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PLAY YOUR PART IN CHANGING SCOTLAND

* Do you want to influence government policy?
* Do you want to help change society?
* Do you want your voice to be heard?

Then apply for a public appointment.

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What is a public body?

Public bodies are defined as:

Bodies which have a role to play in the process of national Government, but are not a Government department or part of one, and which accordingly operate to a greater or lesser extent at arm's length from Ministers.

Public bodies are set up to provide independent advice to Ministers or deliver public services. They all play a real part in shaping and influencing our society, they include large executive bodies like Scottish Enterprise, Health Boards and small, local ones like Justice of the Peace Advisory Committees.

Why get involved?

Because the boards of public bodies make decisions that affect all our lives. Those decisions will always be more effective when made by a wide cross-section of Scottish society.

That is why the Scottish Executive wants to encourage more people - from all parts of our community - to apply for a public appointment.

Who can apply?

Anyone can apply for a public appointment.

The Scottish Executive is responsible for around 1140 appointments to 116 public bodies. During the year 2001-2002, 273 appointments and re-appointments were made by Scottish Ministers to public bodies in Scotland.

Appointments are for an initial term of between two and five years and generally require a time commitment of between one to two days per month. Some appointments are remunerated, but all posts pay out-of-pocket expenses such as travel, overnight accommodation and reasonable childcare and carer costs.

The Executive is committed to ensuring that it draws on a wide range of candidates in making public appointments. It welcomes applications from candidates from all backgrounds who have the necessary skills.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled applicants

As the name implies, this is a scheme that guarantees that disabled candidates for board membership will be shortlisted for interview provided that they satisfy the set criteria for the post.

What qualifications do I need?

Some boards do require formal qualifications or specialist expertise, but many do not. What is vital is a keen interest in the subject, ability to think strategically and question constructively as part of a team, and an understanding of the impact of decisions on all sections of the community.

Is it for me?

An appointment gives you the opportunity to contribute your skills and expertise to society. But more than that, if you want to change things, you need to be involved. There are personal benefits in terms of developing new skills, learning about new subjects and building self-confidence.

Equal opportunity for all?

Yes. Bearing in mind the limited number of appointments made in any one year there can be no guarantee of success. However, you can be assured that appointments are made solely on merit, following open competition with other candidates. The process is overseen by an independent Commissioner for Public Appointments and independent scrutiny is a mandatory element of every competition. No appointment may be made unless an Independent Assessor has been involved in the process.

Interested? Then take the next step.

How to apply for a public appointment.

Vacancies on the boards of public bodies are advertised in the press and on the Public Bodies in Scotland website at www.scotland.gov.uk/government/publicbodies.

Information about public bodies and the appointment process is also available on the website. In addition, you can contact the Public Body and Executive Agency Policy Unit at the Scottish Executive, Area 3G, Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ for information or at public.appointments@scotland.gsi.gov.uk.

Here is what some of those already involved have to say:

"It's been stimulating, enjoyable and worthwhile and we have a real team spirit."

"I am particularly pleased to be a member of an NHS Board which has in place a very wide range of policies and practices aimed at maximising the participation of all persons regardless of their disabilities."

"It is amazing what you can do when you get into a position where you can genuinely influence people that make decisions that affect everyone's lives."

"I am pleased to say that my ethnic minority background has not made any difference to my full and equal participation."

"My involvement has given me the opportunity to contribute to the continued development and growth of Scotland."

"One of the benefits I have gained from joining the board has been the development of my own skills in areas like negotiation, debate and strategic planning."

USEFUL ADDRESSES

If you would like to know more, then please contact us. We would be glad to help.

The Public Body and Executive Agency Policy Unit
Public Appointments Team
Scottish Executive
Area 3G
Victoria Quay
Edinburgh EH6 6QQ
Telephone:
E-mail: public.appointments@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
The Public Appointments Website for the Scottish Executive: www.scotland.gov.uk/government/publicbodies