Independent External Member, Audit & Risk Committee

Help Shape Good Governance at the SLCC

The Scottish Legal Complaints Commission (SLCC) is the independent body responsible for handling complaints about legal practitioners in Scotland and providing oversight of the relevant regulatory bodies. We play an important role in maintaining public confidence in legal services and the sector as a whole and are preparing for significant change as we implement the reforms brought in by the Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Act 2025

We are looking to appoint an Independent External Member to join our Audit & Risk Committee.

This is an opportunity to bring your expertise, insight and independent perspective to support our Board in overseeing governance, risk management, financial stewardship and organisational assurance.

 About the Role

The Audit & Risk Committee supports our Board by providing scrutiny, challenge and assurance across a wide range of areas including:

•         Governance and accountability

•         Risk management and internal control

•         Financial reporting and stewardship of levy income and public funds

•         Internal and external audit

•         Cyber security and information governance

•         Business continuity and organisational resilience

•         Fraud prevention and whistleblowing

•         Health and safety assurance

•         Compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements

As an Independent External Member, you will contribute to Committee discussions, review reports and assurance information, ask constructive questions and help the Board gain confidence that risks are being effectively managed and that appropriate controls are in place.

Who We Are Looking For

All applicants should be able to demonstrate:

• experience in at least one relevant area such as governance, audit, risk, finance, compliance, regulation or organisational assurance;
• experience scrutinising complex information and providing constructive challenge;
• sound judgement, independence and integrity; and
• an understanding of effective governance and accountability.

We would particularly welcome experience in:

• audit or accountancy;
• risk management;
• cyber security or information governance;
• health and safety governance;
• regulatory or public-sector environments;
• board or committee membership; or
• organisational, digital or service transformation.
• Operating at senior executive, non-executive, board, committee or an equivalent strategic level.

You do not need to be a lawyer or have worked in legal services.

More important is your ability to analyse information, exercise sound judgement, provide constructive challenge and work collaboratively with Board members and senior staff.

What You'll Bring

You will be able to demonstrate:

•         Strong analytical and critical thinking skills

•         Independence of judgement

•         A commitment to integrity, accountability and public service

•         The confidence to provide constructive challenge where appropriate

•         The ability to work effectively as part of a committee

•         Experience of scrutinising complex information, risks and controls, and using that analysis to provide proportionate and constructive challenge.

Time Commitment

The Committee normally meets four times each year, with the option to attend in person or online.  Papers are provided in advance. Additional reading or occasional development sessions may be required.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to public service in Scotland, supporting good governance and helping ensure public resources are used effectively and responsibly in what is a key sector for our communities and economy.

You will join an organisation that values openness, integrity, continuous improvement and constructive challenge as we progress much needed reforms in the legal sector. 

Remuneration

This role is remunerated at an hourly rate of £35.71 and travel expenses may be claimed.

How to Apply?

To apply, please first click on the link below and submit your basic details through our online application form.

Once you have submitted your details, we will email you a link where you can upload your CV and covering letter. Your covering letter should outline your interest in the role, what you would bring to the Audit and Risk Committee, and highlight the skills and experience you feel are most relevant to the role and how these align with the requirements set out in the person specification.

Closing date for applications: 8 November

Please note interviews for this role are being held in person at our Edinburgh Office on Thursday 26 November.