Appointment of Chair and Member to the Scottish Commission on Social Security.

The Scottish Commission on Social Security (SCoSS) is an independent body set up in 2019 to provide independent scrutiny of the Scottish social security system and hold Scottish Ministers to account.

The Commission is separate from the Scottish Government and from the Scottish Parliament. It carries out its work independently of both, but works closely with both.

Information on the Commission’s functions are set out within Section 22 of the Social Security (Scotland Act) 2018. SCoSS’s role is made up of three parts:

Scrutinising draft regulations and publishing a report including recommendations to the Scottish Government.

Reporting on the Social Security Charter to the Scottish Government and the Scottish Parliament on whether the expectations in the Social Security Charter are being met. The Scottish Government and Social Security Scotland published the Social Security Charter in January 2019. It is called ‘Our Charter’.

Responding to requests from the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Government to report ‘on any matter relevant to social security’ when asked by either of them.

You can find out more about the Board and the work that it has done on the SCoSS webpage. This includes reports, information about the organisation and minutes of Board meetings.

Chair

The Chair will be reimbursed for reasonable travel and other expenses incurred to carry out their role, such as:

• Any travel and subsistence costs
• Reasonable childcare or carer expenses
• Disability-related reasonable adjustments

The Chair will be expected to devote up to 60 days per annum. You will be expected to attend meetings of the Body regularly, to prepare for and to contribute fully to these and to perform your other functions. Board meetings are currently held roughly every 4-6 weeks and there are often ad-hoc meetings in between as well.

Skills/Experience Required

Scottish Ministers welcome applications from people from a wide range of backgrounds who have the following skills/knowledge/experience:

The following priority criterion:

• Leadership

This is in addition to either one or both of the following priority criteria:

• The ability to use your lived experience of the impact of disability arising from a physical or mental impairment, to help bring about positive change
• Experience of policy development and/or delivery; implementation and/or evaluation of policy in a public service context.

Applicants must also provide evidence of the following essential criteria:

• Analysing information and making recommendations
• Working collaboratively, constructively and effectively with others
• Personal Commitment to progressing the Social Security Principles.

Members

Members will be reimbursed for reasonable travel and other expenses incurred to carry out their role, such as:

• Any travel and subsistence costs
• Reasonable childcare or carer expenses
• Disability-related reasonable adjustments

Members will be expected to devote up to 36 days per annum. You will be expected to attend meetings of the Body regularly, to prepare for and to contribute fully to these and to perform your other functions. Board meetings are currently held roughly every 4-6 weeks and there are often ad-hoc meetings in between as well.

Skills/Experience Required

Scottish Ministers welcome applications from people from a wide range of backgrounds who have the following skills/knowledge/experience:

The following priority criterion:

• The ability to use your lived experience of the impact of disability arising from a physical or mental impairment, to help bring about positive change. This may include experience as a carer or as someone advocating for those with lived experience of the impact of a disability.

Applicants must also provide evidence of the following essential criteria:

• Analysing information and making recommendations
• Working collaboratively, constructively and effectively with others
• Personal commitment to progressing the Social Security Principles.
• Understanding of policy development and/or delivery; implementation and/or evaluation of policy in a public service context.

Engagement Event

There will be an online Engagement event held on Wednesday 27 March 2024 from 10:00 – 11:00, with the existing interim Co-Chairs of SCoSS. This is an opportunity to find out more about SCoSS and ask any questions that you may have. If interested in attending please email Julie.McKinney@gov.scot

Scottish Ministers are recruiting members to a new ScotStat Board for Official Statistics. The purpose of the ScotStat Board is to provide recommendations, advice and critical challenge to the Chief Statistician on the production and dissemination of Scottish devolved statistics.

Members of the Board will help promote innovation and set priorities for Official Statistics in Scotland. Members will become familiar with the Official Statistics landscape, and gain experience of strategic thinking and influencing within Government. Members will have the opportunity to work alongside and network with individuals from a range of backgrounds from across Scotland.

The Board will meet around four times per year. The Board may choose to establish sub-groups which may meet additionally outside this timeline. You should ensure you have the agreement of your employer to attend meetings of the Board.

Meetings will normally take place virtually. Although the Board is independent, suitable Scottish Government accommodation may be used if the Board chooses to meet in person.

Appointment will be for an initial term of two years.

Remuneration and Expenses

This is an unpaid role. However, you may be able to claim reasonable travel and subsistence expenses if the Board chooses to meet in person.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities of the role are:

• To contribute actively to the Board in giving strategic direction to the statistics community, providing advice and critical challenge to the Chief Statistician on areas such as statistical policy, priorities and outputs.
• To maintain an overview of the Scottish statistics community, ensuring it is fit for purpose and that it operates within a sound framework.
• To support the Chief Statistician to identify risks/challenges to the production and dissemination of official statistics in Scotland and reflect on appropriate action.
• To prepare for and attend quarterly Board meetings, as required (estimated to be no more than 1 day per quarter in total).
• To act according to Nolan's seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Competencies

Competencies are not required for this post. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an informal interview.

Essential Criteria

Scottish Ministers welcome applications from people from a wide range of backgrounds who have the following skills and experience:

1. Experience of working with data and statistics, or using statistics to inform decision making.
2. An understanding of, or interest in, at least one topic area covered by devolved statistics.
3. Strategic vision and the ability to think creatively to identify policy proposals.
4. Independent judgement and a willingness to speak your mind.
5. Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.

A list of topics covered by Scottish Government statistical publications is available on the Scottish Government website. Devolved statistics are also published by other public bodies in Scotland including National Records of Scotland and Public Health Scotland.

The Scottish Government aims to build a fairer and more equal Scotland, where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive and reach their potential. In achieving this, it is vital that we remove the barriers standing in people’s way, none more so than those faced by people living in poverty. With the cost of living crisis continuing to put additional pressure on household budgets, it is crucial that we do everything that we can to focus our resources where they matter most, and help those most in need. This is why tackling poverty and protecting people from harm is one of three critical and interdependent missions for the Scottish Government, alongside our focus on the economy and strengthening public services.

The Poverty and Inequality Commission (the Commission) plays an important role in this by providing independent expert advice to Scottish Ministers on how to reduce poverty and inequality.

Scottish Ministers wish to appoint up to eight new members, known as Commisioners, to the Commission. This offers an exciting opportunity to anyone who is interested in becoming personally involved in driving change to help tackle inequalities and make a lasting difference to the lives of people and communities across Scotland.

About the Poverty and Inequality Commission

The Commission was established in 2019 as an independent advisory non-departmental public body.

The Child Poverty (Scotland) Act 2017 sets out the Poverty and Inequality Commission’s legal functions, which are to provide independent advice to Scottish Ministers on poverty and inequality and monitor progress and propose solutions to reduce poverty and inequality in Scotland.

More detail on the work of the Commission is included in the Applicant Information Pack and on its website.

Role of a Commissioner

Commissioners are appointed by Scottish Ministers, with appointments approved by the Scottish Parliament. They, along with the Chair, ensure that the Commission carries out its statutory functions as set out in the Child Poverty (Scotland) Act 2017.

In doing so, Commissioners work together to develop advice for Scottish Ministers on the steps that could be taken to reduce poverty and inequality in Scotland and monitor the progress being made in this area.

This is achieved by Commissioners gathering and analysing evidence from a number of sources, including research and personal testimonies, to identify and understand the issues affecting people, the structural inequalities driving poverty, and the impact of policies and the funding in place. This evidence is used by Commissioners to identify options to explore and develop into deliverable solutions that can be adopted by the Commission and provided as advice to Ministers on steps that could be taken to address poverty and inequality.

Commissioners also work closely with the Commission’s Experts by Experience Panel in developing its advice and completing scrutiny against targets.

Working with the Chair, Commissioners also develop the Commission’s Strategic Plan, setting out its vision and priorities. They also contribute to governance documents such as the work plan and annual report and adhere to the Commission’s Code of Conduct.

On occasions Commissioners lead and oversee Working Groups on specific areas of interest to the Commission. They may also represent the views of the Commission by speaking at public events and meetings.

Further detail on the Commissioner’s role can be found in the Applicant Information Pack.

Skills and Experience Required

We are looking for applicants who have a wide knowledge and understanding of the issues relating to poverty and inequality in Scotland and can offer creative and workable advice based on evidence, including those with lived experience of poverty.

We also welcome applicants who have experience in the delivery of services or support to people most likely to experience poverty and inequality or who have knowledge of equality issues and how they apply to poverty and inequality.

Applicants must demonstrate evidence of all of the following –

• the ability to constructively challenge others and be challenged by others
• the ability to communicate effectively and influence others

Applicants must also demonstrate evidence of only one of the following -

• experience in, and knowledge of, the formulation, implementation and evaluation of policy relating to poverty and inequality
• experience of poverty or inequality (or both) and the ability to reflect on your lived experience of poverty or inequality in order to inform solutions
• experience in, and knowledge of, developing and using research and analysis in connection with poverty and inequality
• experience in, and knowledge of, working with persons experiencing poverty or inequality (or both), including children and families

We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of poverty or inequality, women, LGBT+ people, young people, disabled people and those from minority ethnic communities.

Applicants will wish to be aware that we are operating a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants. For further information, please see the applicant information pack.

Remuneration and time commitment

Remuneration is £225 for every day, of not less than 7.5 hours, for time devoted to the role.

While your time commitment may vary, it is likely that you will spend one day per month, that is 12 days per year, in the role. It is not expected that this commitment will exceed 17 days a year.

Reasonable expenses incurred will be reimbursed. The appointments are non-pensionable.

Length of Term

The appointments are initially for up to five years, with the possibility of reappointment subject to evidence of effective performance and satisfying the skills and knowledge required at the time of reappointment and beyond. Any appointment and subsequent reappointment will not extend beyond a maximum of eight years in total.

The Scottish Government aims to build a fairer and more equal Scotland, where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive and reach their potential. In achieving this, it is vital that we remove the barriers standing in people’s way, none more so than those faced by people living in poverty. With the cost of living crisis continuing to put additional pressure on household budgets, it is crucial that we do everything that we can to focus our resources where they matter most, and help those most in need. This is why tackling poverty and protecting people from harm is one of three critical and interdependent missions for the Scottish Government, alongside our focus on the economy and strengthening public services.

The Poverty and Inequality Commission (the Commission) plays an important role in this by providing independent expert advice to Scottish Ministers on how to reduce poverty and inequality.

Scottish Ministers wish to appoint a Chair to lead the Commission, to make sure it provides a strong independent voice to positively inform and shape our approach to tackling poverty and inequality in Scotland.

This appointment therefore, offers an exciting opportunity to anyone who is interested in leading a high profile public body and driving change to help tackle poverty and inequalities, making a lasting difference to the lives of people and communities across Scotland.

About the Poverty and Inequality Commission

The Commission was established in 2019 as an independent advisory non-departmental public body.

The Child Poverty (Scotland) Act 2017 sets out the Commission’s legal functions, which are to provide independent advice to Scottish Ministers on poverty and inequality and monitor progress and propose solutions to reduce poverty and inequality in Scotland.

More detail on the work of the Commission is included in the Applicant Information Pack and on its website.

Role of the Chair

The Commission’s Chair is appointed by the Scottish Ministers, with the appointment approved by the Scottish Parliament. The Chair ensures that the Commission carries out its statutory functions as set out in the Child Poverty (Scotland) Act 2017.

In doing so, the Chair leads the Commission, overseeing its running, governance, adherence to the Commission’s Code of Conduct and the development of the Commission’s strategic documents, to set its vision and priorities. To ensure the Commission runs effectively, the Chair provides leadership, ensures positive relationships are built and that the strengths of Commissioners and the lived experience of the Commission’s Experts by Experience Panel, are all drawn upon, to provide the best quality advice to Ministers.

Working with a range of external stakeholders to influence thinking and reach informed positions, the role of the Chair is key in building and maintaining effective networks and partnerships with external stakeholders to establish the Commission as an authoritative voice on poverty and inequality in Scotland.

As the public face of the Commission the Chair is also often called upon to speak at public events, including giving evidence to the relevant Scottish Parliament Committee(s), and undertake media work as needed to promote the Commission’s work.

The Chair reports directly to the Chief Social Policy Adviser in the Scottish Government.

Further detail on the Chair’s role can be found in the Applicant Information Pack.

Skills and Experience Required

We are looking for applicants who have a wide knowledge and understanding of the issues relating to poverty and inequality in Scotland and can offer creative and deliverable advice based on evidence, including those with lived experience of poverty.

We also welcome applicants who have experience in the delivery of services or support to people most likely to experience poverty and inequality or who have knowledge of equality issues and how they apply to poverty and inequality.

Previous experience of being a member, or Chair, on a public body board is not required, as long as applicants can demonstrate to the capabilities to do so and the passion to lead change on this important issue.

Applicants must demonstrate evidence of all of the following –

• an ability to provide strategic, collaborative and adaptive leadership to effectively deliver on set objectives
• the ability to constructively challenge others and be open to scrutiny
• the ability to communicate effectively and influence others
• the ability to work collaboratively and co-operatively with others
• an understanding of poverty and inequality issues in Scotland
• an understanding of the corporate governance processes that underpin the successful leadership of a public body

Applicants must demonstrate evidence of only one of the following -

• experience in, and knowledge of, the formulation, implementation and evaluation of policy relating to poverty and inequality
• experience of poverty or inequality (or both) and the ability to reflect on your lived experience of poverty or inequality in order to inform solutions
• experience in, and knowledge of, developing and using research and analysis in connection with poverty and inequality
• experience in, and knowledge of, working with persons experiencing poverty or inequality (or both), including children and families

We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of poverty or inequality, women, LGBT+ people, young people, disabled people and those from minority ethnic communities.

Applicants will wish to be aware that we are operating a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants. For further information, please see the applicant information pack.

Remuneration and time commitment

Remuneration is £306 for every day, of not less than 7.5 hours, for time devoted to the role.

While your time commitment may vary, it is likely that you will spend up to four days per month, that is 48 days per year, in the role.

Reasonable expenses incurred will be reimbursed. The appointment is non-pensionable.

Length of Term

The appointments are initially for up to five years, with the possibility of reappointment subject to evidence of effective performance and satisfying the skills and knowledge required at the time of reappointment and beyond. Any appointment and subsequent reappointment will not extend beyond a maximum of eight years in total.

Overview

Adult Disability Payment is a key social security benefit in Scotland, currently providing £109.7m of vital support to 55,535 disabled people in Scotland. Over the course of the next few years a further 236,000 people will transfer to this new benefit from Personal Independence Payment currently provided by the Department of Work and Pensions.

The Scottish Government is committed to continuing to improve the experience of people receiving Adult Disability Payment to ensure they are supported in line with the principles of dignity, fairness, and respect at the heart of our new social security system. A year on from national roll-out, it is time for an independent review to ensure we meet the needs of disabled people both now and in the future.

We are seeking an established leader with a successful track record in policy development and delivery to chair this independent review. You will prepare a final report no later than June 2025, providing clear recommendations backed by robust evidence of the need for and impact of proposed changes and an understanding of the practicability of change and potential costs of delivery.

In this high-profile role you will build trust and confidence with disabled people and stakeholder groups and work closely with them and with Scottish Government and Social Security Scotland officials and wider experts. You will be supported by a secretariat and additional resources will be provided to support evidence gathering, analysis and engagement.

Remuneration

Remuneration for the post of Chair is £306 per day. Expenses incurred as a result of carrying out the duties of the appointment, including reasonable travel and subsistence costs will be reimbursed. The appointment is non-pensionable.

Time Commitment

The time commitment is up to 2 days per week, although we are open to discussing flexible working arrangements and time commitments that work for you.

Appointment Details

The appointment will be for a maximum of 18 months, but a shorter duration may be agreed in some circumstances.

We may consider appointing a candidate who holds a substantive role elsewhere, provided they meet all the essential criteria for this post.

Skills/Experience Required

As Chair, you must demonstrate:

• Extensive leadership experience at senior level with a deep understanding of policy-making in a relevant area of public or third sector service delivery, in addition to excellent oral, written, and analytical skills.
• In-depth experience of the impact of disability in everyday life either through your own lived experience or working with disabled people.
• Ability to demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to a human-rights based approach to social security and the social model of disability.

Location

As Chair, you will be able to work flexibly, but the role is likely to involve an element of travel.

Appointment of Chair to the Accounts Commission for Scotland

Are you a collaborative and inclusive leader, with experience of delivering change and improvement?

Do you have a passion for public service and improving how councils and other public bodies address the challenges facing Scotland to benefit people’s lives and the communities in which they live?

Do you have a track record of building credibility and influence, with strong communication and relationship management skills?

The Accounts Commission for Scotland is looking for a Chair to lead the Commission at this critical juncture for local government in Scotland.

The Accounts Commission is the independent public body which oversees the performance and spending within Scotland’s 32 councils, 30 health and social care joint integration boards and other joint boards. We play a significant role in Scottish public life helping to ensure that public money is spent properly, efficiently and effectively. We are responsible for the audit of all local authorities in Scotland. The recently signed Verity House Agreement between the Scottish Government and Local Government underscores the need for scrutiny, transparency and accountability in the delivery of public services in Scotland.

The Chair is a high-profile role and the successful applicant will be required to represent the Commission as a credible and influential voice. We welcome applications from women, LGBT+ people, young people, disabled people and those from minority ethnic communities.

Skills/Experience Required

The successful applicant must be able to demonstrate the following:

Priority criteria:

• leadership and governance

• relationship management and influence.

Essential criteria:

• commitment to improvement in public services

• constructive & supportive challenge

• sound judgement based on good analytical skills.

Remuneration and time commitment

This appointment is part-time and requires a commitment of up to 10.5 days per month, up to a maximum of 130 days per year. This will include attending meetings of the Accounts Commission and committees. Ordinary meetings take place once a month and normally occupy a full day.

The appointment is non-pensionable and attracts a fee £352.12 for every day of no less than 7.5 hours on a pro rata basis. Reasonable travel, subsistence, childcare and dependant carer expenses incurred as a result of carrying out this role will be reimbursed.

The Scottish Government is now recruiting for a new Convener of the School Closure Review Panel.

This position offers a unique opportunity to play an important role in the Scottish Education system and ensure effective independent scrutiny of school closure proposals under the School (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010.

You must demonstrate a range of knowledge, skills and behaviours including: a working knowledge of Scotland’s education and schools sector or the legal sector or of community consultation, the ability to build and develop a diverse and effective pool of panel members to achieve objectives and an experience of building and maintaining effective working relationships and communicating effectively with a range of stakeholders.

School Closure Review Panels are independent statutory bodies which have been created to enhance and strengthen the process of local authority school closures in Scotland.

Key Responsibilities

The Convener is responsible for appointing and maintaining a pool of persons who will be eligible to be Panel Members. Once a school closure decision is called in by Scottish Ministers, the Convener is required to select three individuals from the pool of persons eligible to be Panel Members to form a Panel to determine each case, and to identify a Chair for each Panel.

Skills, knowledge and experience required

In order to achieve the above, the Convener is expected to:

• develop a strong understanding of the legislation related to school closure consultations in Scotland, and an understanding of common issues that arise;
• fully represent the School Closure Review Panels’ activities, in an honest and positive way to stakeholders;
• develop an effective working relationship with members of the School Closure Review Panels, administration and support staff working with the Convener and Panel members, Education Scotland, Scottish Government and other key stakeholders;
• gain the trust and respect of Panel members;
• ensure the necessary support is available to Panel members in their deliberations and considerations in reaching determination decisions for the post call-in phase;
• commit to on-going personal development activities in support of the Convener role; and
• uphold the highest ethical standards of integrity and probity derived from the nine principles of public life set out by the Committee on Standards in Public Life.

Scottish Ministers are looking to make up to two appointments to the Board of Crown Estate Scotland from 1 June 2022.

Scottish Ministers particularly welcome applications from people with protected characteristics that are under-represented, such as women, disabled people, those from minority ethnic communities and people aged under 50.

Crown Estate Scotland is a self-financing Statutory Public Corporation accountable to the Scottish Ministers and to the Scottish Parliament. The management and revenue of the Scottish Crown Estate was devolved to Scotland on 1 April 2017. The Scottish Crown Estate includes a diverse range of urban, rural, coastal and marine assets. The diversity of the property, rights and interests comprising the Scottish Crown Estate means that decisions on retention, use or sale of the assets can deliver significant economic, social, financial and environmental benefits for communities across Scotland. Crown Estate Scotland is currently the manager of all the Scottish Crown Estate assets.

One role on the Board requires applicants to demonstrate substantial, recent experience in community engagement and/or regeneration. The second role requires applicants to demonstrate professional expertise and substantial recent experience in financial management. Applicants also need to demonstrate a number of other key skills:

• longer term planning/seeing the bigger picture;
• managing performance;
• constructive and supportive challenge - working as part of a team; and
• communication, collaboration and influencing.

Board Members receive £219.17 per day for a time commitment of two days per month. Reimbursement will also be made for all reasonable travel and subsistence costs and any reasonable dependant/carer expenses, including child care. Full details are explained in the applicant information pack.

Would you like to make a difference to the public’s health in Scotland?

Public Health Scotland is looking for one new member to join its Board.

Public Health Scotland is Scotland’s lead national agency for improving and protecting the health and wellbeing of all Scotland’s people, using the best data, intelligence, and research. It was established to consolidate our public health assets and to drive preventative and innovative, whole system approaches that translate evidence into action that improves healthy life expectancy and tackles persistent health inequalities. Public Health Scotland is jointly sponsored by the Scottish Ministers and COSLA, a unique feature for a Scottish public body. This means a commitment to shared decision making, planning and performance management in relation to the body.

The organisation is central to the ongoing response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and its role includes protecting the people of Scotland from infectious disease and environmental hazards through expert advice, coordination, data, and analysis activity.

As a non-executive member of the Board, you will be expected to play a central role in guiding the strategies to meet the overall aim of Public Health Scotland which is to increase healthy life expectancy and to reduce health inequality in Scotland.

Do you have a passion for helping and supporting people?

Are you looking to further your career within Human Resources?

If so, this exciting role as one of our People Advice and Support Partners is for you, and we'd love to hear from you.

This is an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of work to deliver one of the Scottish Government's key priorities: delivering a stronger and fairer Scotland by providing accurate, measured and sound HR advice and support to our staff and management teams.

Social Security Scotland is a new Executive Agency of the Scottish Government. It has grown quickly to employ approximately 1,700 people, and is about to enter into a new phase of rapid growth which will change the size and scale of the organisation significantly, in order to support a second wave of devolved welfare benefits over the coming years.

It is an exciting time to join a relatively young HR function at a time when it has a hugely important role to play in enabling the organisation to deliver services to the People of Scotland.

Candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria below will be invited to the assessments. Applications are welcomed from those with alternative working patterns.

About the Role

Our People Advice and Support Partners work in partnership with Social Security Scotland managers, providing specialist advice to support business managers across Social Security Scotland on a full range of complex HR issues in accordance with HR policies and guidance, to assist resolving workplace matters quickly and proportionately.

The post forms part of a small team providing a comprehensive service to all areas of Social Security Scotland, supporting managers and staff on a range of human resources issues and offers an excellent opportunity to work in a vibrant and growing organisation.

This is an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of work to deliver one of the Scottish Government's key priorities: delivering a stronger and fairer Scotland by providing accurate, measured and sound HR advice and support to our staff and management teams.

Main Duties

These are key roles in the Agency's People Services and will develop the professional advice structures and activities that will support the managers and staff who will administer the devolved benefits.

The main duties of this role include:

• Provide expert advice, support and coaching to line managers and staff on a wide range of the more complex People issues (including performance management, sickness absence, discipline, fairness at work and resourcing issues). Using evidence to assess risk and develop solutions that deliver a successful outcome.

• Work in partnership with Social Security Scotland Managers in investigation and resolution of formalised employee relations issues such as discipline, Fairness at Work, performance and attendance. Act as Professional HR support on formal panels.

• Work in partnership with Social Security Scotland Senior Managers on early support measures to ensure staff and managers are supported when issues first arise. Ensuring that equality and diversity considerations are threaded through day to day approaches to people management

• Build the knowledge and capability of managers and staff through coaching and by developing and delivering (where appropriate) learning interventions e.g. performance management, attendance management, fairness at work and wellbeing initiatives (stress awareness etc.).

• Support the Agency in delivering the health and wellbeing strategy at all levels of the business. Support the B3 People Advice and Support Manager, to improve staff wellbeing, organisational/personal resilience and manage change effectively.

• Ensure that appropriate advice and support MI data is collected to provide effective reporting options that inform service development.

• Line management responsibility for B1 HR adviser(s). Build, coach and develop all People Advice and Support team members to provide efficient and effective services to the agency and embed coaching in organisational culture.

General Duties

• Overview of FOIs, PQs, SARs and any other request for information. Preparation of briefing (including Employment Tribunal background information for SGLD) as required.

• Work in partnership with trade union colleagues, engaging with them and building effective relationships.

• Support the Scottish Government People Advice Directorate's policy work by contributing to policy reviews and ensuring policies are designed with a wellbeing focus.

About You

These are high profile posts in a busy, demand led, increasingly telephony based and digital environment, so we are looking for motivated, confident and enthusiastic individuals. You will have experience of working in a HR environment and have a real passion for supporting people and making a difference. You will be a proactive self-starter who looks to hit the ground and make an impact.

You will have strong communication skills both verbally and in writing, with the ability to adapt your delivery to a wide variety of audiences. You will be well organised with an attention to detail, so that the work you deliver is on time and to a high standard.

For details of the main duties, please refer to the 'Person Specification and Further Information for Job Applicants' documents linked below.

Qualifications Required

Applicants should be Associate/Chartered Member of the CIPD or currently working/willing to work towards an appropriate qualification.

Please note: If you fail to demonstrate how you meet the minimum qualifications as stated above, your application will be automatically sifted out.

Essential Criteria

1. Working in a busy, fast paced HR team providing professional coaching, support and building confidence of all grades of managers, ensuring people deliver in an autonomous but supported environment

2. Excellent interpersonal/influencing skills and the ability to develop effective working relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders at all levels and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. You will need to be resilient as some conversations will be difficult and sensitive.

3. An enabler – able to analyse evidence and develop effective and practical solutions to complex issues and sensitive situations, encouraging the business to take ownership whilst supporting them in their implementation

4. Resilient and flexible approach to change with the ability to prioritise, manage people and a varied workload in a multi-faceted, fast paced team.

Important Information Regarding Interviews

In recognition of the Scottish Government's ongoing measures and guidance in its response to Covid-19 (Coronavirus), we would like to advise applicants that a decision has been taken that all interviews must be conducted in a virtual/remote setting.

In order to facilitate this new way of working, we are asking all applicants to ensure that they have a suitable space to complete the virtual interview as well as a personal device of choice with an account registered to the 'WebEx' app by which you can undertake the interview/assessment if selected. We are also asking you to ensure that your personal Wi-Fi/Broadband capacity will be sufficient to carry both audio and video feeds to undertake the interview. This will then ensure that there are no issues incurred during the interview.

We are currently seeking applications for HR Diversity and Inclusion Manager within the Scottish Government’s Executive Agency, Social Security Scotland, People Advice and Support Team based in Glasgow and Dundee. This is a permanent and pensionable appointment and new entrants will normally start on the minimum of the pay range. Candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria below will be invited to the assessments.

Overview

Social Security Scotland is responsible for administering a number of devolved benefits which are being introduced in stages to the people of Scotland. Our commitment to equality is an integral part of our business and people plans as we aim for our staffing profile to reflect the public we serve and to deliver our services with dignity, fairness and respect.

This is an exciting opportunity within the People Advice and Support Team as our organisation grows and begins to deliver new benefits. You will lead work on developing a workforce strategy focused on diversity and inclusion that is aligned to our Equality Strategy and Outcomes, and coordinate activity to improve our ability to attract, develop and retain staff who are reflective of the public we serve. You will ensure we deliver our commitments in the public sector equality duty and will coordinate activity in support of various action plans designed to advance our progress towards becoming a diverse organisation where everyone is able to fully contribute and feels supported to be themselves at work.

The People Advice and Support Team, in both Dundee and Glasgow, work closely together to ensure a consistent approach to all people advice and support for managers and staff within the Agency.

The post holder can be based in either Dundee or Glasgow although regular travel between offices and across our Local Delivery locations throughout Scotland will be required. Occasional overnight stays may also be required.

This is a permanent and pensionable appointment and new entrants will normally start on the minimum of the pay range. Candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria below will be invited to the assessments.

Qualifications Required

For jobs in Band B & C you must hold a minimum of 3 Highers or equivalent or relevant experience.

Other qualifications equivalent to these may also be acceptable, if you are in any doubt please contact to discuss.

Desirable Criteria

CIPD qualified or is willing to study towards this qualification.

Please note: If you fail to demonstrate how you meet the minimum qualifications as stated above, your application will be automatically sifted out.

Essential Criteria

1. Experience of leading and embedding diversity and inclusion programmes in a complex organisation with evidence of developing and delivering diversity and inclusion action plans and policies.

2. Excellent interpersonal/influencing skills and the ability to develop effective working relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders at all levels both internally and externally and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

3. Good knowledge of equalities legislation, employment law and the social and political context of diversity and inclusion.

4. An enabler – able to develop effective and practical solutions to complex issues and sensitive situations, encouraging the business to take ownership whilst supporting them in their implementation.

5. Resilient and flexible approach to work with the ability to prioritise, manage relationships and a varied workload in a multi-faceted, fast paced team.

Important Information Regarding Interviews

In recognition of the Scottish Government's ongoing measures and guidance in its response to Covid-19 (Coronavirus), we would like to advise applicants that a decision has been taken that all interviews must be conducted in a virtual/remote setting.

In order to facilitate this new way of working, we are asking all applicants to ensure that they have a suitable space to complete the virtual interview as well as a personal device of choice with an account registered to the ‘Webex’ app by which you can undertake the interview/assessment if selected. We are also asking you to ensure that your personal Wi-Fi/Broadband capacity will be sufficient to carry both audio and video feeds to undertake the interview. This will then ensure that there are no issues incurred during the interview.

Appointments commencing on 1 September 2021 and 1 April 2022

Scottish Ministers are looking to appoint up to five new Members of the Board of Quality Meat Scotland (QMS). Three appointments will take effect from 1 September 2021 with two from 1 April 2022.

Applicants need to demonstrate evidence of at least one of the following:

• knowledge and experience of pig production;
• knowledge and experience of food retailing generally and specifically red meat;
• knowledge and experience of marketing and promotional activities;
• knowledge and experience of red meat processing.

Applicants also need to demonstrate evidence of all of the following:

• ability to challenge constructively and contribute to high quality decision making and priority setting within a Board or team environment;
• ability to communicate clearly and effectively to a range of stakeholders;
• ability to contribute to the work of Quality Meat Scotland Board ensuring it remains relevant to levy payers;
• ability to contribute effectively to strategic planning and risk management processes.

Finally, it would be desirable if applicants had the ability to be an effective member of the Remuneration Committee (RemCo).