Electoral Commissioner (Scotland)

The Electoral Commission is the independent body that oversees elections and regulates political finance across the UK. It has a vital role in maintaining public confidence in our democratic processes. The Commission regulates the rules on political finance in the context of increasingly complex campaigning techniques, rapidly changing technology and fragile public trust in democratic processes.Its vision is “a fair democracy fit for the future”, ensuring elections and referendums are trusted, accessible and secure. The Commission works across all four nations of the UK and is accountable to the UK Parliament, the Scottish Parliament and the Senedd. The Commission is currently in the second year of an ambitious five-year plan that covers the delivery of an important cycle of UK-wide polls and implementation of the forthcoming Representation of the People Bill.The Speaker’s Committee on the Electoral Commission is seeking an outstanding individual to join the Electoral Commission Board as the Electoral Commissioner with specific responsibility for Scotland. This role will help to shape the future of democracy in Scotland and across the UK.This is a rare opportunity to play a leading role in protecting and strengthening democratic processes across Scotland and the UK. As a Commissioner, you will help guide the strategic direction of the independent body responsible for overseeing elections and regulating political finance, while helping to ensure the Commission’s work is informed by Scotland’s democratic, political and institutional context.About the RoleAs one of ten Electoral Commissioners, you will:• Provide strategic leadership and governance at Board level• Help shape the Commission’s future priorities and oversee delivery of its ambitious five-year plans• Oversee the delivery of the Commission’s first dedicated Scotland Corporate Plan• Support public confidence in elections, democratic participation and political finance regulation• Build relationships with senior political, parliamentary and public sector stakeholders across Scotland• Act as an independent, impartial and authoritative voice on issues affecting Scotland’s democratic landscapeWho We’re Looking ForWe are seeking an accomplished and credible leader who can demonstrate:• Credibility and significant achievements within Scotland, gained through executive and/or non-executive leadership• Deep understanding of Scotland’s political, public sector and democratic environment• Experience influencing strategy and providing constructive challenge at Board or senior leadership level• Independence, integrity, sound judgement and political awareness• Strong relationship-building and ambassadorial skills• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusionTerms and Conditions of AppointmentTerm: Four years (with potential reappointment up to a maximum of ten years)Time commitment: 2–3 days per monthRemuneration: £500 per day plus reasonable expensesLocation:UK-wide role with significant engagement in ScotlandNationality: Applicants must be able to prove that they are eligible to work in the UK.Closing date: 5.00pm, Monday 21st September 2026Eligibility, Political Impartiality and Financial InterestsTo protect the Commission’s independence and impartiality, candidates cannot currently be members of a registered political party and must not have held specified political offices, party roles, or made significant political donations within the previous five years. Full conditions can be found in the candidate brochure, which is downloadable from the FWB Executive Search website here., None specified

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The Electoral Commission is the independent body which oversees elections and regulates political finance in the UK. We work to promote public confidence in the democratic process and ensure its integrity.

Term: Four years (with potential reappointment up to a maximum of ten years)Time commitment: 2-3 days per monthRemuneration: £500 per day plus reasonable expenses