Appointment of Chair to Board Scottish Charity Regulator

The Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) is Scotland’s charity regulator and registrar for Scotland’s 25,000 charities. OSCR’s vision is for a trusted and respected charity sector that contributes positively to society. They believe that the Scottish public should have confidence that the country’s charities are well run, and that this allows these vital organisations to thrive and cement their place at the heart of our day‑to‑day life.

OSCR’s Board sets the strategic direction and ensures effective governance of Scotland’s charity regulator. OSCR is a Non‑Ministerial Office, part of the Scottish Administration but independent from the Scottish Government, and accountable to the Scottish Parliament.

Scottish Ministers are seeking a Chair to provide strong, effective and inclusive leadership to the Board of OSCR. The Chair plays a pivotal role in guiding the organisation’s strategic direction, ensuring that OSCR fulfils its statutory responsibilities and remains responsive to the evolving needs of the sector it regulates.

Working closely with the Chief Executive and fellow Board members, the Chair will ensure robust governance and accountability. This includes leading the Board in setting priorities, supporting and constructively challenging the executive, and overseeing organisational and financial performance. The Chair will also ensure that the Board operates effectively, fostering a collaborative and high‑performing culture.

The Chair acts as a key external representative for OSCR, engaging with stakeholders including government, the charity sector, Parliament and the public. The role requires sound judgement, strong leadership and the ability to balance support and challenge.

An online information session will be held on 20 July 2026 at 12:30 pm where you are invited to ask questions about the role.

Find out more about OSCR and what it does by visiting its website. You can also find out more about how it regulates.

If you would like to discuss this opportunity please get in touch with Quentin Fisher, Interim Chief Executive via email at

The Chair of the Board receives £308.64 per day. Expenses incurred as a result of carrying out the duties of the appointment, including reasonable travel and subsistence costs and dependant carer expenses, will be reimbursed. The appointment is non‑pensionable.

The appointment is for a period of four years. The time commitment is approximately five days per month, including preparation time at home, meetings, travel, engagements and development. Preparation time at home can be done outside traditional office hours and does not have to be in full day blocks.

• Current or recent chairing experience at a senior level
• Strategic leadership experience
• Demonstrable experience of ensuring effective governance
• Experience of regulation in a senior capacity, and an understanding of the underpinning legal framework
• Developed ability in building relationships, influencing and communication

To assist in your application, please read the Applicant Information Pack. The Pack includes further information on the role and additional details on the criteria being assessed.

• Download and save the ‘Applicant Information Pack’.
• Click ‘Apply Now’ on the advert.
• Complete the personal information and conflict of interest questions.
• Add evidence in each box relating to criteria 1 – 4, noting the word counts for each section.
• Add evidence against the box relating to your tailored career history.
• Follow the instructions and click submit.
• Please note you do not have the option to edit your application once you click ‘submit’. You must have all your information to hand before submitting.

Full details on how to apply, and the evidence that should be submitted at the application stage, are set out on pages 7 – 10 of the Applicant Information Pack.

Completed applications must be submitted by 23:55 on 20 August 2026.

Scottish Ministers value the benefits of diverse Public Body Boards. People from all walks of life are encouraged to apply for public appointments. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them. If you have a disability and require an adjustment at any stage of the public appointments process, please get in touch with the Scottish Government, Public Appointments Team by email ointmentst.

• FAQs about the application process can be found on the Public Appointments website.
• Guidance to support applicants is available on the Public Appointments website.
• If you experience any difficulties, please contact the Public Appointments Team by email ointmentst.