About The Role

The Members of the Commission are responsible for the overall strategic direction and performance of the Commission, and are ultimately responsible for determining whether or not to refer cases to the High Court. The Members, alongside the Chief Executive of the Commission, are collectively responsible for ensuring appropriate use of public funds.

The Commission is currently made up of 8 Members, one of whom is the Chair. All appointments are made by Royal Warrant on the advice of Scottish Ministers and in line with the Code of Practice issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland.

The Commission follows a Code of Conduct as issued by Scottish Ministers with the approval of the Scottish Parliament.

THE ROLE OF A BOARD MEMBER

As a Member of the Commission your duties will involve

Fulfilling the aims and objectives set by the Scottish Ministers (as above);
Deciding whether particular cases merit referral to the High Court;
Playing a central role in the consideration and supervision of the Commission’s caseload;
Supporting the Chair and the Chief Executive in setting the Commission’s strategic direction within the policies, planning and resources framework set by the Scottish Ministers;
Demonstrating high standards of corporate governance at all times; and
Working individually and as part of a team.

The role of a Member with the SCCRC is significantly different to other public appointments. Typically the successful candidates can expect to spend approximately 20% of their time on governance matters and 80% on legal casework.

Further information

You can also find out more about the Commission on their website .

REMUNERATION AND TIME COMMITMENT

Members receive £254 per day, up to a maximum total fee of £12,192 per financial year. Expenses incurred as a result of carrying out the duties of the appointment, including reasonable travel and subsistence costs, will be reimbursed. The appointment is non-pensionable.

The time commitment will vary from month to month but we expect you to be able to spend between 3 and 4 days per month on Commission work.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Priority Criteria

To apply, applicants must meet at least one of the following priority criteria. Each criterion relates to a separate role: one Lay Member role and one Legal Member role.

Role 1 - Lay Member - Statutory Requirement: Has knowledge or experience of any aspect of the criminal justice system.
Role 2 - Legal Member - Statutory Requirement: An advocate or solicitor of at least 10 years’ standing.

Essential Criteria

In addition to meeting at least one of the priority criteria, applicants for Role 1 and 2 must demonstrate that they meet all of the following essential criteria:

Ability to analyse complex information and reach balanced judgements/decisions.
Constructive and supportive challenge and collaborative working.
Governance and scrutiny.
Innovation and change in delivery of public services.
IT skills.
Communication and Influencing.

Desirable Criteria

The following are role-specific desirable criteria and are not required for appointment. Applicants who do not meet these criteria will not be disadvantaged unless candidates are otherwise assessed as being of equal merit.

Role 1 – Lay Member: Forensic Psychiatrist / Scientist / Psychologist; in particular in relation to the investigation of offences and/or treatment of offenders.
Role 2 – Legal Member: Solicitor or Advocate with a recent defence background.

HOW TO APPLY

Please read the Applicant Information Pack for information on how to apply on pages 7-11. The Pack includes further information on the role and additional details on the criteria being assessed at application and interview stage.

Completed applications must be submitted by 5pm on Tuesday 6 October 2026.

ABOUT PUBLIC APPOINTMENTS

Public appointments are made by Scottish Ministers. The appointments process is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner. You can find out more about the Commissioner here: Public appointments | Ethical Standards Commissioner

EQUALITY STATEMENT

Scottish Ministers value highly the benefits of diverse Public Body Boards. People from all walks of life are encouraged to apply for public appointments.

Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.

If you have a disability and require an adjustment at any stage of the public appointments process, please get in touch with the Scottish Government, Public Appointments Team by email at [email hidden] .

FURTHER INFORMATION

FAQ’s about the application process is here: Public Appointments - Frequently Asked Questions
Guidance to support applicants is here: Public appointments - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
If you experience any difficulties, please contact the Public Appointments Team by email at [email hidden] .