Chair to the Board of Highlands and Islands Enterprise

HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS ENTERPRISE

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is a non-departmental public body of the Scottish Government, established by the Enterprise and New Towns (Scotland) Act 1990.

HIE acts as a public agency with a statutory duty to undertake economic and social development across the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

Our vision, purpose and key outcomes

Our five-year strategy, published in August 2023, sets out our long-term vision and ambitions for the Highlands and Islands and the outcomes we will strive to achieve. It is available online at www.hie.co.uk/strategy.

The strategy is built around four pillars of people, place, planet and prosperity, three cross-cutting themes of net zero, fair work and inclusive growth, and regional transformational opportunities.

Business model and environment

The HIE Board oversees the work of the organisation, reporting to the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Gaelic. We work collaboratively with the Scottish Government and partner organisations to align strategies and resources in ways that will optimise effective delivery of the National Strategy for Economic Transformation and the New Deal for Business. 

Under the guidance of our Chief Executive and leadership team, HIE’s activities are delivered through six directorates:

Enterprise and community support focuses on effective support for HIE clients; growing the tourism, food and drink and creative industries sectors; encouraging innovation and productivity; attracting inward investment; Gaelic language and culture, and helping communities own and manage social enterprises, property and other assets.

Strategic projects directs HIE support to realise benefits from significant and complex projects that will have a transformational impact across the region. These include our own hand property and infrastructure investments, regional growth deals, digital connectivity, renewable energy, net zero and space.

Strategy and regional economy holds responsibility for strategy, policy, research, performance measurement and analytics, marketing, communications and engagement.

Corporate services is responsible for strategic financial management, financial services, procurement, information governance and IT systems and Business Improvement and Internal Audit, ensuring that innovation, corporate governance and value for money are at the heart of our operations and decision-making.

Human resources oversees the resourcing, management, performance and development of employees to support delivery of HIE’s objectives and values.

Area operations is responsible for oversight of the operation and performance of HIE’s seven area teams.

Further information on HIE and its responsibilities is set out in the Applicant Information Pack. 

If you have any unanswered queries, would like to find out more, or you would like to discuss with the current Chair, please contact the Executive Support Team at HIE, on 01463 245245 (ask for HIE Executive Support) or email execsupport@hient.co.uk.

THE BOARD

The Board has corporate responsibility for ensuring that HIE fulfils the aims and objectives set by the Scottish Ministers and for promoting the efficient and effective use of resources by HIE, in accordance with the principles of Best Value.  In pursuit of its wider corporate responsibilities, the Board will:

• establish the overall strategic direction of HIE within the policy, planning and resources framework determined by the Scottish Ministers;
• ensure that the Scottish Ministers are kept informed of changes which are likely to impact on the strategic direction of HIE or on the attainability of its targets, and determine the steps needed to deal with such changes;
• ensure that any statutory or administrative requirements for the use of public funds (i.e. all funds falling within the stewardship of HIE) are complied with; that the Board operates within the limits of its statutory authority and any delegated authority agreed with the Scottish Government Sponsor Directorate, and in accordance with any other conditions relating to the use of public funds; and that, in reaching decisions, the Board takes into account relevant guidance issued by the Scottish Ministers;
• ensure that the Board receives and reviews regular financial information concerning the management of HIE; is informed in a timely manner about any concerns about the activities of HIE; and provides positive assurance to the Scottish Government Sponsor Directorate that appropriate action has been taken on such concerns;
• demonstrate high standards of corporate governance at all times, including by setting up and using an independent audit committee – in accordance with the guidance on Audit Committees – to help the Board address the key financial and other risks facing HIE. The Board is expected to assure itself on the effectiveness of the internal control and risk management systems;
• provide commitment and leadership in the development and promotion of Best Value principles throughout the organisation; and
• appoint with the Scottish Ministers’ approval a Chief Executive to HIE and, in consultation with the Scottish Government Sponsor Directorate, set performance objectives and remuneration terms linked to these objectives for the Chief Executive which give due weight both to the proper management and use of public monies and to the delivery of outcomes in line with the Scottish Ministers’ priorities.

THE CHAIR ROLE

The Chair of HIE holds a high profile position delivering dynamic leadership of HIE’s board. Working with the CEO and the wider organisation, they are an ambassador and an advocate, not only for HIE, but the Highlands and Islands region itself.

This role relies on building positive relationships of influence amongst the business community, politicians and wider stakeholder groups. To maximise HIE’s contribution to economic and community development, the Chair must be able to develop and deliver the strategic vision and strategies required. The successful candidate will need to be adept at operating and managing within a changing environment.

The skills above will complement the Chair’s ability to make sure the Board is:

• diverse, acting collectively and collaboratively; aligning with the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government and its Economic Strategy;
• effective and maintains the highest standards of corporate governance and financial management.