Executive Director (Legal & Policy)

Homepage Executive Director (Legal & Policy) Executive Director (Legal & Policy) Salary: £83,661 – £92,957 Hours: 35 per week Contract: Permanent Location: Edinburgh (hybrid) The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland (the Commission) is recruiting an Executive Director (Legal & Policy) — a brand new senior leadership role at the heart of mental health, incapacity and human rights law in Scotland. 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 formShortlisting against essential criteriaPresentation or scenarioPanel 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 Homepage Executive Director (Legal & Policy) Executive Director (Legal & Policy) Salary: £83,661 – £92,957 Hours: 35 per week Contract: Permanent Location: Edinburgh (hybrid) The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland (the Commission) is recruiting an Executive Director (Legal & Policy) — a brand new senior leadership role at the heart of mental health, incapacity and human rights law in Scotland. 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. The Selection Process Will Include: Application formShortlisting against essential criteriaPresentation or scenarioPanel 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 packApplication form