Architecture and Design Scotland

Appointment of Members to the Board of Architecture and Design Scotland

Do you want to shape the strategic direction of Architecture and Design Scotland (A&DS) as it begins a new chapter of transformation and increased impact?

A&DS was established as a public body in 2005 and is a national champion for good design of the built environment, helping to shape the places and buildings that influence our lives. The organisation has accomplished a great deal since its inception, helping to embed the benefits of good design across an array of issues and places.

Following a recent government review, A&DS is entering an exciting new chapter. Alongside its continuing actions to champion good design, A&DS will now play a new role to support and develop Scotland’s architecture and design workforce, growing the collective capacity and harnessing the value of design. 

The review also recommended structural reform activity, including nesting A&DS within another public body, to harness opportunities, maximise efficiency and increase impact. 

Scottish Ministers now seek to appoint up to three Board Members who will be key to A&DS delivering the review outcomes and the new ambitions. Members will provide support to the Board Chair, help to steer the organisation’s strategic direction and ensure robust governance in times of reform and change. The role involves strategic thinking, providing vision, inspiration and constructive challenge and the ability to hold others to account.

About The Role

As a Member, you will support the Chair and work alongside your Board colleagues, to ensure A&DS delivers its functions and ambitions, aligning with Scottish Ministers ‘ priorities.

This is a unique opportunity with potential for strategic influence on the role of architecture and design in Scotland.

Hear directly from Mr Angus Robertson, Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, on these role and their importance. 

Remuneration And Time Commitment

Member roles are remunerated at the daily rate of £196.16 per day, providing a yearly remuneration of £4,708. You will also receive reimbursement for reasonable travel expenses and reasonable childcare/carer costs incurred whilst undertaking duties. The appointment is not pensionable.

The time commitment for Members is around 2 days a month (24 days per year). 

This appointment will be for up to 4 years in the first instance. 

It should be noted that the 2025 review of A&DS recommended that the body may be merged or nested within another host public body. Any future changes to the structure of A&DS may have implications for the responsibilities and tenure of the Chair and Board members. 

Skills And Experience

To apply, applicants must submit statement of evidence, using no more than 400 words per criterion and a tailored career history of no more than 500 words.

Your statement of evidence must clearly evidence how you meet at least one of the Priority Criteria (you may provide evidence for both if relevant) and Essential Criterion 1 and 2 – as listed below: 

• Priority Criterion 1 – Understanding the value and impact of architecture and design (max 400 words)
• Priority Criterion 2 - Understanding of climate and sustainability issues as one of A&DS key priorities/aims (max 400 words)
• Essential Criterion 1: Operating at a strategic level (max 400 words)
• Essential Criterion 2: Supporting good governance (max 400 words)

Completed applications must be submitted by 23:55 on Thursday 16 April 2026.