This opportunity has now been filled

Non Executive Chair

About the role

The Scottish SPCA is a very special charity with a unique perspective on the issues and challenges facing not only farm animals, domestic pets and wildlife but also the people who interact with them. It is well placed to positively deal with these issues, to make a genuine difference to the lives of Scotland’s animals and people and its next Chair will play a pivotal role in supporting both the delivery of long-term strategy and the committed, tireless people who work for this wonderful charity. The new Chair will join an engaged, highly motivated Board, which collaborates closely with a dedicated senior leadership team, and will lead a strong group of trustees who are passionate about the mission, values and purpose of the Scottish SPCA.

‘As Scotland’s animal welfare charity, we want to be a force for good and make sure that life for animals and people tomorrow is better than today’, Kirsteen Campbell, CEO

The 181 year old charity has around 380 employees and over 700 volunteers and is also proud to be accredited with Investors in People and the Living Wage Foundation. It generates its own income through fundraising, membership, legacies, trusts and other corporate sponsorship initiatives and in 2020 turnover was £15.4m

The Chair will be responsible for providing effective strategic leadership and management to the board of trustees, helping them to fulfil their responsibilities for overall governance and strategic direction. To do this we believe they will need to have:

  • a genuine and demonstrable interest in animal welfare.
  • proven experience at board level.
  • strategic vision and understanding, good independent judgment and an ability to think creatively.
  • political awareness and capability to operate without political bias.
  • strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to chair meetings effectively; to lead, and to work effectively as part of a diverse team contributing an independent perspective.
  • integrity, objectivity and accountability, demonstrated by example
  • the time, energy and commitment to fulfil their duties on a voluntary basis.

On this final point it is anticipated that the time commitment should be no more than, on average, half a day per week. There could however be occasions where extra time would be required (such as participating in strategic planning or in dealing with any particular challenges that may arise). While the role of Chair is unpaid, reasonable expenses may be claimed.

For a further conversation and a recruitment pack please contact Willie Finlayson via willie@fwbparkbrown.com or by phone 0131 539 7087.