Cricket Scotland has today announced that it is putting on hold plans to appoint a permanent Chief Executive Officer (CEO) until after the ongoing independent review into racism in Scottish cricket is published next month.
The announcement follows the completion of a robust and transparent recruitment process, which saw several candidates from different backgrounds interviewed for the position. However, at this stage the Cricket Scotland Board felt it was appropriate to pause the process until after the outcome of the independent review is known.
The recruitment process was designed following extensive consultation with board members, staff and external experts to ensure it was accessible and attracted the widest possible field of candidates. It was carefully developed to ensure fairness and equality at every stage, from development of the job description right through to the interviews.
Interim Chair of Cricket Scotland, Sue Strachan, said: “We interviewed several candidates late last month. However, as a Board we were clear from the outset that we had to be absolutely sure that we were in a position to appoint the right person for this important role, particularly given the timing of the independent review into racism in Scottish cricket.
“After careful and lengthy consideration, the Board has decided against making a permanent appointment at this time. Instead, we will wait for the independent review recommendations so that we are in the best possible position to appoint a candidate to lead our organisation during a period of real importance for Scottish cricket. Once the review is published, we will start a new recruitment process as a matter of priority.”
The next Cricket Scotland CEO will be responsible for leading the organisation through a significant period of change including the adoption and implementation of the recommendations brought forward in the independent review report.
In addition, the new CEO will be required to improve inclusion and diversity across Scottish cricket, grow participation, bolster development and harness commercial partnership opportunities, making this one of the most crucial appointments in the history of sport.
While the decision has been taken to pause the recruitment process for a CEO, Cricket Scotland will now prioritise the recruitment of a permanent Chair.
The timing of this recruitment will be such to allow prospective candidates to both understand the current organisation and role requirements, with the application window remaining open for a period of time post the publication of the independent review.