Chairperson - Life Science Scotland Industry Leadership Group

Nominations and applications are invited for the role of Chairperson, Life Sciences Scotland Industry Leadership Group, for up to 4 yearscommencing October 2016.

This prestigious and influential role is open to all suitably qualified candidates.

The Life Sciences Scotland Industry Leadership Group(The Group) is looking to appoint a new Industry Chair to drive the ambitions of the Scottish Life Sciences Strategy[ This position offers a fantastic opportunity for a charismatic leader with in-depth knowledge of the sector and the passion and drive to lead, develop and deliver opportunities for Life Sciences businesses in Scotland. A key focus will be to work in partnership with Scotland’s key industry leaders to create a globally competitive and thriving innovative Life Sciences Sector in Scotland.

The successful applicant will be widely recognised as a leader and advocate, actively advancing life sciences within public, private or civil sectors, with global reach and have demonstratedengagement with multiple high profile stakeholders using life sciences knowledge, research or innovation in support of development purposes. The individualwill have an ability to recognise and value the perspectives of others and build operational consensus for collaborative actions. Female applicants are encouraged to apply.

About theLife Sciences Scotland Industry Leadership Group

The Life Sciences Scotland Industry Leadership Group is a joint industry, enterprise and government strategic team, that plays a crucial role in ensuring Scotland is creating and shaping the best possible environment for fledgling technologies and established players alike. The Life Sciences Industry Leadership Group fosters support and discussion between all the key players within the Life Sciences sector and those responsible for government policy-making at the very highest level. The Group consists of representatives from across the spectrum of the life science community including CEOs and senior managers from pharmaceutical, CRO, biotech, medical devices, diagnostics,animal health and agribiotech companies, together with the NHS and Scottish Government,and trade bodies active in the sector such as the Scottish Lifesciences Association (SLA), the Association of British Pharmaceutical Industries (ABPI) and the Association of British Healthcare Industries (ABHI). The Group is currently co-chaired by Mr Paul Wheelhouse MSP, Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy and supported by Ms Aileen Campbell MSP, Minister for Public Health and Sport.The ILG meets 3 times a year usually in Glasgow or Edinburgh.

Roles and Responsibility

As the public face of the LSS ILG, the Chair person must be able to devote sufficient time to support the delivery of all aspects of the Life Sciences Strategy. In addition to actively chairing each of the LSS ILG meetings, and where appropriate any sub-meetings, the Chair will oversee the delivery of the Scottish Life Sciences Strategy and will operate as a global ambassador for the Scottish Life Sciences sector.

More specifically, the Chair will:

  • set the agenda for each meeting and ensure that appropriate, informed and robust discussion takes place, particularly around strategic issues;
  • ensure that The Group has effective decision-making processes and applies sufficient challenge to major proposals;
  • demonstrate ethical leadership and promote the highest standards of integrity, probity and corporate governance throughout LSS;
  • establish clear expectations concerning the culture, values,behaviours and tone of discussions;
  • promote a culture of mutual respect, openness and debate by facilitating the effective contribution of members in particular and ensuring constructive relations;
  • oversee the structure and terms of reference of any strategic focus groups and committees, and that accurate, timely and clear information is provided;
  • encourage all members to engage in ILG and committee meetings by drawing on their skills, experience, knowledge and, where appropriate, independence;
  • ensure that the performance of The Group and key members is evaluated at least once a year and will act on the results of such evaluation;
  • communicate effectively the vision and purpose of the organization with all stakeholders; and
  • advocate for and represent the organisation at external meetings and events where needed.

Time Commitment:

The chair must be able to commit around 2-3 days per quarter to undertake all duties.

Attributes:

The Chair will be appointed in a personal capacity and not as a company or organisational representative. In addition to a track record of working in or with industry, the skills and knowledge as outlined in the application process will be considered as selection criteria.

The Application Process:

  • The closing date for applications is Monday 15th August.
  • Shortlisting will take place by 19thAugust
  • Applicants will be informed of outcomes week commencing 22nd August.
  • Interviews will take place on the 5th September, in the Central Belt.
  • The successful candidate will be confirmed a soon as possible after the 5th.
  • The formal handover will take place at the next ILG meeting on 7th November 2016.

Selection Criteria:

In addition to demonstrating their experience of working in or with industry, candidates will be assessed according the following table:

Weighting
Knowledge / 30
Must have an understanding of the key drivers for growth within the sector and how to accelerate these (e.g. innovation, internationalisation) / 10
Current working knowledge of the issues facing the sector as well as cross sectoral opportunities (such as IB or digital health) / 10
Knowledge and understanding of Scotland’s economy and competitive position, nationally and internationally / 5
Must have strong knowledge and understanding of governance in public sector bodies and be politically aware / 5
Skills / 30
Demonstration of effective leadership skills in the sector / 15
Evidence of working with a challenging group to deliver outcomes / 10
Track record of delivery of complex partnership projects / 5
Experience / 40
Evidence of strong industry background with significant international experience, working with and/ or between government, academia and industry. / 40

If you would like to discuss any aspects of the position, please contact Avril Gold, , 0781 208 3442.

If you would like to apply for the role please email a current Curriculum Vitae of no more than four sides of A4 paperand a covering letter outlining how you meet the requirements of the post to Avril Gold, Industry Leadership Group Facilitator, . It would also be useful to know whether you will be available for interview on the 5th of September.

LSS ILG Chair/ June 2016Version 1.4