The Details

Job Title: Chief Executive

Line Manager: Board Convener

Grade: Grade CE (£92,947 – £96,936 pending 2026-27 pay award)

Contract Type: Permanent

The Role

For over two decades, the RMA has played an important role in supporting public protection in Scotland. We are now seeking an exceptional Chief Executive. This is a rare opportunity for someone with management experience, excellent interpersonal skills, and knowledge of the justice system and political landscape to continue to lead the organisation and build on our work in public protection.

As Chief Executive of the Risk Management Authority (RMA), you will lead the organisation to effectively discharge its statutory obligations to help protect the public and make Scotland a safer place to live and work. You will be expected to effectively engage and influence senior stakeholders across the Scottish justice system to improve current practice in the management of serious violent and sexual offenders, through establishing and operating effective standards, accreditation, approval and governance approaches.

In this role, will be responsible for leading the RMA in researching, shaping and proposing policy relating to effective practice in risk assessment and management. Some of the main accountabilities of this post are:

To lead the delivery of all RMA statutory functions to ensure effective practice in the risk assessment and management of serious violent and sexual offenders in Scotland.
To lead the development and delivery of a range of initiatives, policies and practices that promote effective risk assessment and management nationally.
To lead RMA functions in relation to the Order for Lifelong Restriction ensuring that robust, defensible decisions are made in the evaluation and approval of Risk Management Plans and the review of Annual Implementation Reports, issuing guidance to Lead Authorities as required.
Ensure that the RMA sets and published standards that reflect current research and best practice, and so promote effective practice, and that are disseminated and communicated effectively;
To lead engagement, internally and nationally, to deliver and develop the national policy with regards to risk assessment and management, ensuring that Board/Scottish Government/Stakeholders receive the information and advice they need to meet their statutory obligations and all governance requirements.
To build the RMA’s reputation as a forward looking organisation, committed to excellence, and generate strong demand for advice and expertise. This will include presentations at conferences, stakeholder groups, and learning events, and taking every opportunity to act as an ambassador for the RMA; and
To seek out and understand international developments in risk assessment and management and evolving best practice to enhance policy development and reinforce the contribution made by the RMA. Develop and sustain senior level organisational and professional expertise through links with other jurisdictions and the research community.
The Chief Executive operates at a senior level in the Scottish policy landscape. We are looking for an experienced strategic leader, who can lead the Senior Management Team in creating a high performing organisational culture that upholds the organisation’s values and maximises the contribution of staff, both as individuals and in teams, so that the organisation can continue to learn, change and deliver maximum contribution to public value.

The Chief Executive has critical roles to play as Accountable Officer and in managing the Board, and you should have proven, demonstrable success in leading internal and external strategy and governance processes.

You should have knowledge of the Scottish justice system and its place in the current political and legislative context; and have a significant background in the issues associated with public protection and managing risk in a complex multi-agency landscape.

The Organisation

The RMA is a Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) established in 2005 by the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003. Sponsored by the Scottish Government’s Community Justice Division, the organisation plays a vital role in supporting the delivery of the Scottish Government’s Vision for Justice.

We are a small team of fewer than 30 highly skilled and passionate professionals, who are dedicated to making a positive difference across Scotland. As part of the Scottish Government, we’re pleased to be able to offer a wide range of benefits including 30 days annual leave plus 11 ½ public/privilege holidays you use flexibly at a time that suits you, and an excellent civil service pension provision.

We really value the experience and expertise of our team. Supporting your professional development is a priority for us, and we’re proud to provide a generous CPD offering. We also provide an Employee Assistance Service (EAS) where you can get expert guidance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, whether you’re experiencing issues at work or at home.

Application Information

Applications are being handled by Aspen People. If you have any queries or wish to discuss the role, please contact Catriona Mackie or Linda Baldwin at Aspen People.

Key Dates

Application Closing Date: November 27, 2026

Interviews: Mid-January 2027, exact dates to be announced to progressing candid

1 Risk Management Authority jobs in Scotland