Executive Director (Legal & Policy)

Job Description

About us

The Commission is an independent statutory body established to protect and promote the human rights, welfare, and dignity of people with mental illness, learning disabilities, dementia, and related conditions. We ensure that care, treatment, and support are lawful, ethical, and aligned with the principles of human rights and equality. We operate independently of government, enabling us to speak with authority and impartiality on matters affecting some of Scotland’s most vulnerable people.

The role

The Executive Director (Legal & Policy) is a new senior leadership role responsible for shaping the Commission’s legal and policy direction. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the postholder plays a central role in organisational strategy, external engagement, and the delivery of the full range of our statutory responsibilities.

It is a unique opportunity to influence national thinking on mental health and incapacity law, contribute to the protection of human rights in Scotland, and provide authoritative legal and policy leadership within a respected national body. The post comes at an exciting time as the reform of Scotland’s mental health and incapacity legislation begins to pick up pace.

About you

• Undergraduate degree in law with significant legal experience and expertise in mental health, incapacity, human rights, or public/administrative law in Scotland.
• Senior leadership experience in a legal, regulatory, public sector or charity environment.
• Strategic insight, sound judgement, and the ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly and persuasively.

If you are motivated by improving outcomes for some of Scotland’s most vulnerable people, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Membership of the NHS pension scheme
• Flexible working arrangements
• Commitment to professional development
• Supportive, values driven organisational culture

How to apply

The selection process will include:

• Application form
• Shortlisting against essential criteria
• Presentation or scenario
• Panel interview with a mix of technical, values and competency-based questions (panel to include Chief Executive, Chair of the Board & external member).

Application forms should be submitted to mwc.recruitment@nhs.scot by Wednesday 26 August at 12 noon.

Informal enquiries to Ashley Dee, Head of Culture & Corporate Services via katrina.thomson3@nhs.scot.

Interview date: Interviews are expected to take place week beginning 7 September 2026 at our Edinburgh office.

Download the job pack

Application form