Chair of the Board of Creative Scotland

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BOARD CHAIR

The Chair will provide inclusive and effective leadership to Creative Scotland’s Board, setting clear strategic direction and ensuring the organisation fulfils its responsibilities to Scotland’s arts, screen and creative sectors, supporting the CEO and Executive Team to deliver on the organisation’s role. The Chair will be an ambassador for Creative Scotland, representing the organisation publicly, and advocating for it and its role in Scotland’s culture and creative sector and wider public sector.

They will promote high standards of governance, accountability and ethical conduct, ensuring Creative Scotland delivers public value, uses its resources effectively and remains responsive to the changing needs of artists, creative practitioners, organisations and communities across Scotland.

The Chair will also lead the Board’s contribution to public-service reform, supporting preventative, collaborative and person-centred approaches that improve outcomes, reduce inequality and strengthen long-term financial sustainability. They will drive Creative Scotland’s response to acting on the recommendations of the Independent Review of Creative Scotland, working closely with the Scottish Government and other partners as needed. They will also support the establishment of Screen Scotland as an independent body outside of Creative Scotland, representing Creative Scotland’s role in that process and ensuring that Screen Scotland continues to deliver on its core functions supporting the development of Scotland’s screen sector while still part of Creative Scotland.

If you have any questions about the roles, please contact Iain Waller Creative Scotland Sponsorship Lead, Scottish Government at Iain.Waller@gov.scot.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE NEEDED

We are looking for a Chair who has gained experience in leading strategic change and supporting Public Service reform.

Evidence of providing strategic leadership and creating the conditions for organisational success, performance and continuous improvement is important for success in this role. Knowledge, experience and a demonstrable commitment to Scotland's Culture and Creative Sector is also a prerequisite.

You should also possess strong skills in relationship management, collaboration and influencing others; and have direct experience of governance and financial oversight/ stewardship.

The Cabinet Secretary values highly the benefits of having different points of view on the board and welcomes applications from people from all walks of life.

Further details are contained in the Application Information Pack including information on how to apply and how we will assess candidates.

HOW TO APPLY

1. Download and save this applicant information pack to refer to.
2. Read the ‘person specification’ section in this pack.
3. Navigate back to the job advert and click ‘apply’.
4. Complete the personal information and conflict of interest questions.
5. Provide your tailored career history, noting the word limits.
6. When prompted, provide evidence against the relevant box/boxes for the Priority Criteria and Essential Criteria, noting the word limits.
7. Submit your online application by Tuesday, 13 October 2026 at 5.00 pm.