August 10, 2016
Who’s up for being a Land Commissioner?
How quickly things change. Before the Land Reform Review Group reported in 2014, Government interest in land reform was thought to be adrift in the political doldrums. And yet today, a progressive programme of land reform is being seen as a central plank of Scottish Government policy. Recognising that land reform is both long term and multi-dimensional, the Government has committed itself to establishing a new mechanism to safeguard against any loss of momentum in the future. The call is out for candidates to become Scotland’s first Land Commissioners.
A Scottish Land Commission is to be set up in terms of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016. The members will be five “Land Commissioners” and a “Tenant Farming Commissioner”.
The Commission will conduct studies and research into the effect of law, policies and practices which will help form the evidence base for any future land reform measures to be introduced by the Scottish Government.
The Commission’s remit will extend to urban and rural land in Scotland and will cover all matters relating to land, including ownership, land rights, land management and the use of land. The establishment of the Scottish Land Commission will contribute to the Scottish Government’s ambition to ensure that the nation’s urban and rural land delivers prosperity and sustainable growth for all parts of Scotland.
As a Land Commissioner, you will have the opportunity to help shape and develop the way that policies on matters relating to urban and rural land are researched, reviewed and understood, and how advice is given to Ministers and the Scottish Parliament.
This is a non-executive post that will be supported by a small team of full-time staff.
The Scottish Land Commission is due to open on 1 April 2017 with appointments to Commissioner posts expected to be made by the end of December 2016.
Experience and expertise sought
If you have experience or expertise in any of the following areas, as well as the ability to think strategically and lead an organisation, then we want to hear from you:
• land reform,
• law,
• finance,
• economic issues,
• planning and development,
• land management,
• community empowerment,
• environmental issues,
• human rights,
• equal opportunities,
• the reduction of inequalities of outcome which result from socio-economic disadvantage
Scottish Ministers are keen to recruit people from a variety of backgrounds and professions and welcome applications from Gaelic speakers
The five Land Commissioners and the Tenant Farming Commissioner will be appointed by Scottish Ministers and the appointments will be subject to approval by the Scottish Parliament.
Time commitment
You will be expected to be able to commit to working 2 days per month in this role (up to a maximum of 24 days over a year). It is envisaged that additional days may be needed during the initial operating period of the Scottish Land Commission.
Remuneration and expenses
The appointment attracts a fee of £200 per day plus expenses incurred as a result of carrying out the duties of the appointment, including reasonable travel and subsistence outwith travel to Board meetings.
Dependent carer and childcare expenses will be reimbursed.
Term of appointment
Initial appointment terms will be staggered and will be for no longer than 5 years. It is likely that Ministers will offer appointments for 3,4 and 5 years and this will be discussed with applicants at the interview stage.
Successful candidates will be eligible for reappointment at the end of their term, subject to a fair and open appointments process.
Application Information