Appointment of the Chair of the Board of the Water Industry Commission for Scotland (WICS)

Role Summary

WICS was established under the Water Industry Act 2002 to undertake the economic regulation of Scottish Water. The Commission is an Executive Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) of six members, comprising up to five non-executive members, including the Chair, and a Chief Executive. It has statutory responsibility for the promotion of the interests of Scottish Water’s customers through the robust and independent economic regulation of Scottish Water. 

WICS takes a prominent role in the Team Scotland governance in place which promotes Scottish Government, WICS, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, the Drinking Water Quality Regulator and Scottish Water working collaboratively aligned with ethical business practices.

WICS’ principal roles are to ensure that customer charges reflect the lowest reasonable overall cost for Scottish Water to deliver the Scottish Ministers’ Objectives for the water sector; to comment on Scottish Water’s reporting of its performance, challenging Scottish Water to become more efficient and sustainable; and to facilitate the entry of retail water and sewerage providers that wish to supply non-household customers in Scotland. 

WICS is made up of around 25 people, comprising economists, strategists, analysts, and support staff. As Chair you will be accountable to Scottish Ministers for leading the board to ensure that WICS delivers its functions effectively and efficiently.

RESPONSIBILITIES Public Appointees are responsible for: 

• ensuring that the public body delivers its functions in accordance with Scottish Ministers’ policies and priorities 
• providing strategic leadership 
• ensuring financial stewardship 
• holding the Chief Executive and senior management team to account 

Further information about the role and the board can be found in the information pack.   ROLE CRITERIA

We are looking for individuals who can meet each of the areas listed below in the context of an economic regulatory business. The successful applicants must be able to demonstrate all four of the essential criteria below:

1. Ability to Chair a Board and demonstrate understanding of board governance in a public body context
2. Strong and effective management of relationships and stakeholder engagement using effective communication and influencing skills
3. Seeing the bigger picture
4. Using strategic analysis and decision-making skills to support constructive challenge

You should review the indicators of the criteria in the applicant information pack.

ABOUT US Public appointments are made by Scottish Ministers. The appointments process is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner you can find out more about the Commissioner here: Public appointments | Ethical Standards Commissioner 
 REMUNERATION AND TIME COMMITMENT  

This position is remunerated at £361.00 per day (reviewed annually) up to a maximum total fee of £37,544.00 per financial year. 

Remuneration is non-pensionable and reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

The Chair is expected to work a maximum of 2 days per week to perform their functions effectively.

EQUALITY STATEMENTScottish Ministers value highly the benefits of diverse Public Body Boards. People from all walks of life are encouraged to apply for public appointments.  Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.  FURTHER INFORMATION 

Further information regarding the Board and the Chair role will be available at an online session on MS Teams at 09.30-10.30 on 9 October 2025. 

To receive the link for this session or discuss the role please email Cristina Hamilton, Sponsorship Officer, Scottish Government: cristina.hamilton@gov.scot.

Completed applications must be submitted by 17.00 on Friday 24 October 2025. 

Find out more about public appointments here: Public appointments - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)