Job Description

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

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Police Division within the Safer Communities Directorate. You will lead a diverse and high-profile portfolio of policing policy work, providing advice to Ministers, senior officials and policing partners on a range of strategic and operational policing issues.

The role has a particular focus on police custody policy and reform, including supporting policy development and implementation, managing complex operational and legislative issues, and maintaining strong relationships with Police Scotland, legal advisers and external stakeholders.

The postholder will also have responsibility for coordination of inspection activity affecting policing, oversight of strategic policing commitments, and a number of operational policing portfolios.

Working within a fast-paced policy environment, you will contribute to ministerial decision-making by providing high-quality analysis, advice and briefing on current and emerging policing issues.

You will work closely with colleagues across government, Police Scotland, inspectorates and wider stakeholders to support effective policy development, strategic oversight and the delivery of government priorities.

The role requires excellent stakeholder management skills, sound judgement, the ability to manage competing priorities, and a strong understanding of the relationship between policy, operational delivery and ministerial priorities..

Responsibilities

• Lead on police custody policy and reform activity, acting as the primary policy lead for custody-related matters and providing advice to Ministers and senior officials on operational, legislative and strategic issues.
• Oversee policy relating to children in police custody and contribute to engagement on healthcare provision within custody settings.
• Monitor and assess emerging operational, policy and legislative developments across the policing landscape, identifying risks, opportunities and issues requiring ministerial awareness or intervention.
• Lead engagement with HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS), maintaining oversight of inspections, reviews and recommendations affecting policing and coordinating appropriate follow-up action where required.
• Support the division's ministerial engagement and briefing function by maintaining oversight of strategic policing commitments, priorities and key documents, and contributing to the commissioning, drafting and quality assurance of briefing materials.
• Support a number of operational policing portfolios, including roads policing and major events, working closely with policing and government partners to monitor developments, identify emerging risks and provide timely policy advice.
• Contribute to the wider strategic oversight of policing policy, supporting cross-government collaboration and helping to ensure alignment between policy objectives, operational delivery and ministerial priorities.
• Build and maintain strong networks across government and policing stakeholders, promoting collaborative working and ensuring effective communication on key issues.

Working pattern

This role is a temporary position with an expected commitment of 12 months.

How to Apply

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

Please submit a CV and 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 11:59pm

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 kirstin.mcphee@gov.scot.

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