Advertised from 14 August 2026

Role

The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland (the Commission) is recruiting an Executive Director (Nursing) — a key values led, senior leadership role which is highly influential in the context of mental health, incapacity and human rights law in Scotland.

About us

The Commission is an independent statutory body established to protect and promote the human rights, welfare, and dignity of people with mental illness, learning disabilities, dementia, and related conditions. We ensure that care, treatment, and support are lawful, ethical, and aligned with the principles of human rights and equality. We operate independently of government, enabling us to speak with authority and impartiality on matters affecting some of Scotland’s most vulnerable people.

The role

The Executive Director (Nursing) is an established role at the Commission responsible for direct line management of a small multidisciplinary staff team and leading a portfolio of strategic and operational responsibilities that support the achievement of the Commission's vision, purpose and statutory duties. 

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the post holder shares collective responsibility for leading the Commission's work to safeguard the rights and welfare of individuals, promote compliance with mental health and incapacity legislation, and improve standards of care and practice across Scotland.

As the Commission's professional nursing lead, the post holder will also provide leadership on issues affecting people with mental illness, learning disabilities, dementia and related conditions, as well as broader adult and child protection matters. 

The role requires strong national leadership in mental health and learning disability nursing, influencing policy, practice and service development across Scotland while providing expert advice on complex ethical, human rights, legal and care issues.

This vacancy (as a result of retirement) comes at an exciting time as the reform of Scotland’s mental health and incapacity legislation begins to pick up pace.

About you

• A registered nurse (RMN or RNLD) with substantial senior nursing leadership experience.
• A demonstrable track record of strategic leadership within mental health, learning disability, dementia or related services.
• Expertise in human rights-based approaches, safeguarding and person-centred care.
• Experience of influencing policy, practice and service improvement at a senior or national level.
• If you are motivated by improving outcomes for some of Scotland’s most vulnerable people, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Membership of the NHS pension scheme
• Flexible working arrangements
• Commitment to professional development
• Supportive, values driven organisational culture

Application notes

How to apply

Apply directly at Executive Director (Nursing) | Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland

The selection process will include:

• Application form
• Shortlisting against essential criteria
• Presentation
• Panel interview with a mix of technical, values and competency-based questions (panel to include Chief Executive, Chair of the Board & external member).

Application forms should be submitted to mwc.recruitment@nhs.scot by midday on Tuesday 1 September 2026.  

Interview date: Interviews are expected to take place on Wednesday 16 September 2026 at our Edinburgh office.

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