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Recruitment of the West Dunbartonshire Visitor Levy Advisory Forum Chair

We are currently recruiting a Chair for the West Dunbartonshire Levy Forum. Applications can be made by submitting a CV and covering letter to  visitor.levy@west-dunbarton.gov.uk.  Please detail in the covering letter how you meet the criteria for Chair in the person specification listed below (Max 400 words) 

Applications opened on Monday 16 March and will close at midnight Sunday 29 March 2026. Once appointed, the Chair will then assist in the appointment of the rest of the Forum.

Purpose of the Role 

The Chair will provide independent, transparent, and effective leadership to the West Dunbartonshire Visitor Levy Forum. The Chair will guide the Forum in reviewing, discussing and advising West Dunbartonshire Council on the proposed visitor levy scheme, as well as its evaluation, any modifications, and how the proceeds should be invested to benefit West Dunbartonshire’s communities and visitor economy. 

Key Responsibilities 

  • Lead Forum meetings in a fair and structured manner, ensuring inclusive participation from a diverse stakeholder group that includes local businesses, tourism operators and community representatives. 
  • Act as the primary liaison between the Forum, West Dunbartonshire Council (including elected members), and key stakeholders. 
  • Uphold high standards of governance, integrity, transparency, and independence.
  • Facilitate consensus-building on recommendations relating to levy funds, scheme performance, investment priorities and proposed changes.
  • Champion West Dunbartonshire’s unique cultural, heritage, and tourism assets when advising on investment decisions. 

Skills, Experience and Personal Qualities 

  • Proven leadership experience in governance, advisory, or facilitative roles. 
  • Ability to command respect while fostering inclusive and balanced discussion.
  • Experience in managing complex, multi-stakeholder environments  (community groups, business sectors, public sector). 
  • Strong communication, negotiation and consensus-building skills. 
  • Understanding of local government decision-making and public policy processes. 
  • Commitment to transparency, impartiality and independence. 
  • Knowledge of West Dunbartonshire’s visitor economy and economic development priorities (experience in Scottish tourism policy is advantageous but not essential). 

Time Commitment and Term 

  • Initial term of three years, with potential extension.
  • The Forum is expected to be convened quarterly
  • Non-executive role without renumeration but travel costs will be reimbursed
  • We hope to announce the successful candidate in early April 2026. 

West Dunbartonshire Council will then work with the Chair to appoint members to the Visitor Levy Forum with the first meeting of the forum expected in late April/early May 2026.