Adult Neurodevelopmental Policy Team Leader

This is an Expression of Interest (EOI) opportunity, available on a lateral move basis only. Applications are open to Core Scottish Government employees only.

Business Area/Directorate – Mental Health, Social Care and NCS Directorate

Location – St Andrews House

Working Arrangement – Staff in roles compatible with hybrid working should aim to spend 40% of their contracted working time working in person at their contractual workplace. More information can be found within Hybrid Working Policy.

Grade – C1

Advert type – Level Transfer

Duration – Up to 12 months

Eligibility – Expressions of interest are invited from C1 colleagues on level transfer from Core SG only. Skilled Worker sponsorship is not available for this role. As a result, we are unable to appoint candidates who require Skilled Worker sponsorship now or in the future. Applicants must have an existing and ongoing right to work in the UK.

Overview – We are seeking an experienced C1 to lead a high profile and dynamic area of policy focused on improving the support and services available to neurodivergent (ND) adults. There is a 2026 Manifesto commitment to: “work with partners across Scotland to adopt the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ 4-tiered national pathway for neurodevelopmental conditions to ensure anyone with or without a formal neurodevelopmental diagnosis can access the support they need when and where they need it”. This role will lead on progressing this commitment, with a small team to support delivery.

Based in DG Health and Social Care, this role sits within the Improving Mental Health Services Division within the Mental Health, Social Care and NCS Directorate. The Division currently comprises three Units working with system leaders to ensure people can access the right mental health services and neurodevelopmental support at the right time and in the right place.

As a team leader within the Care, Support and Access Unit, the postholder will be responsible for leading on adult neurodevelopmental policy. Under the leadership of the Unit Head, the postholder will work collaboratively with two other C1s working on CYP Neurodevelopment, CAMHS and specialist and regional CAMHS, perinatal and infant mental health services and eating disorders policies. The post currently involves direct line management responsibility for 1 member of staff and overall responsibility for a team of 2-3 officials, including a professional adviser.

As part of its ongoing re-organisation, the Directorate is putting a focus on flexibility and adaptability, ensuring we always have the right level of resourcing to support our priorities. The postholder will model leadership in terms of flexibility, positivity, and supporting the ongoing evolution of Directorate and Division priorities and structures.

As the Adult Neurodevelopmental (ND) Policy Team Leader, you will be working in a politically high-profile, busy and exciting policy area within a small collaborative and supportive team / Unit. The role will provide opportunities to make a significant contribution in an area of Scottish Government policy that has significant public, policy and political interest, including a Manifesto commitment to roll out a new approach to support the needs of neurodivergent adults seeking services, assessment and diagnosis.

The role involves collaboration with colleagues and stakeholders working on related policy topics including Children & Young People’s ND, learning disabilities, and related health and social care spaces. The role involves significant Ministerial engagement given the profile of this policy issue, giving the postholder the opportunity to build on their current experience of delivering in a fast paced, high profile environment focused on delivery of Ministerial priorities.