Non-Executive Director

Zero Waste Scotland exists to lead Scotland to use products and resources responsibly, focusing on where we can have the greatest impact on climate change. Using evidence and insight, our goal is to inform policy and motivate individuals, and businesses, to embrace the environmental, economic, and social benefits of a circular economy.

We are currently a not-for-profit company, limited by guarantee and predominately funded by the Scottish Government. Our recent formal classification as a Public Sector organisation brings new opportunities, which we will embrace through a robust and strategic transition. This, alongside the development of a new Corporate Plan, to be launched in October 2024, means that Zero Waste Scotland (ZWS) is entering an exceptionally exciting period of change.

ZWS is recognised as a leader in delivering specialist expertise and services across both the public and private sectors. With c.180 staff and a budget of over c. £37 million (which includes the Recycling Improvement Fund, administered on behalf of Scottish Government), we are working towards delivering four key strategic outcomes, as outlined in our Corporate Plan 2019 -23 which include:

• Responsible consumption – ensuring demands for products and services respect the limits of natural resources;
• Responsible production – where a circular economy is embraced;  Maximising value from waste – where the environmental and economic value of wasted resources and energy is harnessed efficiently; and
• Transforming ZWS – becoming the leading organisation in driving radical change in behaviours towards products & resources.

Our Board members play a critical role in setting the organisational strategy for ZWS, ensuring we stay strategically aligned, overseeing delivery of the Corporate Plan and ultimately achieving our vision of zero waste.

For this important role, we are seeking an individual who is both passionate about our mission and purpose and who has the breadth of technical skills and depth of expertise to help us realise our role in Scotland’s circular journey. The role of a Non-Executive Board Member is wide ranging and incredibly rewarding.

You will bring with you proven senior leadership experience in the private, public or voluntary sectors with main board experience. You will have the opportunity to work with a skilled Board, engage with first-rate Scottish Government partners and provide strategic support and guidance to an organisation that is filled with enthusiasm, expertise and some of Scotland’s most talented circular economy specialists.

• Entrepreneurial thinking with strong commercial drive and business acumen.
• Building strong relationships with partner organisations to identify and commercialise mutually beneficial opportunities
• Attention to detail and the ability to analyse, interrogate and challenge data
• Strategic thinking and leadership – the ability to look ahead and consider issues/topics beyond own specialisation, and the ability to influence a range of stakeholders, preferably with some experience of engaging with Government and regulatory bodies
• Communication and collaboration – the ability to inspire trust, communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders and operate in an inclusive manner

Members of the Board receive £279.92 per day remuneration.

Expenses incurred as a result of carrying out the duties of the appointment, including reasonable travel and subsistence costs and dependent carer and childcare expenses, will be reimbursed.

The appointment is non-pensionable.

The Non-Executive Director is expected to devote between a minimum of 24 days and a maximum of 30 days per year to the role, including preparation at home, and attendance at meetings and events.

There are four formal Board meetings per annum, one Annual General Meeting and, if appointed to a Board Sub-Committee, four Sub-Committee meetings per annum. A strategy day is also held at least once per annum. Informal monthly Board meetings are held in months where there is no formal meeting (these last approximately 2 hours).

The appointment is initially for three years, with the possibility of reappointment, subject to evidence of effective performance and satisfying the skills and knowledge required at the time of reappointment and beyond.

Please click here to view the candidate brochure.