Appointment of a Member of the Board of Environmental Standards Scotland

Role Summary
The Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy is looking to appoint one new Member to the Board of Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS) from 1 March 2026.

The Scottish Government value very highly the benefits of having different experience and points of view on our Boards and we are keen that people from all walks of life apply for public appointments. Scottish Ministers particularly welcome applications from women, disabled people, LGBT+ people, people from ethnic minority communities and people aged under 50.

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

ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS SCOTLAND
Environmental Standards Scotland's (ESS) mission is to ensure that Scotland's environmental laws and standards are complied with, and their effectiveness improved, to achieve Scotland's ambitions for the environment and climate change. ESS' functions are set out in the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Act 2021 and include monitoring and investigating public authorities' compliance with environmental law, the effectiveness of the law and how it is implemented and applied in Scotland.

The ESS Strategic Plan sets out how ESS delivers on these responsibilities. This Strategic Plan has now been reviewed and a draft of ESS' new Strategy 2026 – 2031 was consulted on over summer 2025 and a revised version will be submitted to the Scottish Parliament for its approval at the end of October 2025.

ESS' Annual Report and Accounts describes the reach and impact of the organisation.

ESS received a budget allocation of £3.02 million in the financial year 2024/25. Further budgetary considerations are also currently being considered related to new duties, for example those set out in the recent Natural Environment Bill financial memorandum.

The staff head count as of March 2025 was 25. This core team is also supported by a range of shared services and contracts, including; HR, IT, finance, legal advice, communications, procurement and internal audit.

THE ROLE OF THE BOARD MEMBER
The staff team and Board of ESS are located across Scotland, with Board members also based in England and Brussels. The main ESS office is in Edinburgh and meetings are currently held both in-person and through hybrid working arrangements where required.

Using their skills, experience and networks, the new Board Member will contribute to the governance and smooth running of ESS, helping in particular to ensure that the objectives of the new Strategy are delivered over the next five years.

Responsibilities
Public Appointees are responsible for:

• ensuring that the public body delivers its functions in accordance with Scottish Ministers' policies and priorities
• providing strategic leadership
• ensuring financial stewardship
• holding the Chief Executive and senior management team to account

Further information about the role and the board can be found in the candidate information pack.

ROLE CRITERIA
Skills And Experience
The Cabinet Secretary is looking for a Member who can put their skills, knowledge, understanding and experience to good use on the Board. The table below sets out the skills, knowledge, experience and attributes that we are seeking and explains how the criteria will be tested. You may have gained your skills through work, by being active in your community, in a voluntary capacity or through your own lived experience.

The Successful Candidate Must Demonstrate Evidence Of

• Communication and Influencing
• Constructive Challenge
• Analysis and Decision Making
• Understanding of the role of ESS and its functions
• Passion for the environment.

APPLYING FOR THE ROLE
When applying, you should provide evidence of the essential criteria listed below:

Essential Criteria

• Communication and Influencing
• Constructive Challenge
• Analysis and Decision Making
• Understanding of the role of ESS and its functions
• Passion for the environment.

There is a limit of
300 words
for each criterion.

In your online application you should also upload a two page tailored career history. This should include relevant information from your professional, personal and voluntary experience.

Full details are contained in the candidate information pack.

If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the appointments process or if require further support with your application, please contact the Scottish Government, Public Appointments Team by email at

About Us
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

REMUNERATION AND TIME COMMITMENT
Members receive £212.92 per day (up to a maximum of £5,535.92 per annum) for an average time commitment of 0.5 day per week (26 days per year). Reasonable expenses incurred will be reimbursed. The appointment is non-pensionable.

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.

FURTHER INFORMATION
As part of the appointment process of board members to ESS, Scottish Ministers are required to seek the approval from the Scottish Parliament of the appointment of the individual chosen as the most able by Ministers ( "the nominee"). Full details are set out in the candidate information pack.

For further information about the role, please contact Dr Richard Dixon, Chair of ESS ) or Rebecca Peppiette, Head of Corporate Services and Communications ).

You can find out more about Environmental Standards Scotland at

Find out more about public appointments here: Public appointments - )