The Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) is Scotland’s charity regulator and registrar for Scotland’s 25,000 charities. OSCR’s vision is for a trusted and respected charity sector that contributes positively to society. They believe that the Scottish public should have confidence that the country’s charities are well run, and that this allows these vital organisations to thrive and cement their place at the heart of our day-to-day life.
OSCR’s Board sets the strategic direction and ensures effective governance of Scotland’s charity regulator. OSCR is a Non-Ministerial Office, part of the Scottish Administration but independent from the Scottish Government, and accountable to the Scottish Parliament.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Scottish Ministers are seeking a Chair to provide strong, effective and inclusive leadership to the Board of OSCR. The Chair plays a pivotal role in guiding the organisation’s strategic direction, ensuring that OSCR fulfils its statutory responsibilities and remains responsive to the evolving needs of the sector it regulates.
Working closely with the Chief Executive and fellow Board members, the Chair will ensure robust governance and accountability. This includes leading the Board in setting priorities, supporting and constructively challenging the executive, and overseeing organisational and financial performance. The Chair will also ensure that the Board operates effectively, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture.
The Chair acts as a key external representative for OSCR, engaging with stakeholders including government, the charity sector, Parliament and the public. The role requires sound judgement, strong leadership and the ability to balance support and challenge.
An online information session will be held on 20 July 2026, 12:30 pm where you are invited to ask questions about the role. For more details and to register, click here
Further information
Find out more about OSCR and what they do by visiting their website - About OSCRYou can also find out more about how they regulate here - How we regulate
If you would like to discuss this opportunity please get in touch with Quentin Fisher, Interim Chief Executive via email Quentin.Fisher@oscr.org.uk
REMUNERATION AND TIME COMMITMENT
The Chair of the Board receives £308.64 per day. Expenses incurred as a result of carrying out the duties of the appointment, including reasonable travel and subsistence costs and dependant carer expenses, will be reimbursed. The appointment is non-pensionable.
The appointment is for a period of four years. The time commitment is approximately five days per month including preparation time at home, meetings, travel, engagements and development. Preparation time at home can be done outside traditional office hours and time spent does not have to be in full day blocks.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Essential Criteria
We are seeking candidates who meet the following criteria:
Current or recent chairing experience at a senior level
Strategic leadership experience
Demonstrable experience of ensuring effective governance
Experience of regulation in a senior capacity, and an understanding of the underpinning legal framework
Developed ability in building relationships, influencing and communication
APPLICANT INFORMATION PACK
To assist in your application, please read the Applicant Information PackThe Pack includes further information on the role and additional details on the criteria being assessed.
TO APPLY FOR THESE ROLES, FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS:
Download and save the ’Applicant Information Pack’.
Click ‘Apply Now’ on the advert.
Complete the personal information and conflict of interest questions.
Add evidence in each box relating to criteria 1 – 4, noting the word counts for each section.
Add evidence against the box relating to your Tailored Career History.
Follow the instructions and click submit.
PLEASE NOTE you do not have the option to edit your application once you click ‘submit’. You must have all your information to hand before submitting your application.
Full details on how to apply, and the evidence that should be submitted at the application stage, are set out at pages 7 – 10 of the Applicant Information Pack.
Completed applications must be submitted by 23:55 on 20 August 2026.
ABOUT PUBLIC APPOINTMENTS
Public appointments are made by Scottish Ministers. The appointments process is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner you can find out more about the Commissioner here: Public appointments | Ethical Standards Commissioner
EQUALITY STATEMENT
Scottish Ministers value highly the benefits of diverse Public Body Boards. People from all walks of life are encouraged to apply for public appointments.
Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.
If you have a disability and require an adjustment at any stage of the public appointments process, please get in touch with the Scottish Government, Public Appointments Team by email at public.appointments@gov.scot
FURTHER INFORMATION
FAQ’s about the application process is here: Public Appointments - Frequently Asked Questions
Guidance to support applicants is here: Public appointments - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
If you experience any difficulties, please contact the Public Appointments Team by email at Public.appointments@gov.scot
The devolved government for Scotland is responsible for matters that are devolved from Westminster. Areas of responsibility include the economy, health, education, justice, rural affairs, environment, and transport.
