Policing is an essential public service, playing a fundamental role in Scottish society, protecting human rights, maintaining community safety and wellbeing, operating independently from government and respecting diversity in all its forms.  It operates in a pressured, visible and highly scrutinised environment. 

Strong support, effective governance, scrutiny, and accountability all play a key role in ensuring policing in Scotland is effective and meeting the needs of the communities and citizens it serves. This is the core purpose of the Scottish Police Authority, one of the most significant of all Scotland’s public bodies. 

Members of the Scottish Police Authority, have collective responsibility as set out in the Police and Fire Reform Act 20212 to deliver five core functions: 

• to maintain the police service;
• to promote the policing principles set out in the 2012 Act;
• to promote and support continuous improvement in the policing of Scotland;
• to keep under review the policing of Scotland; and to hold the Chief Constable to account for the policing of Scotland.

Successful applicants must be able to demonstrate evidence of at least one of the Priority Criteria and all of the Essential Criteria.

Priority Criteria:

• Advocating for and influencing policy or practice for minoritised ethnic communities
• Legal and compliance issues in the public sector
• Digital and technology-enabled change
• Policing experience at a strategic and operational level
• Financial expertise. 

Essential Criteria:

• Corporate governance and strategic outlook
• Contributing to and supporting change
• Collaboration, influencing and communication.

To apply, please visit the Scottish Public Appointments website here: Scottish Police Authority Board Vacancies 2025. 

Public Appointments Process

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

These positions are remunerated at £324.92 per day for a time commitment of up to 6 days per month; this is made up of full and part days.  A maximum of 72 days will be incurred.

In line with public sector pay policy guidance the Authority will consider supporting members with other out of pocket expenses arising from their appointment, providing that such costs are reasonable. Examples of such expenses may include but is not limited to childcare/carer responsibilities, interpreters, accessibility software or adaptions. Remuneration is non-pensionable.

Equality Statement 

Scottish Ministers value the benefits of having different perspectives and experience on the board and welcome applications from people from a wide range of backgrounds who can evidence the skills/experience required. diverse Public Body Boards. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them. 

Online Event 

An online information session has been scheduled for candidates to hear from current Board members about the Authority’s priorities and answer any questions you might have. This will take place from 5pm-6.30pm via MS Teams on Tuesday 29 April 2025. Potential applicants should contact SPAChairOffice@spa.police.uk for a link to join the session.  

Guaranteed Interview

This appointment round will provide guaranteed interviews for disabled people who meet the criteria for the roles being tested at the application stage.

If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the appointments process or if require further support with your application, please contact the Public Appointments Team on 0300 244 1898 or email at PA_Applications_Mailbox@gov.scot. 

Further Information 

For further information about the Authority or to arrange to speak to a current Board member, please contact Lynn Brown, Chief Executive at SPAChiefExecutive@spa.police.uk.

The closing date for applications is 17:00 on Tuesday 6 May.