Public appointments are positions on the Board of a public body. Public appointees provide direction, leadership and oversight, they are not involved in the day-to-day running of the public body.  

Positions are not permanent employment or full-time, a public appointment will typically be agreed for a set term and require a minimum time commitment per month. Some roles are voluntary and others may include set payments. 

Public bodies play an essential role delivering a specific function on behalf of Ministers or the Scottish Parliament and public appointments are key to this. The public sector benefits from the skills, knowledge, expertise, experience, perspective and commitment that board members contribute.