The Scottish Commission for People with Learning Disabilities (SCLD) is looking for a new Chair of our Board of Trustees who can help lead our organisation into its next chapter. 

SCLD works to make Scotland a fairer place where people with learning disabilities live full, safe, loving and equal lives. As we approach our 25th anniversary, we are proud of our history, our values and our contribution to improving the lives of people with learning disabilities across Scotland.  

This is a pivotal and exciting time to join SCLD. We are looking for a Chair who can provide inclusive, strategic and values-led leadership, helping our Board work effectively and supporting SCLD to strengthen its impact and influence. 

As Chair, you will lead an inclusive and effective Board, help shape and oversee SCLD’s strategic direction, and develop a strong and constructive relationship with our Chief Executive. You will also act as an ambassador for SCLD, helping to champion our mission, values and commitment to ensuring that the voices and lived experiences of people with learning disabilities are at the heart of our work.  

About you 

We are looking for someone who can bring confident, inclusive and thoughtful leadership to the SCLD Board. You will share our commitment to the rights, inclusion and equality of people with learning disabilities and be able to bring strong strategic judgement, collaborative leadership and constructive challenge. 

We are looking for someone who can: 

• demonstrate a strong commitment to the rights, inclusion and equality of people with learning disabilities; 

• provide collaborative and inclusive leadership, creating space for different voices and perspectives; 

• think strategically, exercise sound judgement and support clear, collective decision-making; 

• understand effective governance and the distinction between governance and operational management; 

• work closely and effectively with the Chief Executive to support the leadership and direction of SCLD; 

• communicate effectively and represent SCLD with credibility; and 

• ensure that lived experience informs the Board’s thinking and decisions. SCLD  

It would be desirable if you have: 

• previous experience as a Chair, Vice-Chair or senior non-executive Board member; or 

• experience of leading a Board, committee or other senior governance group. 

Time commitment 

The SCLD Board currently meets four times a year, with additional strategy and development sessions and meetings of Board committees. Meetings are held in hybrid format, including in-person meetings at SCLD’s Glasgow office and online participation. 

 The Chair will make an additional time commitment beyond that expected of other Trustees, including regular contact with the Chief Executive, preparation for Board meetings, involvement in Board development and succession planning, and occasional external representation. 

How to apply 

Please send: 

• your CV; and 

• a covering letter setting out why you are interested in becoming Chair of SCLD, how your experience, skills and approach meet the requirements of the role, and what you would bring to the leadership of the SCLD Board. 

 We want our recruitment process to be as accessible as possible. If a written application does not work well for you, we are happy to consider other formats, including audio or video applications. We will also make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.  

Closing date: 6 December 2026 

Interviews:  January 2027  

Applications: TrusteeRecruitment@scld.co.uk 

 If you would like an informal conversation about the role before applying, please contact Fiona.W@scld.co.uk.