Job Description

This opportunity is only open to applicants who are currently 'Priority Movers'. Applications from individuals not currently on the Priority Mover list will be rejected and not considered.

Are you interested in a job that directly relates to the delivery of an essential public service that ensures our buildings are safe places to live and work? Building Standards Division in the Housing Directorate is looking for a Construction Professional with knowledge and practical experience of the building standards system to work within the Procedures and Workforce Team of the Practice Unit. The division is responsible for developing and maintaining the policies and legislation for the building standards system in Scotland. You will work across the division to develop changes that will strengthen the building standards system so that Scotland’s buildings are safe, sustainable and energy efficient.

A key feature of the role will be frequent working with local authorities in their role as building standards verifiers, external partners in the construction sector, and policy colleagues in related business areas in Scottish Government. You will be responsible for developing and maintaining the policies, guidance and legislation to ensure the building standards system remains fit for purpose. This is an important time for the division as it delivers key improvements to strengthen the building standards system overseen by the Building Standards Futures Board and responds directly to the recommendations in the Grenfell Inquiry’s final report, including development of legislative changes.

Applications are invited from construction professionals with practical knowledge of building standards. This is a rewarding post in a supportive team that provides opportunities to use your technical knowledge and experience of the system when developing options for change and when leading on regular liaison with building standards professionals in local government.

Responsibilities

• Review application of building standards legislation and guidance and develop improvements to the procedures underpinning delivery of the building standards system.
• Provide an effective point of contact between the division and Local Authority Building Standards Scotland and the Scottish Building Standards Hub for joint working on shared goals for the verification service.
• Lead on an annual workforce data collection exercise to understand the challenges facing the building standards workforce and inform new policy approaches.
• Work proactively with the Competency Steering Group to deliver an interim competency assessment process for the profession and carry out a review of the new approach to inform future arrangements.
• Provide support on recommendations arising from the Grenfell Inquiry on construction products regulation and assuring impartiality and accountability to the public in relation to delivery of the building standards system.
• Administer statutory casework including applications for ‘Relaxation’ and ‘Ministerial Views’ relating to compliance with building regulations.
• Develop research specifications and deliver projects that provide an evidence base for improvements and carry out public consultation on proposals for legislative change where required.
• Prepare briefing on building standards related matters for Ministers and other parts of Scottish Government.
• Respond to correspondence from the public and construction professionals about the procedural aspects of the building standards system and providing advice where required.

QualificationsConstruction professional qualification related to building standards is required. Other qualifications equivalent to these may also be acceptable, if you are in any doubt please contact to discuss.

Working pattern

This role is a permanent level transfer position.

How to Apply

Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive B3 employees.

Please submit a statement outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team (maximum 500 words).

Vacancy closes at 12:00pm on Thursday the 9th April.

Selection Process

All applications will be invited to an informal discussion with the hiring manager.

Informal discussions are to be confirmed.

Further Information

If you have specific questions about the role, please contact louise.kennedy2@gov.scot.

Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.