15/05/07 - Wanted - Unusual suspects! Commission for Equality and Human Rights is looking for Disability Committee members

Scotland Committee Members

Introduction

The Scotland Committee is a statutory, decision-making committee of the Commission for Equality and Human Rights, which was established under the Equality Act 2006. It is responsible for overseeing the work of the CEHR in Scotland, contributing to the strategy of the CEHR in Scotland and for advising the CEHR Board on how its policies and programmes may affect people living in Scotland. It will also work closely with Scottish institutions and civic society, including the Scottish Executive, Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Commission for Human Rights.

The Scotland Committee, chaired by the Scotland Commissioner, will provide informed, impartial and balanced perspectives on a range of sensitive and complex issues in relation to Scotland. Committee members will ensure that the CEHR delivers its functions in a manner appropriate to Scotland and that it can learn from the Scottish experience of equality, social policy and human rights.

Committee members will need the skills and expertise to make informed decisions, to focus on outcomes, to understand key risks and contribute to their mitigation, as well as to encourage partnerships and to work with the staff of the CEHR led by the Chief Executive.� They should be team players who are willing to take a positive and integrated approach to the Committee’s work, and who are committed to helping change society for the better. They must have the confidence and credibility to build relationships and sustainable networks across a demanding and diverse group of stakeholders.
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Committee members will need a thorough understanding of the social, economic and legal context in Scotland and be able to apply this to help inform the priorities of the CEHR in Scotland. They will support the Scotland Commissioner in delivering those functions delegated to the Scotland Committee alongside a significant advice-giving role to the CEHR Board as a whole.

Role Description
In addition to the Scotland Committee’s duties under the Equality Act, Scotland Committee members’ responsibilities include:

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1����Supporting the Scotland Commissioner and his / her interaction with the GB Board and Chair of the CEHR.

2����Participating in the development and strategic oversight of the CEHR's annual report, strategic plan and corporate priorities for Scotland and GB.

3����Approving and monitoring the Scotland business plan and advising on the GB business plan.

4����Representing the CEHR in Scotland, including stakeholder and community engagement.

5����Liaising with the Scottish Executive, Scottish Parliament and other institutions, e.g. Scottish Commission for Human Rights, on matters particular to the CEHR's remit and responsibilities in Scotland.

6����Engaging with other CEHR committees, and in particular the Disability Committee.

Scotland Committee members will be expected to undertake 8-12 days work per year, covering a range of duties, including attending meetings of the Scotland Committee. Committee members will be remunerated at �TBC per day plus reasonable expenses as agreed by the CEHR.

Appointments will be between 2 to 5 years, subject to annual performance appraisal after 2 years.

Committee members will be expected to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Commissioners.

In your written application, please give evidence of proven experience in response to as many of the criteria listed in the Person Specification as possible.

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Further information is available on the CEHR website - http://www.cehropportunities.org.uk

Scotland Committee Members - Person Specification

Part One

Key Experience - ESSENTIAL

1.� A demonstrable commitment to, and understanding of, the wider context of the equalities, human rights and good relations' agendas across GB and particularly in Scotland.

2.� A thorough and demonstrable understanding of the social, economic, cultural and legal context of devolution within GB, including the institutional, legislative and policy framework and the Scottish and UK media.

3.� An understanding of, and commitment to, the need for good governance in public bodies or the capacity to acquire such an understanding rapidly.

4.� An understanding of, and commitment to, working in partnership and engaging with a wide range of stakeholders in Scotland, at all levels( including committee work) and forging links at grassroots level, that contribute to the successful delivery of an organisation's outcomes.

5.� Possess a commitment to the CEHR’s integrated mandate.

Additional abilities, skills and knowledge (desirable)

1����Experience of working in Scotland and across GB in one of more of the following fields: equality and / or human rights issues; social policy; legal; financial; business; and public service delivery or voluntary / community sector.

2����Experience of developing policy in a complex legal and political environment.

3����Experience of developing strategic priorities (including grant funding priorities) and business planning in a devolved context, or the capacity to acquire such an understanding rapidly.

4����Experience of public speaking or representation of an organisation at a senior level.

5����Committed to the Nolan seven principles of public life (selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, leadership) as well as the two additional principles of Scottish public life (public service* and respect*)�

* 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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