Appointment of Members to the Risk Management Authority Board

Scottish Ministers are seeking up to three Members to join the Risk Management Authority. Two of the roles require individuals with experience in Criminal Justice practice or policy, while the third role calls for an expert in Forensic or Clinical Psychology or Psychiatry.

The Risk Management Authority (RMA) is a Non Departmental Public Body established in 2005 by the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003; and sponsored by the Scottish Government Community Justice Division.

The RMA's strategic purpose is to make Scotland safer by setting the standard for risk practice to reduce reoffending and the harm it causes. Its duties focus on protecting the public by ensuring that robust risk assessment and risk management practices are in place to reduce the risk of serious harm posed by violent and sexual offenders. 

The RMA's purpose is broken down into four strategic aims. These are set out in its Corporate Plan, published in 2024 and outline the various stages of its work to support risk practice in Scotland. These aims also inform the RMA's objectives for each year which are included within its annual Business Plan. The strategic aims are as follows:

• Develop evidence-based risk assessment and management 
• Set and raise the standard of risk assessment and management
• Improve knowledge, skills and confidence in risk assessment and management
• Influence policy, practice and public confidence in risk assessment and management

MEMBER ROLE

As an RMA Member your duties will be to:

• Understand the operational environment in which the RMA operates within the context of the wider public service delivery landscape;
• Attend member meetings on a regular basis and be well prepared by reading relevant papers in advance and, if necessary, seeking further information to ensure your understanding;
• Attend training events and keep up to date with subjects relevant to the RMA's work;
• Contribute to the work of any committees that have been established by the RMA;
• Represent the RMA at meetings and stakeholder events when required;
• Contribute to strategic development and decision-making;
• Clarify which decisions are reserved for the membership and which should be delegated;
• Monitor the reporting of performance and hold management to account through purposeful and constructive challenge and scrutiny;
• As necessary, seek further information than that which is provided to give assurance on organisational performance;
• Question and, as necessary, challenge proposals made by fellow members and the executive team constructively and carefully to reach and articulate a considered view on their suitability;
• Provide a creative contribution to the membership by providing independent oversight on issues of strategy, performance and resources;
• Behave in accordance with the agreed Code of Conduct; 
• Establish and promote the RMA's role in the community; and
• Ensure robust arrangements are in place to enable the RMA to take decisions on accrediting persons and/or methods of offender risk management and risk management plans.

 As a member of the RMA , you may spend up to 15 days per year on the RMA's work. 

Further information

For further information about the Risk Management Authority and the roles, please contact Geraldine O'Hare Convenor of the Risk Management Authority at  You can also find out more about the RMA at 

REMUNERATION AND TIME COMMITMENT

Members of the Board receive £246.88 per day, as at  1 April 2025. The RMA will pay allowances at rates set centrally for any travel and subsistence costs necessarily incurred by Members on RMA business. The appointments are non-pensionable. 

As a member of the RMA , you may spend up to 15 days per year on the RMA's work. 

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

In respect of these posts, both the priority and essential criteria are a mandatory requirement. The priority criteria will be tested at application and at interview stage. The essential criteria will be tested at interview.

Priority Criteria

To apply, please submit 1 x Word Document that includes: 

• A 500 word personal statement to demonstrate evidence against one of the priority criteria: 
  1. Experience in the field of criminal justice practice/policy
  2. Professional qualification and expert knowledge in the field of Forensic / Clinical Psychology or Psychiatry 
      
• A 1-2 page tailored CV 

If you believe you meet both Priority Criteria, please provide evidence in your application for the one where you can present your strongest case and indicate the other Priority Criterion you would like to be considered for. If shortlisted for interview, you will be asked to respond to questions on the Priority Criterion you have provided evidence for, as well as the other Priority Criterion and the Essential Criteria.

Essential Criteria

At interview, applicants will be asked to evidence the priority criteria chosen and will need to evidence all four essential criteria:

1. Analysis and decision making
2. Working co-operatively and collaboratively
3. Governance in the context of the RMA

4. Effective Communications

APPLICANT INFORMATION PACK 

To assist in your application, please ensure you read the Applicant Information Pack. The Pack includes further information on the role and additional details on the criteria being assessed. 

TO APPLY FOR THESE ROLES, FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Download and save the Applicant Information Pack to refer back to. 
2. Read the 'person specification' and 'how to apply' section in the Pack.
3. Navigate back to this job advert and click 'apply'.
4. Complete the personal information and conflict of interest questions. 
5. When prompted, attach one Word Document that includes your Statement and CV, noting the word limits in the application pack.  
6. 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 8 – 12 of the Applicant Information Pack.

Completed applications must be submitted by 23:59 on 2 January 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 

GUARANTEED INTERVIEWS  

This appointment round will provide guaranteed interviews for disabled people who meet the criteria for the role being tested at the application stage. The selection panel will not know which applicants have requested a guaranteed interview until the shortlisting is complete. 

EQUALITY STATEMENT

Scottish ministers value highly the benefits of diverse Public Body Boards. People from all walks of life, with different experiences and points of view are encouraged to apply for public appointments. 

The Cabinet Secretary values the importance of diverse perspectives on public body boards and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals. We particularly encourage applications from women, who are currently under reflected on the board of RMA to help ensure a broad range of experiences and viewpoints are reflected.

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 

FURTHER INFORMATION 

• Public Appointments - Guidance and Support for applicants
• FAQ's about the application process.