Scottish Animal Welfare Commission: applications information

The SAWC provides independent, expert advice to the Scottish ministers on the welfare of wild and companion animals in Scotland.

The commission only considers areas that are within the farm animal remit of the UK Animal Welfare Committee and the UK Zoo Expert Committee where these relate to the overall responsibility of the Scottish Government.

The SAWC will not consider matters that are reserved to the UK Government, including the welfare of animals used in scientific procedures.

The Chair of the SAWC is Professor Cathy Dwyer. The Chair was appointed directly by the Minister for Rural Affairs and the Natural Environment. Cathy is Professor of Animal Behaviour and Welfare at School of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, SRUC (Scotland’s Rural College). Cathy also sits as a scientific advisor on various international animal welfare bodies.

In addition to the Chair, 11 commissioners were recruited to sit on the commission in an independent capacity and not as representatives of particular groups or organisations. Three vacancies have now arisen due to the term ending or the departure of some of the commissioners.

The commission is expected to provide written reports and opinions to Scottish ministers giving practical recommendations based on scientific evidence and ethical considerations on:

• the way that the welfare needs of sentient animals are being met by the Scottish Government in all areas of policy development within the remit of Scottish ministers – an annual report
• possible changes in legislation proposed to protect the welfare of sentient animals and the relative priority that should be given to these, taking into account the number of animals affected, the severity of the problem and the probability that legislative change will be effective – an annual report with interim opinions as requested by the Minister
• non-legislative routes to improve animal welfare within the control of government including guidance and public awareness campaigns, collaborative working with stakeholders etc. - interim opinions as appropriate
• research requirements to provide evidence for policy development
• short rapid opinions on specific issues as determined by the members or at the request of the Minister 

Membership of the SAWC

Description of role

As a member of the SAWC, the individual has collective responsibility for the operation of the commission and is expected to:

• exercise their individual talents and areas of expertise by briefing and guiding the commission
• attend commission meetings regularly and contribute fully to email discussion of issues between meetings
• prepare adequately for these meetings by, for example, proposing agenda items, reading papers in advance, preparing and presenting papers for consideration, participating in discussion, and helping to reach a consensus view
• conduct themselves in an appropriate manner and to respect the views of other commission members
• to act on the Chair’s behalf in representing the commission at meetings with other bodies, at conferences/events and in the media, as required (and agreed with the Chair). 
• to act as commission lead, as required (and agreed with the Chair) in relation to specific elements of the work plan
• protect information received in confidence from unauthorised disclosure
• identify potential areas for research

Qualities and experience required

The commissioners will be recruited to maintain the balance of expertise in animal welfare law, practical enforcement, veterinary medicine, animal welfare science, social science, wildlife management, pet trade, animal charity work, government policy development, ethics, informed lay opinion etc. 

In this instance the commission is particularly keen to recruit commissioners with expertise in evidence-based approaches to animal welfare and/or animal protection and practical enforcement of welfare legislation.

The commissioners able to provide this range of experience may be an employee or member of lobbying groups or welfare organisations but as regards their involvement with the commission will act in an independent personal capacity and will not be bound to promote the views or policies of their parent organisation.

As well as particular expertise in one or more of the above areas, the applicant should also have demonstrable ability/experience in one or more of the following criteria:

• team working to deliver agreed objectives
• excellent all-round communication skills
• an ability to analyse complex information and extract key information
• an understanding of the workings and devolved responsibilities of the Scottish Government
• report writing
• awareness of the wider public view on animal welfare

Terms and conditions

The successful applicants will be expected to take up their appointment as a member of the SAWC by end of March 2026.

Appointments are normally for up to four years. The member may be considered for reappointment after this period, subject to satisfactory performance, attendance and business needs. 

The Chair and members of the SAWC receive no financial remuneration for their time.

Reasonable travel and accommodation expenses attributed to the work of the commission are reimbursed in line with current Scottish Government travel and subsistence policy.

This is not a full-time role. The full commission meets approximately four times a year with most work being done by email and in smaller working groups on specific topics between full plenary meetings.