Appointment of up to two Commissioners to the Scottish Fiscal Commission
Appointment of up to two Commissioners to the Scottish Fiscal Commission
Employer Active
Job Alert
You will be updated with latest job alerts via email
Share
Job Alert
You will be updated with latest job alerts via email
Job Description
TO APPLY FOR THIS ROLE FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS:
- Download and save the applicant information pack to refer to.
- Read the person specification and how to apply section in the pack andwrite a supporting statement and CV noting the word limits.
- Save a copy of your supporting statement and CV to your device as PDFs.
- Navigate back to this job advert and click on the apply button.
- Complete the personal information and conflict of interest questions.
- Attach your PDFs and submit your application by 12.00 Tuesday 10 June 2025.
- PLEASE NOTE you do not have the option to edit your application once you click submit. You must have all your information and attachments to hand before submitting your application.
Late applications and those without a supporting statement and CV cannot be considered by the panel.
The Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government is seeking to appoint two Commissioners to the Scottish Fiscal Commission. The Cabinet Secretary particularly welcomes applications from women disabled people LGBT people young people and people from minority ethnic communities. In order to carry out its work effectively the Scottish Fiscal Commission values diversity of thought skill and insight. It would welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds who have experience of public spending tax or public finance issues including the third sector local and central government.
Please note these appointments are subject to approval by the Scottish Parliament. More information about this is given in the applicant information pack.
The Scottish Fiscal Commissions official independent economic tax and social security forecasts alongside forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) inform the overall size of the Scottish Budget. We provide these independent forecasts and assess the Scottish Governments borrowing twice a year usually alongside the Scottish Budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy. As part of these forecasts we are responsible for the official costings of devolved tax and social security policies. We can also choose to report on anything that influences the resources available to the Scottish Government.
Following a recommendation by the OECD and the Scottish Parliaments Finance and Public Administration Committee the Commission started to publish Fiscal Sustainability Reports that included long term (50 year) projections of funding and spending in March 2023 with the second report being published in April 2025. In the years between projection reports the Commission publish Fiscal Sustainability Perspectives reports.
Responsibilities
ROLE SUMMARY
As a Commissioner you will devote an average of 78 days annually to the Scottish Fiscal includes a weekly online Commissioner call of three hours during which ongoing work is discussed in detail with Commission staff. During forecasts and in the approach to publications this call is also used for conversations with Scottish Government analysts and civil servants and in preparation for Parliamentary and other appearances.
Outside of these calls Commissioners are also expected to review reports in the run up to publication read and comment on analytical papers produced by the staff and participate in events including evidence sessions in the Scottish Parliament. Engaging with key decision makers in Scotland and the UK is an important part of the collaborative effort of the Commissioners.
The work varies in intensity and is not spread evenly through the year. There are two periods of greater intensity lasting about ten weeks in the winter and spring. Some daily work and reviewing draft reports in the evenings or weekends is likely to be required towards the end of these periods. There are also two shorter four week periods in March and August when reviewing draft reports will be required possibly at weekends.
The panel is willing to consider applications from candidates who wish to preserve some periods of the year during which they do not participate in the ongoing work of the Commission to accommodate other activities.
Forecasting and analysis
- you would be collectively responsible for the delivery and quality of the Commissions reports forecasts and commentary;
- you would work collaboratively with the senior management team in utilising the Commissions staff to ensure that the Commission carries out its functions effectively and efficiently; and meets its aims and objectives as laid out in its Corporate Plan;
- you would develop an understanding of the Scottish devolved public finances (you need not have this on appointment but would be expected to develop this understanding during the first year of your term).
Communication and engagement
- you would help to communicate widely the work of the Scottish Fiscal Commission promoting its aims and objectives;
- you would protect and enhance public confidence in the work and independence of the Commission;
- with your colleagues foster and maintain strong working relationships between the Commission the Scottish Parliament the Scottish Government and other key organisations including the Office for Budgetary Responsibility.
Leadership and governance
- together with the other Commissioners form the Governance Board of the Commission;
- as a Governance Board ensure compliance with statutory and administrative requirements specified in the Scottish Public Finance Manual for the use of public funds;
- provide leadership and commitment to the development and promotion of effectiveness efficiency best value and equality through the Commission and ensure compliance with all legal responsibilities;
- with your colleagues help set the strategic direction of the Commission through developing its Corporate Plan and other strategic documents.
To find out more about the role please watch the below video:
Recruiting new commissioners Scottish Fiscal Commission
You can also to register on the following webinar on Tuesday 20 May from 67pm where you will hear from the Chair of the Scottish Fiscal Commission and have an opportunity to ask questions:
Recruitment Webinar for Potential Commissioners Tickets Tue May 20 2025 at 6:00 PM Eventbrite
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- Analysis interpretation and judgement;
- Knowledge of public spending taxes and public finance;
- Communication and influencing;
- Independence and integrity;
- Experience of governance.
The applicants who most closely meet the requirements being sought will be invited to the final assessment stage.
The closing date for applications is12.00 Tuesday 10 June 2025.
Scottish Ministers particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented on Scotlands public bodies such as women disabled people those from minority ethnic communities and people aged under50. The public appointments process promotes demonstrates and upholds equality of opportunity for all applicants.
Find out more about ourcommitment todiversityand how we offer and supportrecruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.
FURTHER INFORMATION
For an informal discussion regarding the Commissioner rolesyou are welcome to contact Professor Graeme Roy at.
Find out more about public appointments here:Public appointments.
If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the appointments process or further support with your application please contact the Public Appointments Team by email at.
Employment Type
Commission
