CEO for Epilepsy Scotland

Job description...

Welcome from the Chair

Thank you for your interest in the role of Chief Executive at Epilepsy Scotland.

Epilepsy Scotland is the country’s largest third sector organisation dedicated to supporting and advocating for people living with epilepsy. After seventeen successful years of leadership, our current CEO is stepping down to explore new opportunities, creating an important moment of transition for the organisation.

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions in Scotland, affecting around 80,000 people from all walks of life. Despite advances in treatment, many people living with epilepsy continue to face significant challenges — in employment, education, relationships, and in overcoming stigma.

At Epilepsy Scotland, we are here to make a difference. We provide a national helpline, support with accessing benefits, wellbeing services, youth groups, and strong public advocacy, including through our Cross-Party Group on Epilepsy at Holyrood. Above all, we aim to be the voice of people with epilepsy in Scotland and to enable individuals to live full, independent lives free from stigma.

We are now looking for a new Chief Executive who will bring energy, fresh thinking, and strong leadership — someone who can build on what we do well while guiding us confidently into the future.

Success in this role will mean:

+ People trust the organisation and feel supported

+ Staff understand the direction and feel part of it

+ Services are valued and make a real difference

+ Finances are stable and sustainable

+ Our voice is strong and impossible to ignore

Why this role matters

People with epilepsy have the right to live without stigma, to access the support they need, and to feel fully included in society. For many, epilepsy shapes confidence, opportunities, family life, and the support they receive at home, at work, and in their communities.

As Chief Executive, you will play a vital role in ensuring people are heard, supported, and empowered to live the life they choose.

If you believe you have the skills, experience, and passion to lead Epilepsy Scotland into its next chapter, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Please contact our search partner, AWS Executive, for further information.

 

With best wishes,

Dr Susan Duncan, Chair

About Epilepsy Scotland

Epilepsy Scotland is a registered Scottish charity that wants to make sure the needs of people with epilepsy and associated conditions are met.  This is why we campaign for improved healthcare, better information provision and an end to stigma.

Our mission

Epilepsy Scotland works with people living with epilepsy and associated conditions to ensure their voice is heard.

Our vision

+ We believe people living with epilepsy and associated conditions have a right to:

+ be free from stigma and discrimination.

+ have access to high quality medical, social, educational, support and information services.

+ be valued and included in society.

+ determine their own way of life.

Our work

+ We fight discrimination and stigma experienced by people with epilepsy and associated conditions.

+ We influence public policy to achieve best practice for people living with epilepsy and associated conditions.

+ We work to ensure appropriate services and support are available.

+ We sustain an effective, supportive, and financially secure organisation.

In Scotland approximately 80,000 people have epilepsy.  Children and older people are most at risk of developing this common serious neurological condition, but anyone can develop epilepsy at any time and around eight people in Scotland do every day. There is also a wider community of families, carers, friends etc., living with epilepsy.

This role profile has been prepared to clearly set out the standards and responsibilities that are associated with being a Trustee and director on the Board of Epilepsy Action Scotland (Epilepsy Scotland).  It should be read in conjunction with our Articles of Association.

The role profile reflects the principles of good governance. This takes account of (and is compliant with) the expectations of the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) Regulator’s Standards of Governance and Financial Management for Epilepsy Scotland and relevant guidance produced by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR).

 

Please refer to the Job Pack for further information.

To arrange a confidential discussion via Teams or Zoom about this opportunity, please contact Alan Surgeon or Donna McKay at AWS Executive.

Suitable applicants will then be invited to apply by submitting a CV and cover letter outlining your interest and suitability for the role via the apply button below:

📧 [email protected]

📧 [email protected]

☎️ 0131 341 5533

 

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