NHS board chair recruitment support

Why NHSScotland is recruiting board chairs

A range of NHS Scotland chair opportunities are coming up in 2025/26. This means that there will be vacancies in our regional and national boards.

7 steps of the board chair assessment process

The assessment process will happen as follows:  

1. The selection panel will assess all applications against the appointment criteria set out within the person specification. Those who demonstrate evidence that most closely meet the criteria tested at this stage will be shortlisted for interview.
   
   
2. The final assessment stage will include the following:
   • A situational role-play will be conducted before the interview date.
   • A verbal presentation at the interview on a topic notified to candidates in advance.
   • Interview questions related directly to the criteria for appointment.
     
     
3. The selection panel will also ask questions relevant to the Principles of Public Life in Scotland, Members’ Code of Conduct, and the Fit and Proper Person test [PDF].
   
   
4. Once all the interviews are complete, the selection panel will review the evidence provided. They will then agree on which candidates most closely meet the selection criteria and should be recommended to the appointing Minister.
   
   
5. The appointing Minister will decide who to appoint based on evidence from the selection panel. The appointing Minister may request to meet with candidates before making a final decision.
   
   
6. The appointing Minister will make the final decision on the appointment. For candidates being recommended, the selection panel will provide the Minister with a summary of the evidence gathered during the process. If the Minister chooses to meet the candidates, they may do so before making a final decision. All candidates interviewed will be informed in writing of the outcome and offered feedback.
   
   
7. Membership of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme is required for this role. Proposed appointees will be asked to complete pre-appointment checks, including a Level 2 Disclosure Check with PVG. There is no charge for this. Appointment is conditional on satisfactory completion of these and confirmation of PVG Scheme Membership. 

The chair appointment rounds will guarantee interviews for disabled people who meet the criteria for the role being tested at the application stage. To be eligible, you must have a physical or mental impairment or a health condition that substantially affects your ability to carry out day-to-day activities.

Social media checks

The panel may look at publicly available social media posts by candidates. If anything relevant to the role or the appointment process is found, it will be discussed with the candidate at the interview. Any concerns will be considered openly and fairly, and candidates will have a chance to respond.

Find out more about social media checks.