CLOSED. STA News: Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) Board Member Recruitment: appointments commencing September 2022
The Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) is looking to appoint four additional Directors to the current Board of eleven. The post will take effect from September 2022 but will be subject to formal appointment at the company AGM in October.
Background
The Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) is the representative body for Scotland’s tourism industry. The organisation has an industry reach of around 70% and touches more than 10,000 businesses across all sectors of tourism.
The role of the STA is to shape supportive policy to enable Scotland’s tourism industry to become more globally competitive. Our focus is on protecting our industry from economic harm and stimulating growth to build a strong, sustainable tourism industry which will deliver economic benefits to Scotland’s communities whilst offering our visitors an experience they can take home and share with the world.
The STA marked its 10th anniversary in May; since its early days when it evolved from the Scottish Tourism Forum, the organisation has turned the tide on many areas of policy which would have resulted in the closure of hundreds of businesses across Scotland, particularly over the last two years.
We have been at the sharp end of leading the sector through the most intense economic crisis of modern times, fully committed to both supporting and guiding tourism businesses through the challenges of the pandemic and Brexit.
Our strength of leadership and effective communication over many years has given the industry assurance and confidence that the voices of all sectors have been fully represented at the highest level. The STA has successfully elevated its position recently as one of Scotland’s foremost trade bodies and cemented a constructive working partnership with both the Scottish and UK Governments, public agencies and the leading national business organisations.
Tourism is acknowledged as having a significant role in delivering Scotland’s wider economic strategy as it cuts across every sector and touches every part of our economy. It can also enrich the lives of those who live here and visit us and it can protect and preserve our places, with Scotland’s tourism industry acting as pioneers for delivering responsible tourism.
Tourism is the lifeblood of many of Scotland’s communities. It is one of the largest employers in the country; our industry has the capability and potential to enrich the lives of Scotland’s people, our visitors and those who work within our industry.
Tourism is and can be a powerful force for good.
The vision of Scotland’s tourism strategy Scotland Outlook 2030 is, ‘We will be the leaders of 21st century tourism’ and this vision remains firmly anchored in all of the STA’s activities; we are driven by our mission to shape a vibrant tourism industry for Scotland’s visitors and people. We do this by gleaning the latest insights from our industry through research which we use to influence and shape policy. We lead, inspire and connect industry to support the growth of a sustainable, globally competitive tourism product.
This is a pivotal time for the organisation in terms of our growth, structure and in maintaining the momentum of industry leadership required to bring Scotland’s tourism industry through recovery. The STA also has a clear priority to strengthen its membership and commercial activities.
The STA Board
The Executive Board, which is supported by a strong and diverse advisory sector Council, is responsible for the governance of STA Ltd, setting the strategic direction of the organisation and representing the industry on key strategic issues.
The Board has a geographic spread across Scotland and representation from many of the key sectors within Scotland’s tourism industry, and the organisation is now in the post Covid pandemic era, seeking to both broaden its sector representation and to further add to and compliment the mix of strength and skill set of those already in situ.
The STA has grown in strength and stature in recent years and is now seeking to expand its current Board. We are keen to develop this expansion in line with the STA’s vision that ‘tourism is everyone’s business’ and are specifically interested in business leaders who can bring expertise in areas such as Technology, Sustainability, Advocacy, HR Skills & Training, Finance and Legal.
The STA is proud to have an inclusive, open and supportive culture and we are particularly keen to have applications from groups currently under-represented on the Board, including women, disabled people, LGBTI+ people, those from black and minority ethnic communities and people aged under 50.
Time Commitment
The Board meets five times per year, with meetings held primarily in Central Belt locations, these will often coincide with round table meetings with key stakeholders, but will occasionally meet for longer and further afield. In addition, there will be requests to attend other key engagements and events throughout the year such as the AGM in October and Scotland’s National Tourism Conference in November. This a voluntary role, with an expectation of strong commitment and attendance to at least 75% of the scheduled meetings and STA key events each year. Reasonable travel expenses can be paid on request.
The appointment will be for an initial term of 3 years with the opportunity for this to be extended for a further 3 years as a maximum.
As a Director of the Company, you will exercise corporate responsibilities for the business and help drive its development both financially, and in strength of voice by supporting the STA’s representations. It is an exciting time to join the STA with much change, challenge and opportunity ahead for the sector.
Experience and Skills
- Ability to contribute to the work of the STA Board, ensuring the organisation remains relevant to all stakeholders and provides exemplary leadership on behalf of the industry. You must be ambitious in your aspirations for the industry and in your desire to drive innovative ways of working between the industry and public sector in Scotland.
- Ability to contribute effectively to strategic planning processes and to embrace the principles of corporate governance.
- Ability to challenge constructively and contribute to high quality decision-making and priority setting within a Board/team environment.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively to a range of stakeholders.
- Knowledge and understanding of the role and responsibilities of a Company Director.
- A good understanding of the tourism and hospitality sector in Scotland and policy issues.
Next Steps
If you are interested in the position in the first instance, please send your CV and/or a short covering note stating your background and what you believe you can bring to further strengthen the Board and help the STA deliver on its core purpose.
Applications are invited up and until Sunday 31st July after which an applicant shortlist will be identified and panel interviews will take place mid /end August, with a final interview by the Chair in early September. Shortlisted candidates will notified in early August.
It is hoped that the process will be completed, with all four new Directors formally appointed onto the STA Board at the AGM on 25th October 2022.
Please send your application to Mhairi.Smith@Stalliance.co.uk
