Appointment of Non-Executive Board Member of Scottish Canals

Appointment of Non-Executive Board Member of Scottish Canals

Scottish Canals are the custodians of Scotland’s canal network and surrounding estates. Our vision is to care for and invest in the canal network to generate lasting benefit for people and communities; celebrating their industrial heritage, ensuring they offer quality green and blue spaces for people and communities and contribute to Scotland’s resilience in tackling climate change.

Our success is rooted in valuing the contributions of our entire team - we care, we create, and we collaborate to continue to deliver a whole range of activities from boating, paddling, walking and wheeling to living and playing and improving what the canals have to offer to our visitors and communities. We also work with partners and stakeholders to contribute to a wealthier, fairer, greener and more resilient Scotland.

As an employer we offer a truly unique opportunity to be part of our team, help us realise our vision and contribute to looking after our heritage and ensuring our canals flourish now and in the future.

Appointment commencing on 1 July 2026

Roles and responsibilities

The Non-Executive Board Member is expected to provide strategic direction and challenge to the organisation in line with Scottish Ministers’ priorities. They will also maintain high standards of corporate governance and financial probity. They will develop and maintain an appreciation of the political and policy context and of the needs and interests of canal users and surrounding communities. 

Scottish Canals

Scottish Canals is the operating name of the British Waterways Board in Scotland.  Scottish Canals, operating as a non-departmental public body, operates and manages all five canals in Scotland: the Forth & Clyde, Union and Monkland Canals in the Lowlands, the Crinan Canal in Argyll, and the Caledonian Canal in the Highlands. Scotland's canals and their towpaths provide a stunning setting for sailing, boating, paddle sports, walking and cycling.

Scotland’s canals were built hundreds of years ago, but they are contributing to the contemporary prosperity of our country in an increasingly diverse number of ways.  Our canals offer access to green and blue space in urban areas, and community hubs in rural areas. Scotland’s canals are places where people can escape to nature, while also offering unique opportunities to address challenges such as climate change, health inequality and mental wellbeing.

The increasing environmental impact of climate change is being observed first-hand on Scotland’s canals network.  Scottish Canals is working with partners to find sustainable solutions to these challenges and have an ambition to reach net zero on direct carbon emissions by 2030.

As well as their primary role of providing leisure and active travel opportunities, they stimulate multi-million pound regeneration and development, support Scotland’s tourism and destination economy, contribute significantly to the active living agenda, biodiversity, heritage, education and enable skills and confidence building projects in some of Scotland’s most disadvantaged communities.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

Those applying for the role will need to demonstrate the following skills and knowledge:

• A financial management qualification
• Recent and relevant experience working within the public sector
• Audit and Risk Committee membership
• Corporate Governance 
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills 

• Strong constructive challenge 

• Investment appraisal and management
• Influencing and communication skills 
• An ability to harness diversity 
• Knowledge & experience of the issues relevant to the operations and activities of Scottish Canals such as dealing with the impact of climate change, commercial property development and regeneration, and environment and sustainability. 

Applicants will be asked to demonstrate evidence in an application form and return along with a letter and a tailored CV.  Further information can be found in the application pack.

Remuneration and Time Commitment

The Non-Executive Board Member receives £240 per day.  Expenses incurred as a result of carrying out the duties of the appointment, including reasonable travel and subsistence costs and dependant carer and childcare expenses, will be reimbursed.  The appointment is non-pensionable.

Non-Executive Board Members are expected to devote up to 20 days per year.

Length of Term

The appointment is for three years and will take effect from 1 July 2026.  Reappointment is not automatic and is subject to performance and the individual continuing to satisfy the requirements of the role.

Applicants for public appointments must be legally entitled to work in the UK.

Completed letters, tailored CV’s and the application form should be returned to recruitment@scottishcanals.co.uk. The closing date for completed applications is midnight 8th February 2026.

Accessibility to public appointments is a fundamental requirement and the public appointments process promotes, demonstrates and upholds equality of opportunity for all applicants. The Scottish Government will always give consideration to disability-related reasonable adjustments that an applicant might request to enable them to demonstrate their merit and participate fully in the selection process. If you require any of the application pack documentation in an alternative format, please contact Nicola.christie@scottishcanals.co.uk.

Scottish Ministers particularly welcome applications from people with protected characteristics that are under-represented in Scotland’s public bodies, such as women, disabled people, those from minority ethnic communities and people aged under 50.