Job Description

NHS WESTERN ISLES

NHS Western Isles is responsible for the protection and the improvement of its population’s health and for the delivery of frontline healthcare services. NHS Western Isles provides a comprehensive range of range of acute, mental health, primary and community services. NHS Western Isles actively works with a wide range of stakeholders including residents, the Local Authority (Comhairle nan Eilean Siar) and third sector organisations to deliver shared services.

NHS Western Isles and the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar are partners in an Integration Joint Board, (IJB), adopting a collaborative approach to provide a seamless Health and Care service in the islands. More information about NHS Western Isles is available here

THE BOARD

The board’s role is to deliver high quality, person-centred care and to improve the health and wellbeing of the people of the Western Isles through robust, accountable and corporate governance systems. We set strategic aims, hold executives to account for the delivery of those aims, determine the level of risk the board is willing to accept, influence the organisation’s culture, and engage with stakeholders on the stewardship of public money and the priorities of the board.

As a non-executive board member, you would be expected to make a full contribution to the work of the board, including participation in its governance committees. More information on the responsibilities of board members is available in the applicant information pack

OUTREACH EVENTS

The Board will be holding informal 'Meet and Greet' information sessions for those interested in becoming a non-executive director. There you will have the opportunity to meet the Chair and non-executive directors of the Board. Details of the “Meet and Greet” dates and locations will be available on the Board website

ROLE CRITERIA

We have two board member positions to fill; due to the nature of the roles, on this occasion we are looking primarily for people who live in the Western Isles

• Role 1 requires deep awareness of the social, cultural and community landscape of the Western Isles;
• Role 2 is a generalist board member role.

Role 1 has a priority criterion which candidates should provide evidence of, in addition to a number of essential criteria. Role 2 does not have a priority criterion for candidates to evidence in addition to the essential criteria.

You should note that if you apply for Role 1, you will also automatically be considered for Role 2 should your evidence of the priority criterion be below the threshold for shortlist. If you are applying for Role 1 but do not wish to be considered for Role 2, please indicate this in your application.

You should review the criteria for appointment in the applicant information pack, and craft your application accordingly.

To apply for these roles, follow these instructions:

1. Download and save the applicant information pack to refer to.
2. Read the ‘person specification’ and ‘how to apply’ section in the pack, and write a supporting statement and career history, noting the absolute word and page limits.
3. Save a copy of your supporting statement and history to your device as one PDF.
4. Navigate back to this job advert and click ‘apply’.
5. Complete the personal information and conflict of interest questions.
6. Attach your PDFs and submit your application by 17:00 on 3rd August 2026
7. Your PDF should be uploaded using the ‘ Drop Resume Here’ box that appears on the Supporting Documents and URLs section, or you can use the link function

8. 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 or 2-page career history, cannot be considered by the panel

REMUNERATION AND TIME COMMITMENT

These positions attract a remuneration rate of £16,244 per annum, plus reasonable expenses. The time commitment will vary week to week, but you must be able to make a firm commitment to spend on average 8 hours per week (52 days per year) on board business. Appointment will be for 4 years.

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.

Scottish ministers particularly welcome applications from groups currently under-represented on Scotland’s public bodies, such as disabled people, those from minority ethnic communities, and people aged under 50. The public appointments process promotes, demonstrates and upholds equality of opportunity for all applicants.

Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.

FURTHER INFORMATION

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 public.appointments@gov.scot

ABOUT US

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