Job Description

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

Education Scotland is Scotland’s national curriculum agency. Our Governance and Information Team is responsible for promoting and embedding good corporate and information governance across the agency; for the support of Education Scotland’s delivery of professional, high quality advice and guidance to Ministers and the Scottish Government; and the assurance of our duties to provide access to information.

The Governance, Briefings and Information Manager will be the lead person responsible for the management of the Agency’s official correspondence and enquiries function. They will also have a key role in developing and managing the Agency’s briefing needs, anticipating requirements through on-going analysis of correspondence and parliamentary business; working with key stakeholders to develop and draft core briefs; and producing briefing materials and evidence in response to requests for information.

Key Responsibilities

Official Correspondence

Oversee the Agency’s official correspondence and enquires functions, triaging cases, liaising with Scottish Government colleagues on case allocation and monitoring the teams case workload.

• Provide expert advice to Information Officers on handling complex correspondence requests, working with colleagues to ensure that responses are accurate, timely and reflect the organisational position and priorities.
• Undertaking analysis of correspondence and enquiries to anticipate themes and emerging issues, escalating to senior colleagues where required.
• Report on performance and management information regularly including via the organisations corporate governance arrangements, FOI publication scheme and annual complaints performance report.
• Identify and deliver bespoke training opportunities for the Education Scotland workforce, across the range of functions of the team.
• Maintain guidance and documentation to support organisational awareness of correspondence and enquiries.
• Lead on the development and implementation of correspondence systems and processes, incorporating SG process and systems where relevant.

Briefings and Information

• Maintain a good understanding of the Scottish education and public service landscape, taking account of the organisations strategic direction, Scottish Government policy and parliamentary business to anticipate emerging issues.
• Maintain a good understanding of the organisations priorities and key services, by providing secretariat support to the organisations Delivery Board – including agenda planning, commissioning papers, quality assurance of submissions, and minute preparation.
• Develop and implement a system for drafting and managing core briefs across Education Scotland’s portfolio, liaising with education colleagues to develop standard lines and understand emerging issues.
• Co-ordinate and support the creation of briefing materials for the Chief Executive, Ministers, responses to correspondence or parliamentary appearances.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with others across Education Scotland and the wider Scottish Government to ensure that accurate information is conveyed quickly and effectively through appropriate channels.

Experience

• Strong written and oral communication skills with an ability to produce high quality briefing material, tailored to the needs of different audiences and with an ability to engage confidently and effectively with stakeholders and staff at all levels.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills, including the ability to work flexibly, managing competing deadlines and prioritising workloads.

Working pattern

This role is a permanent level transfer position.

Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role, including Flexi-leave. Scottish Government staff in hybrid-compatible roles should aim to work in-person 40% of the time, either in an office or other agreed work location. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.

How to Apply

Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive B2 grade 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).

Vacancies close at 23:59pm on Friday 30 October.

If you have questions about your application, please contact melanie.o'bryan@educationscotland.gov.scot

Selection Process

All applicants will be invited to an informal discussion with the hiring manager. There will be no formal testing or assessment.

Discussions are expected to be scheduled for w/c TBC.

Recruitment Principles

As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.