Up to 175 new jobs at south's development agency

EXCLUSIVE by DOUG COLLIE

The chief executive of the new South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) will be paid an annual salary of up to £121,000, and will be in charge of between 125 and 175 staff members, according to the job specifications for the top post.

A deadline of September 12th has been set for applications from those who would like to lead SOSE, which is being formed by the Scottish Government in a bid to kick start the vast region's ailing economy.

Both Scottish Borders and Dumfries & Galloway did have their own enterprise companies promoting job creation and inward investment, but these were axed more than a decade ago, also by the Scottish Government which decided to centralise the Scottish Enterprise set-up. Critics of that move claim the south of Scotland has missed out ever since.

The location for SOSE's headquarters - if it is to have one - has yet to be decided. But according to the application pack for the chief executive's post it is “a unique opportunity to make an impact across a Rural economy”.

The information document for potential applicants goes on to say: "As Chief Executive you will need to develop strong relationships across the public and private sector to align efforts behind a clear strategy and act as an ambassador for the organisation, building positive relationships of influence amongst the business community, politicians and wider stakeholder groups.  

"Active and dynamic leadership of the organisation will be vital, developing a culture of success. Responsible for developing a senior management team, the Chief Executive will build the culture, capability and capacity of the organisation from its establishment on 1 April 2020.

"The successful candidate will have prior experience of developing or interfacing with strategies for economic development either as a business or public sector leader. He / she will have proven effectiveness in leading an organisation, including developing and implementing corporate strategy, and experience of developing and maintaining effective public/private partnerships. In depth knowledge of and/or experience within at least one of South of Scotland’s key economic sectors will also be vital.

"South of Scotland Enterprise plays a key role in delivering a strong and effective Enterprise and Skills system, working with partners through the recently established Strategic Board.  Engaging nationally, the Chief Executive will ensure that South of Scotland Enterprise plays an active role in the national economic conversation and support landscape whilst furthering Fair Work."

The South of Scotland Enterprise Bill will establish the new public body to take a fresh approach to addressing the enterprise and skills needs of the South of Scotland and drive inclusive growth in the region. 

"The Bill is high-level and enabling and sets the strategic aim of the body “to further the economic and social development and improve the amenity and environment of the South of Scotland”.  This approach ensures the body has the flexibility to respond to the needs of the South of Scotland.  The Bill also makes provision for the constitutional, governance and finance matters in keeping with Scotland’s other enterprise bodies to ensure transparency and accountability." 

And the document reveals: "South of Scotland Enterprise will be a Non Departmental Public Body (NDPB) directed by its Board and is expected to have between 125 – 175 staff when fully formed."  

In a statement which forms part of the pack, Scotland's Rural Affairs minister Fergus Ewing says: "The Scottish Government is committed to supporting the inclusive growth and economic success of the South of Scotland.  Recognising the unique circumstances of the South, we are establishing a new enterprise agency for the area bringing a fresh and tailored approach to economic development.  As the first Chief Executive of the new agency, this is an exciting, once in a generation opportunity, to shape the future of the South.

"We are clear in our ambitions for South of Scotland Enterprise.  We want the agency to drive transformational inclusive growth, increase competitiveness and tackle inequality.  The agency will support a diverse and resilient economy, sustain and support communities and harness the people and resources of the South.  While the challenges of the South are well known – a predominantly rural economy, with issues around connectivity, an ageing population and low wages - there are also significant opportunities to be pursued."