Executive Director (Legal & Policy) in Edinburgh

Executive Director (Legal & Policy) in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Full-Time 59400 - 72600 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead legal and policy direction for mental health and human rights in Scotland.
  • Company: Independent body dedicated to protecting the rights of vulnerable individuals.
  • Benefits: Generous leave, NHS pension, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
  • Other info: Join a supportive team committed to values-driven work.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in mental health law and advocate for human rights.
  • Qualifications: Law degree with experience in mental health, human rights, or public law.

The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.

Homepage Executive Director (Legal & Policy)Executive Director (Legal & Policy)The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland (the Commission) is recruiting an Executive Director (Legal & Policy) — a brand new senior leadership role at the heart of mental health, incapacity and human rights law in Scotland.

About us The Commission is an independent statutory body established to protect and promote the human rights, welfare, and dignity of people with mental illness, learning disabilities, dementia, and related conditions.

We ensure that care, treatment, and support are lawful, ethical, and aligned with the principles of human rights and equality.

We operate independently of government, enabling us to speak with authority and impartiality on matters affecting some of Scotland’s most vulnerable people.

The role The Executive Director (Legal & Policy) is a new senior leadership role responsible for shaping the Commission’s legal and policy direction.

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the postholder plays a central role in organisational strategy, external engagement, and the delivery of the full range of our statutory responsibilities.

It is a unique opportunity to influence national thinking on mental health and incapacity law, contribute to the protection of human rights in Scotland, and provide authoritative legal and policy leadership within a respected national body.

The post comes at an exciting time as the reform of Scotland’s mental health and incapacity legislation begins to pick up pace.

About you Undergraduate degree in law with significant legal experience and expertise in mental health, incapacity, human rights, or public/administrative law in Scotland.

Senior leadership experience in a legal, regulatory, public sector or charity environment.

Strategic insight, sound judgement, and the ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly and persuasively.

If you are motivated by improving outcomes for some of Scotland’s most vulnerable people, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Generous annual leave entitlement Membership of the NHS pension scheme Flexible working arrangements Commitment to professional development Supportive, values driven organisational culture
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Executive Director (Legal & Policy) in Edinburgh employer: Mwcscot

The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the public sector while working in the vibrant city of Edinburgh. With a strong commitment to employee development, a supportive work culture, and a focus on promoting human rights, we provide our team with the resources and opportunities needed for professional growth and fulfilment. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values your contributions and strives for excellence in financial management.

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Contact Details:

Mwcscot Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Executive Director (Legal & Policy) in Edinburgh

Dive into Local Government Events

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We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director (Legal & Policy) in Edinburgh

Legal Expertise
Mental Health Law
Incapacity Law
Human Rights Law
Public Law
Strategic Leadership
Judgement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.

Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.

Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Mwcscot and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.

How to prepare for a job interview at Mwcscot

Get to Know Public Sector Values

Before your interview with Mwcscot, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.

Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge

Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.

Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration

The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!

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Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Mwcscot.