Job Description

As the Health and Care Staffing Act Senior Policy Officer, you will be working in a high-profile, exciting area within a small collaborative team. You will provide strategic leadership and oversight for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of policy relating to the Health and Care (Staffing) (Scotland) Act 2019. This role is central to ensuring that safe, effective, and person-centred staffing arrangements are embedded across health and social care services in Scotland.

The postholder will work closely with a wide range of stakeholders both internally and externally, in particular with those in Health Boards. You will support external partners in meeting their legislative duties as well as ensuring that Scottish Government are taking all relevant steps to ensure Scottish Ministers are meeting theirs. Data analysis is a key function of this role as the Act has several reporting requirements that must be met. The role encompasses every aspect of policy and therefore the postholder will benefit from learning new skills as well as developing their existing ones.

The ideal candidate will have experience in a complex policy area and be comfortable interpreting legislation. They will have a keen eye for detail and be proficient in data analysis.

Key Responsibilities

• Play a leading role in the reviewing process for health board annual reports, drawing out key messages to inform the annual Ministerial report.
• Take a leading role in the drafting process of the Ministerial report including working across DG Heath and Social Care and briefing Ministers as appropriate.
• More generally, lead on high-quality briefing for Ministers and senior leaders, helping to manage and support senior engagement and cross-sectoral relationships.
• Use analytical skills to provide advice and guidance to a range of stakeholders and inform senior leader and ministerial decision making.
• Lead the quarterly reporting process that is a legislative duty under the Act.
• Work closely with stakeholders internally and externally to ensure they are meeting their legislative duties and to assist in meeting Ministers duties.
• By working closely with stakeholders, gain insight into how compliance with the legislation can be strengthened, improving outcomes for the ultimate service users.

Working Pattern

This role is a permanent level transfer position.