Ministerial appointments to public bodies: training pack for independent panel members

Knowledge/understanding of ethnic minority communities

You may belong to an ethnic minority or you may have gained knowledge/understanding by working closely with ethnic minority communities or groups

We will want you to tell us about your knowledge/understanding and how this has been gained in the written application. We will also be having a discussion with you about this during the interview

A practical knowledge and understanding of the Scottish arts, screen and/or creative industries sectors and how these work

You have a day to day involvement within at least one of the creative sectors and will also understand how Scottish arts can progress internationally

We will want you to tell us about your knowledge/understanding and how this has been gained in the written application. We will also be having a discussion with you about this during the interview

Financial experience

We need a person who has experience of working in finance, audit or risk, who would be able to offer advice to the Board and also participate in either the Audit or Finance and General Policy Committees. It would be an advantage if you had a formal qualification in Finance

We will want you to tell us about your experience and how this has been gained in the written application. We will also be having a discussion with you about this during the interview

Working collaboratively and constructively with others

• appreciating the knowledge/skills of colleagues
• supporting colleagues whenever possible
• sharing knowledge at every opportunity
• showing respect for colleagues and stakeholders
• striving to achieve consensus
• able to accept a consensus decision even if it goes against a personal view

During the interview we will ask you to give us some practical examples of situations where you have worked collaboratively and constructively with others. This may have been in employment, through working in the community or in a voluntary capacity

Challenging the views of others in a constructive and supportive way

• being confident in questioning proposals and debating issues
• putting forward your views in an objective way
• not being too dogmatic about your own perspective
• helping others to consider their own position in a non-confrontational way

We will assess this by asking you to complete a practical exercise, as part of the interview, which will allow you to demonstrate this skill. We will also have a follow up discussion which will enable us to ask some further questions

Seeing the 'bigger picture'

• able to look ahead and consider issues/topics within different timeframes
• identifying relevant implications from what is being discussed such as challenges, risks etc.
• seeing beyond your own personal experience or specialism and considering other information and perspectives
• does not take a short term, parochial view
• it is not necessary to have experience of developing or implementing a strategy

We will assess this by asking you to complete a practical exercise, as part of the interview, which will allow you to demonstrate this skill. We will also have a follow up discussion which will enable us to ask some further questions

Analysing information and making decisions

• using information which is available to reach conclusions
• clearly explain how conclusions have been reached
• identifying some of the implications associated with what you are considering – priorities, risks, opportunities etc.
• recognising when information is limited and where more information might be needed
• being able to balance a number of different considerations

We will assess this by asking you to complete a practical exercise, as part of the interview, which will allow you to demonstrate this skill. We will also have a follow up discussion which will enable us to ask some further questions

Managing performance

• an understanding of what Creative Scotland and the board are required to do
• able to explain the different responsibilities of executive staff and board members
• an appreciation of the board's responsibility for ensuring effective governance
• personal experience of change with an understanding of how it should be implemented and the critical factors for success

During the interview we will ask you some questions about your knowledge and understanding of what Creative Scotland does and the role and responsibilities of executive staff and the board – you do not need any specific experience to answer these questions but you will need to do some background research before the interview. We will want you to tell us about your own personal experience of 'change'

Communicating effectively

• being focussed and succinct in your communication with good listening skills
• confident in expressing views and opinions in a group setting
• persuasive, able to influence others to your own perspective
• able to adapt your style appropriately for different situations
• satisfactory written skills

We will assess your written skills from the completion of your written application. We will assess your verbal skills through your responses to the practical exercise and the interview.

Enthusiastic and passionate about arts and culture in Scotland

• knowledge/understanding of arts and culture in Scotland and the role of Creative Scotland
• regularly attend arts/cultural events
• able to explain how the arts/culture have benefited yourself and how they can benefit the wider community
• can enthuse others about the arts/culture

We will want you to tell us about your personal interest in and enthusiasm for arts/culture in the written application. We will also have a discussion with you about this during the interview, as well as assessing your knowledge/understanding of arts/culture in Scotland and the role of Creative Scotland