Independent Chair - East Ayrshire Violence Against Women Partnership

Job DescriptionEast Ayrshire Council is seeking to appoint a suitably qualified and experienced person to chair our local Violence Against Women Partnership (VAWP). The Independent Chair makes a significant contribution to the Partnership in East Ayrshire and is fully supported by the Violence Against Women & Girls Lead Officer, as well as the wider Protection & Learning Team hosted within East Ayrshire Health & Social Care Partnership.
As Chair you will ensure that the VAWP fulfils its key functions to deliver the Equally Safe Strategy: Scotland’s strategy for preventing and eradicating violence against women and girls in East Ayrshire through delivery of the Partnership’s Strategic Plan. You will contribute to prevention activities, ensuring that multi-agency improvement plans are in place, along with implementation arrangements and quality assurance.RequirementsThe Independent Chair is appointed as an independent provider and will work between 2-3 days per month, up to a maximum of 36 days per year. This is managed and overseen through the professional support provided by the Senior Manager – Protection & Learning.
The Independent Chair will have the flexibility to work from home in preparation for Partnership and Chief Officer Group meetings but will need to be available in-person to chair one half-day Partnership and attend one half-day Chief Officer Group (COG) per quarter. There may be additional working requirements on an as required basis in relation to additional oversight responsibilities, development sessions, national activities and local events. Remuneration for the Independent Chair is £50 per hour plus travel expenses.
 ResponsibilitiesBeing accountable to East Ayrshire’s Chief Officer Group, you will provide strategic leadership, linking with other relevant strategic groups and undertake all associated Independent Chair responsibilities and functions.
The main duties of the post include:

Reporting directly to the Chief Officer Group (COG) and providing strategic leadership and direction for the VAWP Strategic Plan and associated prevention and improvement activity;
Ensuring that the Partnership fulfils its key functions as outlined in the Terms of Reference, in respect of strategic planning; quality assurance; continuous improvement; public information and engagement and communication;
Chairing the multi-agency VAWP, ensuring appropriate representation and ensuring all work is undertaken in accordance with relevant legislation and policy;
Ensuring engagement between partners and all other stakeholders by promoting and developing multi-agency working arrangements and practices in respect of violence against women and girls.

You will have substantial experience of working at senior strategic and operational levels, demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and have a successful track record in leading internal and external strategy and public sector governance processes. You should also be able to evidence understanding of the relevant legislation, guidance, policy and practice within which Scotland’s public protection arrangements operate.
This post is considered Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and/or Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. Preferred candidates will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check prior to a formal offer being made by East Ayrshire Council.
 The IndividualThe closing date for applications is Wednesday 2 December 2026 at midnight and interviews for the post will take place on the afternoon of Friday 18 December 2026 in Kilmarnock. For further information, please contact Dale Meller (Senior Manager) on 01563 554760 dale.meller@east-ayrshire.gov.uk or Diane Langley (Lead Officer) on 01563 503489 diane.langley@east-ayrshire.gov.uk
A copy of the East Ayrshire Violence Against Women Partnership Needs Analysis is available at: 
https://engagementea.east-ayrshire.gov.uk/45283/widgets/141517/documents/107886