Chair of the Governance and Risk Advisory Board of the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner

Do you have what it takes to guide a new Governance and Risk Advisory Board?
 

We are seeking a Chair to lead PIRC's newly formed Governance and Risk Advisory Board.  This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to enhancing public confidence and improvements in policing by providing a critical governance function within the PIRC.

PIRC is an Executive Non-Departmental Public Body which undertakes independent investigations into the most serious incidents involving the police as well as providing independent scrutiny of the way police bodies operating in Scotland respond to complaints from the public.   PIRC is completely independent of police and plays a pivotal role in the policing environment in Scotland by supporting public confidence in a fair and transparent system.  

PIRC plays a key part in safeguarding the human rights of those who come into contact with the police, and operates with three core values:

•    Integrity

•    Impartiality

•    Respect

These values are at the heart of the work undertaken by PIRC.

The main role of the PIRC Governance and Risk Advisory Board is to advise the Commissioner about matters relating to the governance and administration of PIRC.  This will include assisting the PIRC in the delivery of its strategic direction and statutory functions by offering challenge and support to the Commissioner.  

You will promote good governance and financial oversight whilst ensuring the delivery of best value and active management of identified risks.  

The Commissioner is responsible for the overall organisation, management and staff of PIRC.   However the Board will also assist in any areas in which the Commissioner determines. 

Further information on PIRC and the Chair's role can be found in the candidate pack.

Responsibilities

The key roles of the Chair includes, to:

•  Lead the Board ensuring that it carries out its functions effectively, and to ensure that it fulfils its responsibilities in respect of governance, oversight and in delivering robust financial scrutiny.

•  Work closely with the Board and the Commissioner to support the strategic direction of the PIRC, including contributing effectively to the development of PIRC's business strategy, and its delivery.

•  Ensure the PIRC delivers its statutory functions in accordance with Scottish Ministers policies and priorities, by monitoring the performance of PIRC and the delivery of its aims and objectives.

•  Work with Board members to oversee and review risk control and governance, working closely with the PIRC Accountable Officer and providing constructive challenge where necessary.

•  Assess the performance of individual Board members on an annual basis, and to advise Scottish Ministers of PIRC's needs when Board vacancies arise; and

•  Understand PIRC's operational environment, and the wider policy landscape, and to provide an external perspective to the work of PIRC.

Further information on PIRC and the Chair's role can be found in the candidate pack.

Skills and Experience

You will be expected to demonstrate evidence of:

• Strategic leadership experience to chair a diverse Board in a high-profile environment.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills and the ability to build effective and constructive relationships.
• Experience of organisational governance, risk, financial management and performance.
• Ability to evidence promoting and maintaining the highest possible ethical standards as outlined in the Principles of Public Life.
   

Remuneration and Time Commitment

The Chair will receive £260 daily fee for a time commitment of 6-10 days per year.  Reasonable travel expenses incurred will be reimbursed.

The Board is expected to have 4 formal meetings per year, with ad hoc meetings as required, and any relevant training.  Meetings will most likely be held at PIRC premises in Hamilton.

To apply for the Chair Role please follow these instructions:

Download the candidate information pack.  This will provide further background information on PIRC and explain in more detail the role of the Chair, Board Members, and the application process.

You will be asked to evidence the essential criteria required for the role through your CV and a 1200 word personal statement. 

Both the CV and the personal statement should be uploaded, this can either be combined or separate documents. 

Completed applications for the Chair must be received by 7 December Interviews will take place on 9 January 2026.

We recommend that you read the candidate information pack and follow the "How to apply section" which contains more details and instructions.

If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the appointment process or require further information, please contact  

Equality Statement

Scottish Ministers highly value the benefits of diverse Boards and encourage people from all walks of life to apply for PIRC Governance and Risk Advisory Board.