Chair, Scotland Advisory Committee

The opportunity

We are seeking an individual with experience in senior roles in Scotland who, as Chair, will lead the Scotland Advisory Committee in its pursuit of the objectives set out in the terms of reference. You will advise Director, British Council Scotland in a non-executive capacity to maximise the impact that British Council can make in and for Scotland and you will advocate for the British Council’s work.

About us

The British Council is the United Kingdom's international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide.

To help us with the quality and independence of our thinking, we draw on the expert advice of both our sector advisory groups and our three UK country advisory committees. The Scotland Advisory Committee advises Director, British Council Scotland and influences how the British Council’s vision and strategy are developed.

In Scotland, we focus primarily on education and arts.  Working closely with Scottish partners and across the British Council network and we aim to:

• Ensure key stakeholders and potential beneficiaries in Scotland are aware of and supported to fully engage with the British Council’s education and arts offers.
• Support the Scottish government and education and arts sectors’ international ambitions
• Contribute positively and visibly to the national debate on internationalizing education and the arts in Scotland.
• Ensure that the British Council’s global work is informed by a distinctive Scottish voice  and Scotland is well represented in our UK offer.

The British Council draws on strategic advice from three Country Advisory Committees - for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Our equality diversity and inclusion commitment

The British Council is committed to policies and practices of equality, diversity and inclusion across everything we do. We are actively working to improve diversity across all our governance structures so that they reflect the societies in which we work. We support all staff to make sure their behaviour is consistent with this commitment. We want to address underrepresentation and we encourage applicants from under-represented groups, in particular, but not exclusively, on grounds of ethnicity and disability. All disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria are guaranteed an interview and we have Disability Confident Employer status. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities.

Terms and conditions

The Chair is appointed for a three-year period, renewable for a second three-year term. The role is not remunerated but reasonable UK travel and expenses will be reimbursed at standard British Council rates. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.

For the person specification and further details about this post, please see the role profile and terms of reference below.