Northern Lighthouse Board – Non-executive Director

Scottish Ministers are seeking to appoint a suitably experienced individual to join the Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB) as a Non-Executive Director (Commissioner). This is a unique role which offers the exciting opportunity to contribute to the strategic leadership and governance of the NLB in the delivery of a critical safety service to all mariners. The appointed Commissioner will have contact with Transport Scotland, providing independent feedback as necessary.

NLB is a highly respected leader in the provision of Marine Aids to Navigation and is the General Lighthouse Authority responsible for the management and provision of around 400 Marine Aids to Navigation in Scotland and the Isle of Man. NLB is designated as an Arm’s Length Body (ALB) of the UK Department for Transport.

The Governance Board and its subordinate committees meet in Edinburgh and occasionally Oban, with some meetings being accessible virtually. Commissioners are required to visit Lighthouses and other Aids to Navigation throughout Scotland and the Isle of Man by road, sea and air. There will be a requirement to undertake Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET).

The Scottish Ministerial appointed Commissioner will serve for a three-year term with the option of renewal subject to performance.

The successful candidate is expected to take up their appointment on 1 April 2025 with a time commitment of approximately 20 days annually, including time at sea, on NLB business.

Remuneration of £11,703 is payable and is not superannuable.

The successful candidate must have the following skills and experience which will be tested at interview:

1. Proven senior leadership in the private, public or voluntary sectors, with main board-level experience as an executive or non-executive.
2. Ability to analyse complex issues, particularly around finance and risk management, reach sound strategic judgements and provide impartial input at Board level.
3. An excellent understanding of governance, particularly in the context of the public sector and the role of the Board in overseeing the performance of organisations and holding the executive to account for meeting its objectives.
4. High emotional intelligence and an engaging collaborative working style able to adapt to a wide range of stakeholders.
5. Ability to challenge constructively and influence decision making within a board setting.
6. Ability to think strategically and contribute to the development of innovative and creative solutions to strategic issues.

This is a public appointment made by NLB, upon the nomination of Scottish Ministers. NLB and Transport Scotland are committed to the principles of appointments based on merit with independent assessment, openness and transparency of process. In particular, they are committed to addressing the under-representation of women, ethnic minorities and people with disabilities who have the required skills and experience. All applicants are expected to adhere to the Seven Principles of Public Life. This process is regulated by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments’ (OCPA‘s) Code of Practice.

The successful candidate will be required to attend a Safety Critical Medical Assessment every two years which NLB will arrange.

Applications should include a short summary (no more than 2 pages) setting out how the applicant considers they meet the attributes listed above, along with a full CV highlighting experience relevant to the post. 

Applications should be submitted to jobs@nlb.org.uk and arrive no later than 25 September 2024.