Application PackScotland Committee Member (Ref: CM14)We are seeking new Scotland Committee members to fill four vacancies starting January 2021.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission is the National Equality Body for Scotland, England and Wales. We monitor, promote and enforce compliance with the Equality Act 2010.

We are an “A Status” National Human Rights Institution and share our mandate to promote and protect human rights in Scotland with the Scottish Human Rights Commission.

The role of the Scotland Committee is to ensure that the work of the Commission reflects conditions in Scotland.

Committee members will be expected to commit to 12 days per year to the role. Committee members will be remunerated at £250 per day plus reasonable expenses, as agreed by the Commission.

In recruiting new Committee members we are looking to broaden the interests, diversity and character of the Committee to ensure our work continues to reflect Scotland’s society. We welcome applications from individuals who’s lived or professional experience can make a valuable and distinctive contribution to our work in Scotland. We would especially welcome applications from currently underrepresented groups, including disabled people, LGBT people, young people and Black and Ethnic Minority people.

We will be making the appointments in line with good practice guidelines for Boards.

If you believe you have the skills, commitment and passion to be a member of the Scotland Committee, we would like to hear from you.

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The Equality and Human Rights CommissionThe Equality and Human Rights Commission is Great Britain’s national equality body and has been awarded ‘A’ status as a National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) by the United Nations. We share our mandate to promote and protect human rights in Scotland with the Scottish Human Rights Commission.

Our job is to help make Britain fairer. We do this by safeguarding and enforcing the laws that protect people’s rights to fairness, dignity and respect.

As a statutory non-departmental public body established by the Equality Act 2006, the Commission operates independently. We aim to be an expert and authoritative organisation that is a centre of excellence for evidence, analysis and equality and human rights law. We also aspire to be an essential point of contact for policy makers, public bodies and business.

We use our unique powers to challenge discrimination, promote equality of opportunity and protect and promote human rights. We work with other organisations and individuals to achieve our aims, but are ready to take tough action against those who abuse the rights of others.

Our VisionThe Equality and Human Rights Commission exists to protect and promote equality and human rights in Britain.

We stand up for freedom, compassion and justice in changing times. Our work is driven by a simple belief: if everyone gets a fair chance in life, we all thrive.

As we face a future of ever faster and deeper change, we believe that human rights and equality are more important than ever. They are principles with deep roots, built on values we can all recognise – like open-mindedness, respect for human dignity and being fair and decent to one another.

It’s our job to put these important principles into effect, so that everyone in the country can make the most of their rights, everyone can be treated fairly, with dignity and respect, and everyone has the chance to lead a fulfilling life.

We use a range of different tools and techniques to tackle discrimination, disadvantage and human rights abuses. We can shine a light on issues and their causes through inquiries and research. We can support employers and service

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providers to improve how they work. We can use our unique enforcement powers to require an employer or service provider to act. And we can equip individuals to seek redress, by ensuring they can access good quality legal advice and by supporting legal cases.

Our work reaches every part of England, Scotland and Wales. But we know we can’t do everything and we know we can’t do it alone. That’s why we have to be smart and creative. We have to work in partnership with others. And we have to make tough decisions on where, how and when to spend our time and energy.

Our strategy seeks to ensure that equality and human rights work effectively in Britain to help people live well together, making life safer, happier and more prosperous for all of us.

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The Commission in ScotlandIn Scotland our focus is on making the most of the opportunities presented by devolution and the distinctive legislative and policy framework in order to progress equality and human rights in Scotland.

The Scotland Committee is chaired by Dr Lesley Sawers, the Scotland Commissioner who sits on the Commission Board. The Committee provides informed, impartial and balanced perspectives on a range of sensitive and complex issues.

The role of the Scotland Committee is set out in statute in the UK Equality Act 2006. Committee members understand the social, economic and legal context relating to the Commission’s work in Scotland and are able to apply this to inform the priorities of the Commission in Scotland. They are responsible for:

Overseeing and guiding the work of the Commission in Scotland Advising the Commission on how its policies and programmes affect people

living in Scotland Contributing a Scottish perspective to the Commission’s strategic and business

plans

Advising the Scottish Government on all matters relating to the equality and human rights implications of legislation affecting Scotland in line with our statutory obligations under the Equality Act 2006.

The Committee ensures that the Commission delivers its functions in a manner appropriate to Scotland and that the Commission can learn from the Scottish experience of equality and human rights. In our work on human rights we work closely with the Scottish Human Rights Commission who have responsibility for human rights issues on devolved matters in Scotland.

Committee members support the Scotland Commissioner in delivering those functions delegated to the Scotland Committee.

Further information about the Commission can be found at our website.

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What Committee members have said about the role“Membership of the Scotland statutory committee offers an excellent opportunity to debate issues about equality and social justice, to influence the direction of one of the UK's main "thought-leading" bodies and to help develop a distinct voice for Scotland. It is about making a difference.”

“I enjoy being a member of the Committee because given its overarching remit it requires thinking imaginatively and creatively about what is required to achieve equality and human rights across Scotland.”

“I'd never imagined that I would have an impact on influencing the equality and human rights agenda in Scotland until I became a member of the Equality and Human Rights Commission in Scotland.”

“Being part of the Scotland Committee enables me to have a real insight into bigger picture issues for example being able to contribute to the Commission's strategic priorities across GB for the next three years, being advised of the progress of the latest Equality Bill or discussing such issues with MSPs and the Scottish Government.”

“Being a Committee member provides a unique opportunity to make new contacts, develop your personal skills and engage in interesting and thought provoking debate on current equality issues, whilst ensuring that the work of the EHRC is relevant and responsive to the needs of the people of Scotland.”

“Being a member of the Scotland Committee provides a unique opportunity to influence the direction of the equality agenda within Scotland and develop your skills in a whole range of areas.”

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How the Scotland Committee operatesThe Committee places a great importance on engaging with, listening to and learning from people across Scotland. It engages with a range of people from senior public service managers to equality practitioners and community organisations. The Committee brings people together to hear about their experiences and perspectives to help inform our work.

Outside of these events, Committee members act as ambassadors for the Commission and there are numerous opportunities to represent the organisation and its work. These include through meetings with senior government officials, Members of the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Government Ministers, attending and speaking at relevant conferences and providing strategic advice to staff on projects.

The Committee holds an average of 6 meetings throughout the year.

Each Committee member will be expected to commit to 12 days per year to the role. Committee members will be remunerated at £250 per day plus reasonable expenses, as agreed by the Commission. Appointments will be for between 2-5 years, subject to annual performance appraisal.

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Role DescriptionScotland Committee members’ responsibilities include:

Supporting the Scotland Commissioner and her interaction with Commissioners on the EHRC Board and with the Chair and Chief Executive of the Commission

Contributing to the process of advising the Scottish Government about the equality and human rights impact of legislation affecting Scotland

Contributing to the development of the EHRC’s Strategic and Business plans, to ensure the Scotland context is reflected

Shaping the development of policy and strategic priorities in Scotland and their delivery by staff

Representing the Commission in Scotland, including stakeholder and community engagement

Engaging with other EHRC Committees.

Committee Members will be expected to adhere to the Commission’s Governance Manual.

All Committee members must demonstrate a commitment to the Nolan seven principles of public life: Selflessness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Honesty and Leadership

Values and BehavioursAs a group, the Scotland Committee takes pride in being aspirational, inclusive, practical and challenging, influential and persuasive.

An important part of the role of the Committee is to be Ambassadors for the Commission, sharing our evidence; championing good practice and bringing people together to listen, learn and to amplify the voice of those less often heard.

We will be looking for these qualities in new members.

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Person SpecificationThese are the criteria you need to meet to be a Committee member. In your written application please provide evidence showing how you meet the criteria and how you demonstrate the Scotland Committee’s values and behaviours.

Essential Criteria – please provide evidence of your:

1. Commitment to, and understanding of, the context of the equality and human rights across Britain and particularly in Scotland

2. Practical understanding of the social, economic, cultural and legal context in Scotland

3. Ability to work in partnership and engage with a wide range of people and organisations in Scotland to deliver improvements

4. Understanding of and commitment to good governance.

Desireable Criteria – ideally you will have:

Knowledge, skills and/or experience in one or more of the areas listed below:

Lived Experience in one or more of the protected characteristics Communities and Civic Society Public sector Economy, Legal or Business Charity or Voluntary Sector Experience of how a regulator operates Human Rights

Experience in representing an organisation or community group.

In this round of recruitment we would welcome applications from those who can broaden the diversity of our Committee, particularly in relation to:

Disabled people, LGBT people, young people and Black and Ethnic Minority people

Covering the regions of Scotland

Sector of experience – private, public, voluntary, community.

Please make this clear in your Curriculum Vitae (CV) or statement of suitability.

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How to applyTo apply, please send an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae and supporting statement of no more than 1,000 words in total, outlining how you believe you meet the essential and desirable criteria.

Where you give examples, these can be taken from any aspect of your life that you consider most relevant. Wherever possible, however, we would recommend that you use an example of a recent event, ideally within the last 2 to 3 years.

As well as the CV and supporting statement please also:

complete the Declaration of Interest form (p. 11) provide details for two referees (p. 12) complete the monitoring information form (pp. 13-16) complete the Guaranteed Interview Scheme declaration, if applicable (p. 17) provide details of any reasonable adjustments, if applicable (pp. 17-18)

complete the declaration (p. 18).

Completion of the monitoring information form is not mandatory. If you choose to complete this form, you will assist the Commission in monitoring our efforts towards achieving an inclusive and diverse workforce and it may be used as part of the selection process in instances where it is lawful to take positive action. Completed forms will be treated in accordance with Data Protection Legislation and the Commission’s privacy notice.

Please send your completed application to: scotland@equalityhumanrights.com by 12.00 noon on the closing date, Monday 12th October 2020.

If you are unable to make an electronic application, please contact Ruth Latusek on 0141 228 5910.

Interview dates: Thursday 12th and Friday 13th November (shortlisted candidates will be asked to attend at one of these dates).

Please note. Interviews may be held online due to social distancing requirements in accordance with Scottish Government Coronavirus (Covid-19) guidance and measures taken by the Commission.

We will not be able to consider any applications received after the closing date.

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Contact InformationThank you for expressing an interest in the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

If you have any further queries or questions please contact us on one of the following:

E-mail: scotland@equalityhumanrights.com

Telephone: 0141 228 5910

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Declaration of Interest

Do you have any business or personal interests that might be relevant to the work of the Equality and Human Rights Commission and which could lead to a real or perceived conflict of interests were you to be appointed?

☐ Yes ☐ No

If yes, please specify:

Declaration

I declare that the information given on this form is correct. I understand that, if appointed, any false information later revealed may

invalidate any subsequent contract of employment. Any data relating to you will be treated in the strictest confidence. It will be held

and processed in accordance with our privacy notice. All data relating to unsuccessful candidates will be securely retained for 12 months after which it will be destroyed. If you do not consent to your data being held for this period you must notify The People Team of this in writing with this application.

Signature

Print name

Date

Please return completed application forms by the specified deadline to:

Email: Scotland@equalityhumanrights.com

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References

Please note referees will be contacted only once you have accepted a provisional offer, by returning this form you are giving your permission to contact the referees at the stated time.

We require a minimum of two satisfactory references.

Relatives must not be used.

Referee 1

Full name

Occupation

Full address (Including country if overseas)

Email address

Telephone number (Including dialling codes)

Referee 2

Full name

Occupation

Full address (Including country if overseas)

Email address

Telephone number (Including dialling codes)

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Monitoring InformationThe Equality and Human Rights Commission is committed to treating all applicants equally based on their merits regardless of age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion or sexual orientation.

Completing this section of the application will assist us in monitoring our efforts towards achieving an inclusive and diverse organisation.

Equal Opportunities

What is your sex? ☐ Male ☐ Female

☐ Prefer not to say

Is your present gender the same as the one assigned at birth?

☐ Yes ☐ No

☐ Prefer not to say

Are you married or in a civil partnership?

☐ Yes ☐ No

☐ Prefer not to say

Age ☐ 16 - 24 ☐ 45 - 54

☐ 25 - 34 ☐ 55 - 64

☐ 35 - 44 ☐ 65 +

☐ Prefer not to say

What is your ethnic White

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background? ☐ English ☐ Scottish

☐ Welsh ☐ Irish

☐ Northern Irish ☐ Gypsy/Irish Traveller

☐ Any other white background

Mixed

☐ White and Asian ☐ White and Black

☐ White and Black African

☐ Any other mixed background

Asian or Asian British

☐ Indian ☐ Pakistani

☐ Bangladeshi ☐ Chinese

☐ Any other Asian background

Black or Black British

☐ African ☐ Caribbean

☐ Any other Black background

Other ethnic group:

☐ Arab ☐ Any other ethnic group

☐ Prefer not to say

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Do you consider yourself to be disabled?

Section 6(1) of the Equality Act 2010 states that a person has a disability if: That person has a physical or mental impairment, and The impairment has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on that person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.

☐ Yes ☐ No

☐ Prefer not to say

What is your sexual orientation?

☐ Heterosexual ☐ Other

☐ Gay / lesbian ☐ Prefer not to say

☐ Bisexual

What are your religious beliefs?

☐ Buddhist ☐ Sikh

☐ Christian ☐ Other religion

☐ Hindu ☐ No religion

☐ Jewish ☐ Prefer not to say

☐ Muslim

Do you have caring responsibilities?

☐ Primary carer of a child or children (under 18)

☐ Primary carer of disabled child or children

☐ Primary carer of disabled adult (18 and above)

☐ Primary carer of older person (65 and above)

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☐ Secondary carer ☐ None

☐ Prefer not to say

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Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS)The Equality and Human Rights Commission operates a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled people as defined in the Equality Act 2010 (EA). If you apply under this scheme you must demonstrate in your application for employment that you meet the minimum criteria for the role. You will then be invited to the first stage interview for the position.

I consider myself to have a disability as defined above and want to apply under the guaranteed interview scheme.

I consider myself to have a disability as defined under the Equality Act (2010) and want to apply under the GIS scheme

☐ Yes ☐ No

Reasonable adjustments or assistance during the recruitment process

To ensure we do not create any barriers in our recruitment process and to help us implement our equal opportunities policy effectively, please let us know if you would like us to provide any particular assistance or if require any reasonable adjustments for any part of our application and selection process, such as:

(Please tick any appropriate boxes)

☐ Induction loop

☐ Keyboard for written tests

☐ Someone with you at the interview (e.g. speech facilitator)

☐ Car parking

☐ Assistance in and out of a vehicle

☐ Wheelchair access

☐ Accessible toilet facilities

☐ Other assistance or reasonable adjustments (please specify)

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If you have equipment of your own which you would like to bring to help you to compete on equal terms either at the interview or in an assessment, please give details below:

     

Declaration

I declare that the information given in this section is correct I understand that a false declaration under the GIS to obtain a guaranteed

interview, which results in employment, may invalidate any subsequent contract of employment.

Signature

Print name

Date

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