Do you want to shape the strategic direction of Architecture and Design Scotland (A&DS) as it begins a new chapter of transformation and increased impact?
A&DS was established as a public body in 2005 and is a national champion for good design of the built environment, helping to shape the places and buildings that influence our lives. The organisation has accomplished a great deal since its inception, helping to embed the benefits of good design across an array of issues and places.
Following a recent government review, A&DS is entering an exciting new chapter. Alongside its continuing actions to champion good design, A&DS will now play a new role to support and develop Scotland’s architecture and design workforce, growing the collective capacity and harnessing the value of design.
The review also recommended structural reform activity, including nesting A&DS within another public body, to harness opportunities, maximise efficiency and increase impact.
Scottish Ministers now seek to appoint up to three Board Members who will be key to A&DS delivering the review outcomes and the new ambitions. Members will provide support to the Board Chair, help to steer the organisation’s strategic direction and ensure robust governance in times of reform and change. The role involves strategic thinking, providing vision, inspiration and constructive challenge and the ability to hold others to account.
About The Role
As a Member, you will support the Chair and work alongside your Board colleagues, to ensure A&DS delivers its functions and ambitions, aligning with Scottish Ministers ‘ priorities.
This is a unique opportunity with potential for strategic influence on the role of architecture and design in Scotland.
Details on the role can be found in the Applicant Information Pack.
Hear directly from Mr Angus Robertson, Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, on these role and their importance. You can view his short message by clicking on this link.
For more information or an informal discussion, please contact Jim MacDonald, CEO, A&DS, at Jim.MacDonald@ads.org.uk. You can also find out more about A&DS on their website.
An online information session will be held on Wednesday 25 March 2026, 18:30-19:30. Click here to sign up.
REMUNERATION AND TIME COMMITMENT
Member roles are remunerated at the daily rate of £196.16 per day, providing a yearly remuneration of £4,708. You will also receive reimbursement for reasonable travel expenses and reasonable childcare/carer costs incurred whilst undertaking duties. The appointment is not pensionable.
The time commitment for Members is around 2 days a month (24 days per year).
This appointment will be for up to 4 years in the first instance.
It should be noted that the 2025 review of A&DS recommended that the body may be merged or nested within another host public body. Any future changes to the structure of A&DS may have implications for the responsibilities and tenure of the Chair and Board members.
Skills And Experience
To apply, applicants must submit a statement of evidence, using no more than 400 words per criterion and a tailored career history of no more than 500 words.
Your Statement Of Evidence Must Clearly Evidence How You Meet At Least One Of The Priority Criteria (you May Provide Evidence For Both If Relevant) And Essential Criterion 1 And 2 – As Listed Below
* Priority Criterion 1 – Understanding the value and impact of architecture and design (max 400 words)
* Priority Criterion 2 - Understanding of climate and sustainability issues as one of A&DS key priorities/aims (max 400 words)
* Essential Criterion 1: Operating at a strategic level (max 400 words)
* Essential Criterion 2: Supporting good governance (max 400 words)
APPLICANT INFORMATION PACK
Before applying, please read the Applicant Information Pack. The Pack includes further information on the role and additional details on the criteria being assessed.
To Apply For The Role, Follow These Instructions
* Download and save the Applicant Information Pack to refer back to.
* Read the ‘person specification’ and ‘how to apply’ section in the Applicant Pack.
* Navigate back to this job advert and click ‘apply’.
* Complete the personal information and conflict of interest questions.
* When prompted, attach your combined statement of evidence and tailored career history in one Word document.
* PLEASE NOTE you do not have the option to edit your application once you click ‘submit’. You must have all your information and attachments to hand before submitting your application.
Late applications cannot be considered by the panel.
Full details on how to apply, and the evidence that should be submitted at the application stage, are set out at pages 10 - 13 of the Applicant Information Pack.
Completed applications must be submitted by 23:55 on Thursday 16 April 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. Having a diverse Board improves the decision making of the Board and builds a vibrant and creative culture which is better able to respond to the diverse needs of communities. We welcome applications from people who can bring their diverse perspectives to our work and who meet the requirements of this role.
Scottish ministers particularly welcome applications from protected characteristics and groups currently under-represented on Scotland’s Public Bodies. These include women, disabled people, young people, black and minority ethnic groups and LGBTI+. The public appointments process promotes, demonstrates and upholds equality of opportunity for all applicants.
Find out more about our commitment to diversity.
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 public.appointments@gov.scot.
FURTHER INFORMATION
* Public Appointments - Guidance and Support for applicants
* FAQ’s about the application process.
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