.spa.police.uk/about-us/the-board/. but constructive degree of inquisitiveness and challenge.

SPA MEMBER ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES Policing touches every aspect of Scottish life. It protects As a member of the SPA you will be expected to work with and distributes our human rights, upholds the laws we are your Board and executive colleagues to: all subject to, and is there to protect community safety and wellbeing. The Authority must be able to identify, understand, • deliver the Authority’s statutory functions in a manner articulate and apply the necessary public interest tests to that recognises the needs of Scotland’s communities how Police Scotland performs its duties. • recognise the importance of upholding public confidence in policing in Scotland and actively contribute to that outcome In addition you will: • develop and exhibit a clear understanding of the respective • observe the rules of conduct (based on the roles and responsibilities of Police Scotland, the SPA and Nolan Principles – see Annex A) contained in the the Scottish Government Authority’s Code of Conduct (section 2 refers) • foster a culture of continuous improvement within both • uphold and promote the Scottish Government the SPA and Police Scotland publication “On Board – a guide for board members of public bodies in Scotland”. • take informed, transparent decisions that manage risk and promote public accountability FURTHER INFORMATION • think strategically, scrutinise and challenge constructively, For further information about the body and the role, and support effectively please contact Laura Stewart ([email protected]) • be resilient and demonstrate the ability to operate under or Murray McVicar ([email protected]). You can also high levels of scrutiny find out more about the Authority at www.spa.police.uk/. • promote the values of good governance through your behaviour and conduct, and act with due regard to the REASONABLE ADJUSTMENT Scottish Government’s ‘On Board’ guidance If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the • bring objectivity and independent thinking to your role public appointments process, please contact with the Public aligned to the ability to work collaboratively Appointments Team on Freephone 0300 244 1898 or email [email protected]. • contribute effectively beyond your own area of specialism while applying that expertise where appropriate If you need any of the application pack documentation in an • participate actively in all relevant training and alternative format such as plain text, Braille or large print, please development opportunities contact the Public Appointments Team by calling Freephone 0300 244 1898 or by emailing [email protected].

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The Scottish Police Authority has an oversight role for the ALL CANDIDATES MUST MEET THESE CRITERIA PERSON scrutiny of policing in Scotland, holds the Chief Constable to SPECIFICATION account and provides support to maintain and improve the General Skills What does this mean? How will this be tested Police Service. The SPA is also responsible for the management and delivery of Forensic Services in Scotland. EFFECTIVE CORPORATE Experience of ensuring effective You will be asked in the application GOVERNANCE AND governance at senior management or form to provide evidence of how We have up to 5 vacancies for non-executive members. DELIVERING RESULTS board level in a large organisation. you meet this criterion in the form Start dates for these vacancies may be staggered. All vacancies of a statement using no more than require applicants to have experience of acting as a non- Understanding about public service in 750 words. executive director and to meet the general criteria set out Scotland and public accountability. During the interview, we will below. In addition, one of the vacancies requires candidates Ability to demonstrate a positive be asking you to give us some to demonstrate strong experience in financial management impact on governance in a complex practical examples to demonstrate and governance within a public sector setting. organisation. this criterion. You may apply for either the general vacancies or the financial Appreciation of the respective roles management role or for both roles. We ask you to tell us and responsibilities of Police Scotland which role or roles you are applying for in your application. and the SPA. We explain what skills and experience we are looking for Understands how performance/service and how this will be tested. In providing the evidence sought, delivery needs to be managed within you can draw not only on your working and personal life, complex organisations. but also participation in private, public, voluntary, charity or community organisations.

At the initial application stage we want ALL applicants to write SEEING THE BIGGER Evidence of contributing to the During the interview, we will a statement of up to 750 words to tell us about your experience PICTURE, PLANNING AND formulation of strategy in a complex be asking you to give us in relation to the indicators for the criterion: effective corporate DELIVERING RESULTS organisation. some practical examples to governance. ALL applicants are also asked to provide an outline, demonstrate this criterion. in no more than 500 words, of your career and life history to Evidence of successfully implementing support your application. a plan/strategy and holding an organisation to account for delivery. If you are applying for the financial management role you also need to tell us about your experience in relation to the Ability to understand complex issues indicators for this criterion in a statement of no more than and conflicting perspectives to form 500 words. an appropriate response where there are competing interests. The remaining criteria will be explored with you if you are invited for interview. Understands the environment within which SPA and Police Scotland operates including the media, political spotlight and public scrutiny.

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REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES LOCATION OF MEETINGS Essential Skills What does this mean? How will this be tested You will receive a fee of £309 per day for The SPA is located at 1 Pacific Quay, Glasgow EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY Understands the public sector We will provide you with every 7.5 hours (excluding meal breaks) devoted G51 1DZ. You will attend meetings of the equality duty. a document and questions to performing your functions (as required Authority regularly and will contribute fully in advance of the interview or requested by the Authority) on a pro rata at these. Meetings can take place anywhere Able to describe what this might mean and ask you to prepare a basis plus expenses that appear to the Authority in Scotland. You can find the dates of the full for Police Scotland. response to these questions. to be necessary or expedient for the proper public Board meetings on the SPA website: Understands how SPA could hold Police discharge of your functions. www.spa.police.uk/ We will discuss this at Scotland to account in this regard. interview with you. Reimbursement will also be made for all Appreciation of the barriers which some reasonable receipted travel and subsistence NATIONALITY/DISQUALIFICATIONS people or groups face in accessing costs and any reasonable dependant/carer There is no bar on non-British nationals police services including multiple and expenses, including child care, incurred whilst applying for and being appointed to the board intersectional aspects. undertaking Board duties and for support of Non-Departmental Public Bodies. However, required to help members carry out their you must be legally entitled to work in the UK. duties effectively. By virtue of the PROMOTING AND Evidence of effectively representing/ During the interview, we will This appointment is non-pensionable. (Disqualification) Order 2007, applicants REPRESENTING THE promoting the organisation to a wide be asking you to give us some are ineligible to apply if they are: ORGANISATION range of stakeholders, including practical examples to demonstrate politicians and the wider public sector. this criterion. TIME COMMITMENT • a member of the Scottish Parliament; Members are expected to devote on average • a member of the House of Lords Able to demonstrate where they have 6 days per month performing their functions successfully influenced senior level as and when required; this is made up of full • a member of the House of Commons; colleagues and stakeholders. and part days. • a member of the European Parliament. Able to form a clear picture of the priorities and challenges of partner LENGTH OF APPOINTMENT The full list of applicants ineligible to apply is organisations and work with different Appointment to the Authority will be organisations and stakeholders to for a period of up to four years. available at: www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2012/8/ deliver objectives. schedule/1/paragraph/3. There is the possibility of reappointment If you have previously held such office and Understands the public sector subject to evidence of effective performance wish to apply, one year must have elapsed landscape in Scotland and its inter and having regard to the skills, knowledge, from the day on which this office was last held. relationships. understanding and experience required by the Board at the time. Any appointments and subsequent reappointments will not EFFECTIVE Experience of ensuring effective You will be asked in the application extend beyond a maximum of eight years. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT financial governance in a complex form to provide evidence of how environment at senior or board level. you meet this criterion in the form If you are applying for the of a statement using no more than Experience of the effective use financial management role, 500 words. of resources to support priorities you will also need to meet and strategic objectives including During the interview, we will this criterion and provide identification of efficiencies. be asking you to give us evidence in your application. some practical examples to Experience of the scrutiny of demonstrate this criterion. complex business cases. Understanding of audit and risk management and able to demonstrate effective practical application of that understanding.

11 12 MEMBERS OF THE SCOTTISH POLICE AUTHORITY INFORMATION PACK 2020 KEY DATES IN THIS COMPETITION

What happens When DATE APPOINTMENT PUBLICISED 2 November 2020

CLOSING DATE FOR COMPLETED APPLICATIONS 23 November 2020

DATE OF SHORTLISTING MEETING TO SELECT 14 December 2020 APPLICANTS FOR NEXT STAGE

DATE BY WHICH OUTCOME OF SHORTLISTING 16 December 2020 MEETING WILL BE RELAYED TO APPLICANTS

DATES FOR THE FINAL ASSESSMENT STAGE 11 January 2021 (am) 14 January 2021 (am) We will make a decision nearer the time on how these will be held, taking in to account up to date Public Health guidance in relation 18 January 2021 to physical distancing. If it is not safe to meet, other arrangements 20 January 2021 will be proposed which may include conducting the interviews remotely by video link. 26 January 2021

MINISTER’S DECISION 19 February 2021

START DATE By 1st April 2021

Please note that if invited to interview, it is unlikely that we will be able to offer an alternative date.

THE SELECTION PANEL To make sure that the process is transparent, and the appointment is made on merit, the The selection panel will comprise: selection panel will declare if they know anyone who has applied for these appointments. Joe Griffin, Director of Safer Communities Where an applicant and selection panel Directorate – Chair member have a close relationship the selection panel chair has to refer the matter to the Ethical David Crichton, Standards Commissioner. The Commissioner Interim Chair of Scottish Police Authority can decide that the selection panel member Derek Penman QPM, should not be involved in the assessment of the former HM Chief Inspector applicant concerned and may ask the selection of Constabulary for Scotland panel member to take no further part in the appointment round. Dr Poonam Malik, Board Member, Scottish Enterprise & Skills You will be asked to let us know in your Development Scotland; Board Strategy application if and how you know any of these Consultant & Social Entrepreneur selection panel members. This will help us to come to a view on the appropriateness of your Sue Young, being assessed by one or more of them. Public Appointments Adviser, Ethical Standards Commissioner

13 1412 MEMBERS OF THE SCOTTISH POLICE MEMBERS OF THE SCOTTISH POLICE AUTHORITY INFORMATION PACK 2020 AUTHORITY INFORMATION PACK 2020

GUIDANCE ON HOW TO APPLY APPLICATION FORM CLOSING DATE Please apply online through our dedicated public appointments The application form seeks personal information Your application/letter, list of current and recent COMPLETING website www.gov.scot/collections/public-appointments. If you about you and the skills, knowledge, understanding roles and form should arrive no later than experience any difficulties accessing our website, or in the event and experience you have that are relevant to the role. 23 November 2020. Please note that evidence YOUR that you require a word version of the application form, please The person specification details the general and essential submitted after this date will not be considered. APPLICATION contact the Public Appointments Team by calling Freephone skills we are seeking for these roles and indicate how 0300 244 1898 or by emailing [email protected]. and at which stage in the process each of the criteria will be tested. DECLARATION Please note that you do not need to complete your online The application also has a declaration statement, You should provide clear and succinct information about application in one sitting. You can save your online application and by virtue of submitting your form, you are declaring yourself and how you meet the criteria that are being and return to it before the closing date to finish and submit it. that the information you have provided is true and tested at this application stage. When being asked to You can edit your online application as many times as you feel complete and that you confirm your understanding demonstrate a skill, you should give specific examples is necessary before the closing date. The online application of the terms of appointment as a Member of the which best demonstrates to the selection panel what it is requires you to provide a response to all mandatory fields Scottish Police Authority. on a page before you can proceed to the next page. If you you did, the reasons for your actions, the skills you used wish to read through the application quickly then you must and what specifically about your approach affected the enter a response (even a single character is sufficient) into the outcome. When being asked to demonstrate knowledge, mandatory fields before you can progress to the next page. understanding or experience, you should describe how If you do this please remember to return and complete your you gained this, the breadth and depth of this knowledge, response before you submit your completed application. understanding or experience and any situations where you have used this.

YOUR APPLICATION The selection panel will not make assumptions about Your application is the key document which will determine your evidence so it is important that you take the time to whether or not you will be called for interview. You must, ensure that you are comfortable with the information you therefore, be able to demonstrate within your application are providing in respect of your application. Be clear and how you meet the skills and experience required, as laid out succinct in your answers as there are word limits for each in the person specification on pages 9 to 11. CVs, on their section. You may be asked to expand on your answers if own, will not be accepted as an application for the role. you are invited to interview, so it is a good idea to retain a copy of your application form. There are three sections to the application: Further information and examples on completing a • Application Form competency based application form, and advice on • Declaration preparing for an interview, can be found in the How • Equalities Monitoring Form to Apply section of the Appointed for Scotland website www.gov.scot/collections/public-appointments.

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GENDER The Gender Representation on Boards (Scotland) Act 2018 EQUALITY EQUALITIES sets a ‘gender representation objective’ that a board should REPRESENTATION have 50% of non-executive members who are women. AND DIVERSITY MONITORING FORM In circumstances where there are two or more equally ON PUBLIC qualified candidates (a tie break), at least one of whom is a We value very highly the benefits of having different The Scottish Government is committed to BOARDS woman and one who isn’t, then section 4(3) of the 2018 Act experience and points of view on our Boards. appointment on merit, and to equality and diversity requires the appointing Minister to appoint a woman if doing Scottish Ministers particularly welcome applications in public appointments. The Equalities Monitoring (SCOTLAND) so will result in the board achieving (or making progress from people with protected characteristics that are information is not provided to the selection panel. ACT 2018 towards achieving) the gender representation objective. currently under-represented on the Board of the However, in the event of a tie break situation in respect In a tie break the appointing Minister can chose Scottish Police Authority such as: women, disabled of the Gender Representation on Boards (Scotland) to appoint a candidate, who is not a woman, on the basis people, LGBTI+ people, those from black and minority Act 2018, the appointing Minister will have access to of another characteristic or situation and can give preference ethnic communities and people aged under 50. the monitoring information of only those candidates involved in the tie break in order to best inform their to that candidate (section 4 (4) of the 2018 Act). If the If you have a disability within the meaning of section decision on whom to appoint. appointing Minister wishes to choose a candidate because 6 of the Equality Act 2010 and require an adjustment of a situation that was not specified in the applicants at any stage of the public appointments process, The information gathered from equalities monitoring pack, the appointing Minister will ask the Ethical Standards please get in touch with the Public Appointments is very important and helps to ensure that everyone Commissioner to make an exception to the Public Team on Freephone 0300 244 1898 or by email is treated fairly, without discrimination because of Appointments Code of Practice. [email protected] age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil Scottish Government Guidance on the Act is available here. partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or any other relevant details. All equalities monitoring questions are VETTING PROCESS optional. You are not obliged to answer any of these If selected for appointment you must agree to be questions but the more information you supply, the subject to a vetting process which may include both more effective our policy development will be. security and disclosure checks. Applicants are asked All information supplied will be non-attributable, to confirm in a written declaration, as part of their completely anonymous and will be treated in the application, that they understand the work of the body strictest confidence, in line with the principles GDPR and the nature of the appointment. For this particular Articles 6(1) (c) and (e), which are the lawful bases appointment, we will be asking applicants to declare for processing, and GDPR Article 9 (2) (b) so we can in the application form any criminal convictions as comply with a legal obligation which is the condition we believe this could have an important bearing on for processing. It will not be placed on a personal file. whether they will be considered a fit and proper person for the role. Applicants will also be subject to a social media review.

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MANAGEMENT Assessment will happen in three stages. A sift will be RECOMMENDED APPOINTMENT - conducted to assess your application against the criteria OF YOUR being tested at this stage, the selection panel will then CANDIDATES WHAT HAPPENS IF conduct a shortlisting exercise to identify those candidates APPLICATION who most closely meet these requirements. The applicants For candidates being recommended for appointment, YOU ARE APPOINTED? AND THE who most closely meet these requirements will be invited the selection panel will provide the Cabinet Secretary for to attend the final stage of assessment. You will be advised Justice with a summary of the evidence gathered during Should you be appointed, some of the information ASSESSMENT of the outcome by email on whether or not your application the process. The Cabinet Secretary can choose to meet that you have provided will be made public in a press is progressing to the final assessment stage. those applicants prior to making a decision. announcement about your appointment. The press PROCESS release will include: The final stage of assessment will include a practical exercise and interview with the selection panel. For the exercise, • your name; candidates will be asked to read through a paper and provide FEEDBACK • a short description of the Scottish Police Authority; a verbal response to the panel. Full details will be given with All candidates interviewed will be advised in writing • a brief summary of the skills, knowledge and the invitation to interview. of the outcome of the interview and feedback will be experience you bring to the role; If shortlisted for the final assessment stage and you have offered. Feedback will be based on: • how long you have been appointed for; a disability and require an adjustment to be made, please • the assessment of your merit in relation to the skills, • any remuneration associated with the appointment; contact the Scottish Government Public Appointments Team knowledge and experience required by the person on (Freephone) 0300 244 1898 or at public.appointments@ • details of all other public appointments you hold specification; and gov.scot. They will make reasonable adjustments to enable and any related remuneration you receive for them; you to attend the interview. • the outcome of the fit and proper person test where • details of any political activity declared by you; appropriate. The dates for the final assessment stage are detailed in the • a statement that the appointment is regulated timetable on page 13. It is unlikely that alternative dates will Applicants who are not shortlisted will be advised of the by the Ethnical Standards Commissioner (the be offered if you are unable to attend on the scheduled dates. outcome of their applications in writing. See “Key dates Commissioner) in this competition”. Subject to the number of applicants, More information on assessment methods is available from feedback may also be available on request www.publicappointments.org/faqs/faq/29/how-are-skills- to those who did not reach interview. knowledge-and-experience-tested

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SUPPORT Appointees should be aware of the terms of the Scottish Ministers and the public must feel confident that Confirmation that the applicant has no Lobbying (Scotland) Act 2016 as these may apply to people to be appointed to the Boards of public bodies inappropriate or unmanageable conflicts Your induction will include (but not be restricted to) their communications with MSP’s, Scottish Ministers, are fit and proper persons to take up these positions. of interest incompatible with their appointment: the following: Special Advisers and the Permanent Secretary who are In the context of public appointments a Fit and Proper • You’re asked in your application to complete questions • your role and responsibilities; covered by the terms of the Act. Applicants are expected Person is an individual who is suitable for appointment about potential conflicts of interest. • role of the body and arrangements for Board meetings; to familiarise themselves with their obligations under the because they meet the requirements of the role, and Act. For more information see www.lobbying.scot/. their past or present activities (and/or behaviours) mean • If you’re invited for interview, further assessment will • organisational structure of the Scottish Police Authority that they are suitable to be appointed. be through questioning that you understand what • internal and external communication in relation to is meant by a conflict of interest. We’ll ask you to The fit and proper person test is an on-going process Scottish Police Authority business; confirm that, to the best of your knowledge, you don’t COMPLAINTS with checks built into different stages of the appointment have any conflicts of interest that are incompatible/ • role of, and relationship with, the Scottish Government round. These are designed to collect the necessary This appointment is regulated by the Ethical unmanageable. We’ll ask for additional information Sponsor Team and Minister; information and evidence. For these appointments, the Standards Commissioner. If you have concerns if you’ve declared a conflict of interest in your checks in place for the fit and proper person tests are: • budget and financial information; with the way in which this appointment round was initial application. Verification of relevant information provided • arrangements for remuneration and expenses. conducted, please contact the Public Appointments • As part of the Commissioner’s Code, you’ll also be by the applicant Members will be supported and appraised by the Chair Team on Freephone 0300 244 1898 or email at asked at the application stage to declare if you’ve on an ongoing basis, with the Chair being appraised by a [email protected]. • We will test the evidence you provide in your had any political activity in the past five years. Alternatively, details of our complaint’s procedure, Scottish Government official. The Chair will conduct an application in relation to the skills, knowledge and Ensuring that the applicant agrees to apply can be found on the Appointed for Scotland website annual appraisal of each Member. experience required for the position, and further probe the Principles of Public Life in Scotland and www.gov.scot/publications/public-appointments- your evidence at interview if you’re invited. be bound by the members’ code of conduct: The Scottish Government’s generic guide on the duties making-a-complaint/. • If applicants provide information in support of meeting of board members of public bodies “On Board” will be • In carrying out their public service role, individual The Commissioner’s leaflet is included at the end of any of the criteria which details roles or qualifications made available to you. You can also download it from Board members will be expected to comply with this information pack and provides more information held which is material to the selection panel’s decision www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Government/public-bodies/ the Codes of Conduct and rules adopted by bodies. on her regulatory role in relation to public appointments making, this information may be checked as part of the On-Board. This guide is intended to help you in fulfilling You are referred to the Code of Conduct. your duties throughout the period of your appointment. and about taking unresolved complaints further. final assessment. • Confirmation that you have read the Code, that you Please note that there is no appeal process. Ensuring that the applicant’s conduct to understand it and agree to be bound by it in the event date has been compatible with the public that you are appointed forms part of the declaration appointment in question: POTENTIAL EFFECT statement of the application form. By virtue of ON BENEFITS • We will confirm that you understand: the work of submitting the completed form you are declaring the body, the nature of the appointment and that that the information provided is, to the best of your Taking up a remunerated public appointment may you’re not aware of having committed any offence, knowledge and belief, true and complete. affect any benefits you receive. This will depend on or performed any act, that’s incompatible with the • Applicants are expected to embrace the nine Principles your individual circumstances so you should seek advice position that you’re applying for. We will do this using of Public Life in Scotland. These are included on from the office that pays your benefit. Information can the declaration statement on the application form. page 23. If invited to the final assessment stage, be found at: www.gov.uk/browse/benefits. Determining that the applicant’s appointment is not you will be asked to confirm your understanding barred by reference to the constitution of the body of, and agreement to, applying these principles. concerned by way of, for example, criminal offences Establishing that the individual is able or other relevant matters: to meet the time commitment required: • Information on disqualifications is provided in this • The time commitment involved for the role is given pack material and you are asked to review this prior to on page 12. If you’re invited to interview you’ll be asked submitting your application. We will confirm that you whether you can meet this commitment. are not disqualified from taking up the role using the declaration statement on the application form. • By submitting your completed application you’re declaring that the information provided is, to the best of your knowledge and belief, true and complete.

21 22 THE PRINCIPLES OF PUBLIC LIFE IN SCOTLAND Ethical Standards People who wish to be appointed to roles in public ACCOUNTABILITY AND STEWARDSHIP life have to pass a Fit and Proper Person test which is You are accountable for your decisions and actions to the Commissioner described in more detail below. The Principles of public. You have a duty to consider issues on their merits, Public Life in Scotland are as follows: taking account of the views of others and must ensure that the public body uses its resources prudently and in DUTY WHO WE ARE CONTACT US You have a duty to uphold the law and act in accordance accordance with the law. This leaflet is about the work of the Ethical Standards Commissioner, as Ethical Standards Commissioner it relates to public appointments, and the Commissioner’s office. The with the law and the public trust placed in you. You have OPENNESS Thistle House a duty to act in the interests of the public body of which You have a duty to be as open as possible about your Commissioner regulates appointments to the boards of many of Scotland’s public bodies. The Commissioner is wholly independent of the Scottish 91 Haymarket Terrace you are a member and in accordance with the core tasks decisions and actions, giving reasons for your decisions Parliament and the Scottish Government. of that body. and restricting information only when the wider public interest clearly demands. SELFLESSNESS You have a duty to take decisions solely EH12 5HE in terms of public interest. You must not act in order to HONESTY WHAT WE DO Every one of us living in Scotland benefits from the essential services gain financial or other material benefit for yourself, family You have a duty to act honestly. You must declare any provided by our public bodies. Their boards play a vital role in guiding and 0300 011 0550 or friends. private interests relating to your public duties and take shaping these services. Our job is to oversee appointments to these boards steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects [email protected] INTEGRITY to help ensure that the people who serve on them are appointed on merit, the public interest. You must make decisions solely on merit when carrying using methods that are fair and open. That oversight is usually provided out public business including making appointments, LEADERSHIP by one of the Commissioner’s Public Appointments Advisers. Whilst we awarding contracts or recommending individuals for You have a duty to promote and support these principles regulate the process used to make appointments, it is run by civil servants on behalf of the Scottish Ministers. Our website has a list of the bodies rewards and benefits. by leadership and example, to maintain and strengthen that we regulate and also has useful information on applying for a public the public’s trust and confidence in the integrity of the OBJECTIVITY appointment. public body and its members in conducting public You are accountable for your decisions and actions to the business. This leaflet is sent to everyone who applies for a regulated public public. You have a duty to consider issues on their merits, appointment in Scotland so that they know that the process is regulated taking account of the views of others and must ensure RESPECT and what to do if things go wrong. that the public body uses its resources prudently and in You must respect fellow members of your public body accordance with the law. and employees of the body and the role they play, treating them with courtesy at all times. Similarly you MAKING A COMPLAINT ABOUT A PUBLIC APPOINTMENT must respect members of the public when performing Anyone who believes that an appointment has not been made appropriately or who has concerns about the appointment process itself can make a duties as a member of your public body. complaint. If you have a complaint about a public appointment you first have to complain to the Scottish Government and give its officials 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.

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