At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape an inclusive, high-performing culture at SCTS.
- Company: Join the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service, vital to Scotland's justice system.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, supportive environment, and a range of employee benefits.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a dynamic public sector environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on justice delivery while fostering a diverse workplace.
- Qualifications: Senior executive leadership experience and a passion for cultural transformation.
The predicted salary is between 84600 - 103400 £ per year.
The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) plays a vital and visible role at the heart of Scotland’s justice system. As an independent, national organisation, we are entrusted with supporting fair, efficient and accessible justice for the people of Scotland.
The Executive Director: People and Culture is a strategic Executive leader who role models our values and behaviours with responsibility for shaping and leading organisational strategy. They will work across organisational boundaries, driving change and efficiencies to translate our vision into clear common goals, building a kind and inclusive culture, where all employees can contribute and feel valued to enable sustainable delivery of justice, now and into the future.
As a core member of the Executive Team, the Executive Director: People and Culture is the principal adviser to the Chief Executive, Executive Team and People Committee on people, culture and organisational delivery and effectiveness. This newly created role is an exciting opportunity as part of the Executive team to lead the people of SCTS through the next stages of reform, developing organisational design across SCTS, setting principles and governance for how the organisation is structured and led. The postholder will lead on building a clear and strong organisational culture.
Through enhancing organisational development focused on empowered leadership and collaboration at all levels, you will build high performing teams working to the organisational values of service, excellence and respect. The organisation is responding to rising user expectations, financial pressures, and the expanding role of digital technology. The Executive Director: People and Culture will partner with the Executive Team to lead our reform agenda to ensure that SCTS’s people, structures and systems are aligned to strategic priorities, resilient to ongoing reform, and capable of delivering modern, sustainable and high-quality services in a complex and demanding environment.
Reporting and Governance
- Reports directly to the Chief Executive
- Member of the SCTS Executive Team
- Primary Executive lead for the People Committee of the SCTS Board
- Accountable for effective partnership working with PCS, our recognised trade union
- Provides strategic leadership of the People and Culture functions, integrating Human Resources and Education & Learning to deliver a cohesive, organisation-wide approach to workforce capability, development and cultural transformation.
Responsibilities
- Lead and shape an inclusive, high-performing organisational culture, embedding SCTS values, accountability, collaboration, trust and leadership consistency across the organisation.
- Provide strategic leadership for people and workforce planning, ensuring people priorities align with business objectives, service delivery and financial planning.
- Direct organisational development and design, ensuring structures, roles and governance support effective decision-making, organisational effectiveness and future business needs.
- Oversee workforce capability and readiness, including workforce planning, succession planning, future skills development and digital capability to support reform and transformation.
- Lead organisational change and transformation programmes, ensuring the organisation is equipped to deliver continuous improvement, digital transformation and strategic reform.
- Provide executive oversight of the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, talent management, learning and development, performance, reward and succession planning.
- Champion equality, diversity, inclusion, wellbeing and employee engagement, ensuring SCTS remains a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace where employee voice informs decision-making.
- Maintain effective employee and stakeholder relations, leading engagement with recognised trade unions, public sector partners, Scottish Government and external stakeholders to support shared priorities.
- Ensure compliance and governance standards are met, overseeing adherence to employment legislation, public sector requirements and workforce-related risk management.
- Lead a high-performing People function and model values-driven leadership, fostering continuous improvement, accountability, professional excellence and the development of others across SCTS.
Qualifications
- Chartered Fellow of the CIPD (FCIPD) professional membership, or equivalent, is desirable.
- Senior Executive leadership experience at Director or Board‑equivalent level in a large, complex organisation.
- Demonstrable success in leading organisational change, cultural transformation and organisational development.
- Experience of advising Boards or governance committees on strategic people and organisational matters.
- Significant experience of strategic workforce planning and leadership development.
- Credible experience of trade union engagement in a complex or unionised environment.
Behaviours:
- Leadership
- Seeing the big picture
- Communicating and influencing
- Working together
How to apply
Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 750 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview with presentation, leadership assessments and staff engagement panel. Assessments are scheduled for w/c 12 October and final panel interviews are scheduled for 30 October, however this may be subject to change.
Recruitment Principles
As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases. We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits.
About Scottish Courts & Tribunals Service
The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) exists to deliver efficient and effective justice across Scotland, supporting the judiciary and upholding public confidence in the justice system. The SCTS is a non-ministerial department established by the Judiciary and Courts (Scotland) Act 2008. Its statutory function is to provide administrative support to the Scottish courts, devolved tribunals and the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). The SCTS has a presence in communities across Scotland.
Working pattern
Our standard hours are 37 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role. Our Hybrid Working policy balances flexibility with the needs of the business. It enables employees, where roles and opportunities allow, to work partly remotely and partly within an SCTS workplace, while ensuring we remain connected as teams and continue to deliver resilient, high quality public services.
Security checks
Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions). Candidates will be expected to hold or be willing to obtain clearance to SC level.
Equality statement
We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.
Further information
Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website.
Executive Director - People and Culture in Edinburgh employer: Scottish Government
The Scottish Government is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees can make a meaningful impact on public services across Scotland. With a focus on employee well-being, the role of Cyber Investigations Manager provides a flexible hybrid working model, a strong pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth within a highly skilled cyber team dedicated to enhancing national security. Located in Edinburgh, this position not only presents interesting technical challenges but also allows you to contribute directly to the safety and resilience of critical government information systems.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director - People and Culture in Edinburgh
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We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director - People and Culture in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Scottish Government. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Scottish Government and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Scottish Government. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Scottish Government's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Government
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Scottish Government.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Scottish Government will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
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Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Scottish Government and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
