Non-Executive Directors

At 105 years old Lothian is one of Edinburgh’s finest achievements. For generations, the company have provided transport to the people of Scotland’s capital city and the surrounding Lothian regions. Its purpose is to deliver a world class, socially inclusive and sustainable public transport network.

Lothian Buses Ltd operate a group structure and comprises 3 constituent parts: the core bus business, providing more than 70 scheduled services in Edinburgh and across the Lothians; Edinburgh Bus Tours, one of Scotland’s most popular tourist attractions; and Lothian Motorcoaches and Eve Coaches, both private hire coach operators.

Lothian is 91% owned by the City of Edinburgh Council with the remaining shareholding split between the Local Authorities in East Lothian, West Lothian and Midlothian.

The Board comprises Non-Executive and Executive Directors and operates on an arm’s length basis from its local authority shareholders (ALEO). This long-established arrangement coupled with the business acumen and extensive experience of the company’s Executive team is the basis of Lothian’s industry leading status and wider commercial success.

It is an exciting time to join Lothian Buses and to play an instrumental part in the next chapter of our story.

Lothian Buses is an award-winning operator with a well-known reputation for unparalleled excellence. As an employer of choice, Lothian seek to deliver a sustainable, reliable and fully integrated public transport network which takes into account the changing needs of our customers and the aspirations of our shareholders. The delivery and development of the current business plan will further enhance the reputation of public transport in Edinburgh and the Lothians as a national exemplar. With a strong intent to transition to a multi-modal transport company, the Board sees new opportunities for positive growth and development.

The Lothian Board comprises seven independent Non-Executive Directors. We are seeking 3-4 new Non-Executive Directors to help drive the business forward.

This recruitment process is being undertaken by Lothian Board’s Nominations Committee with the further involvement of the City of Edinburgh Council as Majority Shareholder.

As a Lothian Non-Executive Director successful candidates will be expected to:

• Positively challenge management’s performance in meeting agreed goals and objectives and the monitoring of performance
• Ensure that the shareholders’ best interests and policy objectives are being considered in the Board’s decision-making
• Satisfy themselves on the integrity of financial
• Satisfy themselves that controls and risk management systems are robust and
• Provide advice, guidance and challenge to the strategic direction and transformation of the business.
• Undertake all duties with integrity and represent the Company’s value both inside and outside of the Boardroom.

Comply with Company policies and procedures, including anti-corruption and

Successful candidates will meet the following essential criteria and ideally one or more of the desirable criteria:

Essential:

• Understand the competitive nature of the business and have an appreciation of its commercial basis.
• The ability to think strategically and to analyse complex business planning issues.
• The ability to demonstrate independent judgement and an ability to communicate with impact to challenge constructively.
• Strong interpersonal and management
• Strong leadership and influencing
• The ability to manage the overall direction of the company within the policies and resources set by the organisation and its shareholders.
• The ability to promote the highest standards of propriety and efficient use of resources within the company.
• Understanding of shareholders’/stakeholders’
• A strong company corporate governance

Desirable:

• Understanding and/or experience of Board working as an Executive or Non-Executive Director.
• Transport Industry experience, including Light Rail, Operations and Compliance (essential for at least one of the roles).
• Digital transformation, strategy and delivery
• Understanding and appreciation of customer experience and perspective in transport or other sectors.

Period of Appointment

New Non-Executive Directors will be appointed for 3 years with the possibility of re-appointment beyond this period.

Time Commitment Non-Executive Directors will attend formal Board meetings (currently four per annum) and will be expected to serve on one or more Board Sub-Committees. The Board also convenes annually as part of a Strategy Day. Preparation time will be necessary in connection with each meeting. Board members may be asked to take part in other activities throughout the year, including training days, stakeholder events and ad hoc meetings to support the business. New Board members will also take part in a Board induction, training and familiarisation programme.

Remuneration and Allowances

To support this recruitment process a recent independent benchmarking of Non-Executive Director remuneration has been completed with final recommendations supported by the company’s shareholders. It is anticipated that these recommendations will be enacted during 2024 and are as follows:

• Non-Executive Directors: £15,000
• Senior Independent Director and Committee Chairs additional payment: £1,000

In addition, all reasonable travel and subsistence expenditures incurred in relation to company duties will be reimbursed. All monies paid are taxable and appointments do not carry any entitlement to superannuation benefits.

Please note that the closing date for applications has now passed.