Appointment of Members of the Board of South of Scotland Enterprise

Scottish Ministers value very highly the benefits of having different experience and points of view on our Boards and we are keen that people from all walks of life apply for public appointments. Scottish Ministers particularly welcome applications from women, disabled people, LGBT+ people, people from ethnic minority communities, and people aged under50.

If you have a disability and require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the appointments process or if you require further support with your application, please contact the Scottish Government, Public Appointments Team by email at .

SOUTH OF SCOTLAND ENTERPRISE

South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) is the dedicated economic and community development agency for the South of Scotland.

Recently celebrating its fifth anniversary, SOSE has led the way in responding to the unique opportunities and challenges in the South of Scotland.

Aims, Vision and Role

With a focus on growing the economy, both regionally and nationally, SOSE works closely with the Scottish Government and partners to build on Scotland's entrepreneurial strengths, boosting innovation and productivity, supporting trade and exports and attracting investment. By working with communities and social enterprises through its place based activities, they maximise their contribution to economic growth and to tackling inequalities.

More widely, SOSE works to help support and deliver the actions set out in the Programme for Government to deliver on the Scottish Government's four main priorities of growing the economy, eradicating child poverty, tackling climate emergency and ensuring high quality and sustainable public services.

MEMBER ROLES

The main duties of SOSE board members are to provide leadership, governance, direction, support, and guidance, to ensure that SOSE delivers its functions effectively and efficiently and in accordance with the aims, policies and priorities of Scottish Ministers.

Members' corporate responsibilities, under the leadership of the SOSEChair, include:

• ensuring that SOSE's corporate plan reflects its strategic aims, objectives and key targets as agreed by the Scottish Ministers and focusing on how its work can most effectively contribute to the achievement of the National Performance Framework and the annual Programme for Government in collaboration with the Scottish Government and other public bodies;
• regularly scrutinising current and projected performance against the aims, objectives and targets set out in SOSE's corporate plans and taking decisions on remedial action where required;
• ensuring that decision taking is open and transparent and that effective arrangements are in place to provide assurance on governance, internal control, and risk management. The Board must set up an Audit Committee, chaired by a non executive member, to provide independent advice and assurance on the effectiveness of the internal control and risk management systems;
• approving the annual report and accounts and ensuring these are provided to the Scottish Ministers to be laid before the Scottish Parliament;
• promoting the efficient, economic and effective use of staff and other resources consistent with the principles of Best Value, including participation in shared services where appropriate;
• regularly scrutinising financial performance and compliance with financial guidance issued by the Scottish Government;
• appointing, with the approval of the Scottish Ministers, SOSE's Chief Executive and ensuring that the Chief Executive's objectives give due weight to the proper management and use of resources and the delivery of outcomes;
• promoting the wellbeing, learning and development of staff, providing support and challenge to the Chief Executive on staffing matters and ensuring that SOSE meets its staff management responsibilities.

Board members will also be expected to demonstrate a willingness to develop an understanding of SOSE's operations.