Three of our current volunteer directors are stepping down at the annual general meeting (AGM) in November 2023 and we are interested to hear from individual members or members of clubs who may be interested in these important voluntary roles.
Joining the board of Mountaineering Scotland offers potential for the development of new and existing skills, meeting new people, developing networks and making a genuine difference to mountaineering in Scotland. The Board also welcomes expressions of interest from suitably experienced individuals who are not currently members of Mountaineering Scotland on the basis they would be prepared to become a member if selected.
Mountaineering Scotland is a membership organisation with over 16,000 members including over 150 clubs and is the recognised representative organisation for hill walkers, climbers, mountaineers and ski-tourers who live in Scotland or who enjoy Scotland’s mountains, and acts to represent, support and promote Scottish mountaineering. With a focus on supporting recreational participation Mountaineering Scotland promotes the physical and mental health benefits of taking part in the mountaineering disciplines set out in our participation pathway. Mountaineering Scotland also plays a key role on the promotion of mountain safety and representing our members interests in relation to conservation and the environment.
Mountaineering Scotland is also the governing body for competitive sport climbing in Scotland. Our activities to support the development of climbing for children and young people are delivered through the ClimbScotland initiative which manages our performance and competition programmes, as well promoting recreational participation and inclusion initiatives for both outdoor and indoor climbing, all supported through funding from sportscotland. This is an exciting time to be involved in delivering our new strategic plan to take the organisation forward to 2025.
Mountaineering Scotland has a small professional staff headed by a CEO which rely on the support and advice provided by volunteer directors. As a member of the board, directors help to shape the future of Scottish mountaineering and guide the strategic direction and policy development of the organisation. The board also provides a governance function assessing and managing strategic risk and monitoring budgets and the implementation of the operational plan.
Mountaineering Scotland is committed to being an employer and volunteer organisation that recognises and encourages equal opportunities, diversity, inclusion, and respect in the workforce, with employment conditions and practices that ensure all staff and volunteers are treated equitably. We particularly welcome applications from those who are significantly underrepresented in our sector, such as women, people with disabilities (including hidden disabilities) and individuals from black and minority ethnic communities.
The President is responsible for the strategic oversight of the organisation including finance and governance working closely with the CEO, the Director of Finance and Director for HR Governance and Equalities. Traditionally, the President chairs Board and General Meetings however, the Board are empowered by the Articles of Association to elect any one of the directors as Chair should it be deemed appropriate to do so. This is a great opportunity for someone with appropriate experience in senior leadership and strategic management combined with a passion for mountaineering and/or outdoor activities.
Working closely with the CEO and the Mountain Safety Team within the context of Mountaineering Scotland’s Strategic Framework, the Director for Mountain Safety leads on our work to promote safety and self-reliance in Scotland’s mountains. The work includes oversight of our skills training programme and promoting cross sector working as chair of the Mountain Safety Group (MSG). This is a great opportunity to help lead the direction of mountain safety in Scotland as the MSG is working towards a new strategy to help guide the future work of the group.
This role would suit someone who is experienced in partnership working, has a strong background in mountaineering, safety education, and/ or mountain rescue and a good understanding of the current qualification schemes in the UK.
Oversee the development and delivery of a range of events, courses and other opportunities which help people develop the skills they need to be self-reliant whether they walk, climb or ski.
Working within the context of Mountaineering Scotland’s Strategic Framework, closely with the CEO and the ClimbScotland team and in partnership with sportscotland the Director for ClimbScotland has strategic oversight of Mountaineering Scotland and ClimbScotland activities relating to the development of the sport of climbing with a particular focus on encouraging participation by children and young people.
As well as attending four Mountaineering Scotland Board meetings per annum and an AGM, the Director for ClimbScotland will be invited to quarterly ClimbScotland strategy meetings with sportscotland and bi-annual Climbing Advisory Group meetings. There are also opportunities to get involved in other areas of the Mountaineering Scotland Board's work. This is a great opportunity for someone who is passionate about the development of indoor and outdoor climbing for children and young people. Desirable experience includes a knowledge of youth competition climbing in the UK and / or a background in sports development / performance sport.
We ask candidates who wish to put their name forward to provide a brief summary of their experience in an organisational context and their interests in mountaineering / outdoor / sporting activities, together with a personal statement as to how they feel they would contribute to the work of Mountaineering Scotland and the associated trusts.
Person specification and competencies (.doc)
The board will be undertaking a selection process to identify a preferred candidate for nomination at the AGM in November 2023 and invite expressions of interest which should be submitted by close of business on Friday the 26th of May 2023.
If you are interested in any of the opportunities detailed, please contact Stuart Younie, CEO and Company Secretary, on 07738200039 or by email at stuart@mountaineering.scot for an informal discussion.
Members who wish to stand for election independently must nominate themselves in accordance with the Articles of Association.
Mountaineering Scotland's strategy for 2022-25 outlines the vision and values of our organisation and the outcomes we hope to achieve over the next three years.
Shaped in consultation with members, staff, key partner organisations and the wider mountaineering community, the strategy centres on four strategic pillars:
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ClimbScotland is a registered trademark of the Mountaineering Council of Scotland Limited
Mountaineering Scotland is a registered trademark of the Mountaineering Council of Scotland Limited
