Head of Legal

Revenue Scotland is Scotland's devolved tax authority and contributes to Scotland's public services through the taxes we collect. We are diverse, multi-disciplinary, high performing and ambitious. We have a reputation for excellence and a commitment to continually improve the way we work. We promote the health, wellbeing and development of our staff. Our People Survey scores have been excellent across the last five years. in 2025 we had a 94% response rate, and our engagement score ranked 13th highest across the whole civil service, with 3rd for Leading and Managing Change.

Revenue Scotland was established in 2015 and so is a relatively young public body. We are entering a period of expansion moving from an initial 2 taxes to 5 over the next 3 years and embarking on our most ambitious ever Corporate Plan. The Scottish Government's Programme for Government - gov.scot is committed to exploring opportunities for Revenue Scotland to take on further functions. This role will be integral to advancing that commitment.

The Legal Team comprises 4 lawyers (in addition to this role) and support staff. It. supports Revenue Scotland on all legal matters, generally within these categories -

(i) tax advisory

(ii) litigation and

(iii) a full in-house legal service (corporate obligations, technology law and advising the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and Board).

Revenue Scotland aims to be an expert voice on tax, digitally enabled and act as a responsible contributor to the public body landscape in Scotland. We aim to work in novel and innovative ways to support the development of tax legislation, including through direct engagement with external stakeholders. Accordingly, the task for the Legal Team is to continue building a legal service to support these functions and ambitions.

The role involves two complementary functions – first, to provide strategic legal leadership across Revenue Scotland, ensuring the delivery of integrated, high-quality legal advice; and secondly, contributing to Revenue Scotland’s direction and operational performance as a member SLT.

As a visible and supportive leader, you will be accountable for the services delivered by the Legal Team and will build confidence with key partners, client teams, the Board and senior stakeholders by maintaining and enhancing high standards in the delivery of legal services. You will ensure the Legal Team is closely connected to organisational priorities, enabling legal expertise to influence and support decision-making across the business. You will build and manage networks, share learning across the organisation and profession, and contribute to maintaining and enhancing Revenue Scotland’s reputation as a high-performing public body.

You will bring strong leadership and professional credibility, adding value both through your expertise and your contribution as a member of SLT. You will have experience of leading legal services in a complex environment, influencing senior decision-making, and creating a culture that promotes continuous improvement, collaboration and high-quality outcomes.

Revenue Scotland is part of the Government Legal Service for Scotland (GLSS). You will represent Revenue Scotland at GLSS forums and events and will retain close links with the wider GLSS community to support Revenue Scotland and personal and professional development.

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