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.

We have an opportunity for a B2 to join our team on a permanent basis.This role sits within the Population Health Directorate, in the Blood, Organ and Tissue Policy & Funeral Sector Policy Unit.

The team is responsible for the development and implementation of policy and legislation relating to the regulation of burial, cremation, and funeral services in Scotland, including the inspection and enforcement regime established under the Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Act 2016.

The postholder supports the implementation and operational delivery of funeral sector policy, providing day‑to‑day policy support to the inspection and enforcement regime. Working closely with the C1 lead, the role supports the effective functioning of inspection systems, scheduling, record‑keeping, enforcement tracking, publication processes, and maintenance of the national inspection register.

The role acts as the central operational coordination point between independent Inspectors and the Scottish Government, supporting communication, consistency, and continuity of delivery. The postholder contributes to governance and assurance by maintaining accurate records, monitoring inspection and enforcement activity, and escalating risks, issues, or inconsistencies as appropriate.

The postholder has line management responsibility for B1 and A3 colleagues, providing day‑to‑day supervision, allocating work, supporting performance and development, and ensuring delivery objectives are met in line with agreed priorities.

The role operates within a sensitive and publicly scrutinised policy area, supporting Ministers’ confidence in the effective and lawful operation of the regulatory regime.

Responsibilities

• Support policy delivery by providing day to day operational support to the funeral sector inspection and enforcement regime, ensuring activity is delivered in line with legislation, regulations, and statutory guidance.
• Support briefing and advice for senior officials by providing accurate operational information, updates, and assurance relating to inspection activity.
• Draft and prepare official documentation, including internal guidance, records, and materials to support inspection processes and publication requirements.
• Manage correspondence and information flows relating to inspection and enforcement activity, including liaison with independent Inspectors and internal SG colleagues.
• Support governance and risk management, maintaining accurate records, inspection schedules, enforcement trackers, and the national inspection register, and escalating issues as required.
• Support publication processes for inspection and enforcement outputs in line with agreed procedures and transparency obligations.
• Participate in engagement activity with Inspectors and other stakeholders as required to support effective policy implementation.
• Collaborate with colleagues across government, including legal, governance, digital, and communications teams, to support delivery of policy outcomes.
• Line manage B1 and A3 colleagues, including:
o Allocating and prioritising work in line with team objectives
o Providing day to day supervision and guidance
o Supporting performance management, learning, and development
o Supporting staff wellbeing and inclusive ways of working
• Contribute to continuous improvement, identifying opportunities to improve systems, processes, and ways of working within the inspection regime.

Working pattern

This role is a permanent level transfer position.

How to Apply

Applications for this position will only be accepted from employees at B2 grade.

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 11:59pm on Sunday the 31st May.

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 donna.mcleod@gov.scot

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