Foreword from Lady Rice
Lady Susan Rice CBE
Chair
Thank you for your interest in the role of Chief Executive of the Scottish Fiscal Commission.
The Commission is a high profile addition to the Scottish public landscape, playing a key role in enhancing the credibility of Scotland’s devolved fiscal arrangements by producing independent forecasts to underpin the Scottish Budget. In a unique opportunity, the first Chief Executive will continue the development of an operational and staffing model and oversee the early years of operation. They will join the top leadership team within the Civil Service in Scotland during a crucial time as Scotland drives forward an ambitious programme of constitutional reform and public service improvement.
The Scottish Parliament is acquiring a range of new powers which will allow for the delivery of more Scotland-specific solutions. Some powers have already been transferred, others will come on-stream in the coming years. Scotland will continue to be an exciting and very interesting place to work in the years ahead based on economic, fiscal and institutional changes that are under way.
The Scottish Fiscal Commission, established statutorily by an Act of the Scottish Parliament in 2016, will produce independent forecasts of revenues from all fully devolved Scottish taxes and non-domestic rates; Scottish Income Tax; Scottish GDP; and some social security spending. It will therefore have a crucial role in the Scottish Budget process, in ensuring sound public finances in Scotland, and in enabling the Scottish Parliament to scrutinise and hold to account the Scottish Government. This post provides an exciting and challenging opportunity to continue the development of an operational model and staffing structure to allow the Commission to deliver its remit, and to lead work on preparation and delivery of the first rounds of official Commission forecasts to inform future Scottish budgets.
The Act also formally safeguards the Commission’s independence from Scottish Ministers. It is critical to the future credibility and effectiveness of the organisation that the Commission’s leaders continue to embed independence in the culture of the organisation, including its staff in the early years of statutory operation.
We are looking for a driven, enthusiastic leader with excellent networks and relationship skills, with a track record of working across organisational boundaries and the capability to launch a credible, high profile new public body. The Chief Executive will understand economic forecasting and continue establishing an operational model to deliver the Commission’s forecasting remit. They will combine strategic policy judgement and political awareness with experience of building, leading and developing multi-disciplinary teams. They will demonstrate leadership, achievement, resilience and delivery at senior level and experience of driving change, ensuring value for money and translating strategic challenges into clear objectives and delivery.
The website www.talentscotland.com provides information for people considering living and working in Scotland, including on the variety of lifestyles on offer and an insight into why you should consider moving to Scotland.
I would particularly welcome interest from women and staff from those groups currently under represented at senior leadership level, including lesbian, gay or bisexual orientation and/or transgender, transsexual or intersex status (LGBTI), disabled and those from a minority ethnic background. The role is available on a full time, permanent basis but secondment from your current employer may be considered. We also support applications from those who wish to work an alternative pattern such as part-time or compressed hours.
If the challenge of this role excites you and you think you have the skills and experience to fill the role, I look forward to hearing from you.
Susan Rice