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.

The Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI) was established in 2015 as a statutory, independent inquiry into the abuse of children in care. Its purpose is to raise awareness of such abuse, identify the systemic failings that allowed it to occur, and make recommendations to improve legislation, policy, and practice. Chaired by Lady Smith, the Inquiry began public hearings in May 2017 and will continue until its work is complete. Its terms of reference are published on the SCAI website.

The Scottish Government Response Unit coordinates the Scottish Government’s role as a core participant in the Inquiry. The Unit anticipates and responds to the policy and wider implications of the Inquiry, collaborating closely with colleagues across the Scottish Government and its executive agencies. Its responsibilities include managing the identification and disclosure of relevant information to the Inquiry and supporting Scottish Government witnesses. The Unit reports to the Deputy First Minister and operates separately from the Inquiry’s Sponsor Team under an information barrier.

The Response Unit works flexibly and collaboratively to manage changing demands. It comprises two teams: the Evidence and Records Team and the Policy Coordination Team. This post sits within the Policy Coordination Team.

Key Responsibilities:

Ministerial Business

• Support the provision of high-quality ministerial advice, including submissions, briefings and correspondence.
• Support with the coordination of RU’s FMQ’s, Micases and PQ’s

Leadership and People Management

• Deputise for, and assist, the Policy Coordination Team Leader in responding to SCAI
• Line manage five B2 colleagues, supporting performance, development and wellbeing.
• Contribute to collective leadership across the Unit and Division.
• You will be a supportive and inclusive leader, with experience of line managing staff and supporting their development and wellbeing.

Person specification:

• You will have a strong track record of working collaboratively with colleagues across the Scottish government and its executive agencies in relation to the policy development.
• A track record of undertaking research and analysis of the development and deliverypolicy and legislation.
• Strong project management skills, with experience of ensuring that complex workstreams are delivered at pace and on time.
• High personal resilience given the subject-matter and the need to meet deadlines.

Experience:

• Experience of working with internal stakeholders on the development and delivery of policy is desirable.
• An understanding of the work involved in responding to an Inquiry and/or experience of working with legal professionals is desirable.
• An understanding of child protection policy and/or responding to survivors of abuse is desirable.

Working pattern:

This role is a permanent level transfer position.

This is a full-time role, but we welcome applications from staff with different working patterns. Proposed working patterns will be assessed against the business requirements for this post.

How to apply: