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- Tasks: Help shape housing policy to ensure everyone in Scotland has a safe home.
- Company: Join the Scottish Government and make a real difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, inclusive environment, and a range of employee benefits.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that strengthens tenants' rights and improves housing services.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth within the UK Civil Service.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you keen to help make Scotland a place where everyone has a safe and secure home? This post is an opportunity to join Better Homes Division, where we focus on the standard of existing homes; regulation of the social and private rented sector and on ensuring the right to an adequate home is realised for everyone. The Rented Sector Unit sits within Better Homes Division of the Housing Directorate. The unit leads the delivery of a range of policy commitments that support continued improvement of services for tenants and landlords. The unit is comprised of 3 teams who lead on high-profile, fast-paced work delivering a range of Ministerial priorities with a focus on rented sector reform to strengthen tenants' rights.
Responsibilities
- Prepare briefings, working with colleagues across the Unit, Division and Directorate to ensure accurate and comprehensive information is provided to Ministers.
- Manage correspondence, triaging requests and providing support to others to ensure that the responses are prepared and issued in line with corporate targets.
- Prepare high quality responses to correspondence including Ministerial responses, Chief Executive responses and general correspondence responses, FMQs and Parliamentary Questions.
- Liaising with both internal and external stakeholders to ensure both the accuracy of responses and timely completion.
- Take the lead on managing FOI requests for the Unit, working with others to ensure the Unit meets requirements in relation to issuing responses.
Success profile
Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on.
Experience
- An ability to work flexibly, adapting skills and resources to changing circumstances to help improve performance.
Behaviours:
- Communicating and Influencing – Level 3
- Working Together – Level 3
- Delivering at Pace – Level 3
- Making Effective Decisions – Level 3
You can find out more about Success Profiles here: Success profiles: candidate guide.
How to apply
Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 1000 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 and Written Analysis Exercise. Assessments are scheduled for start of March however this may be subject to change.
About us
The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles. Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland. We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits.
Working pattern
Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role. From October 2025, the Scottish Government will require staff in hybrid-compatible roles to work in-person 40% of the time, either in an office or other agreed work location.
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).
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. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes. Apply before 23:59 on 16th February 2026. This post is open to internal candidates and Common Citizenship Organisations only. External candidates and staff from UK Other Government Departments are not eligible to apply for this vacancy.
Policy Official in Edinburgh employer: Scottish Government
Contact Detail:
Scottish Government Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy Official in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the housing sector, especially those involved with tenant rights and policy. A casual chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by brushing up on current housing policies and reforms. Show us you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the issues that matter in the rented sector.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since this role involves liaising with various stakeholders, being able to articulate your thoughts clearly will set you apart. Try mock interviews with friends or family.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Policy Official in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Make sure your supporting statement is tailored to the job description. Highlight how your skills and experiences align with the responsibilities and success profiles mentioned. We want to see your unique take on how you can contribute to making Scotland a better place!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your CV and supporting statement, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the point, especially when it comes to your achievements and experiences.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves liaising with various stakeholders, make sure to demonstrate your communication skills in your application. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles, as this will resonate well with us at StudySmarter.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re following the correct process. Plus, it gives you access to all the resources we offer to help you succeed in your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Government
✨Know Your Policies
Familiarise yourself with current housing policies and reforms in Scotland. Understanding the context of the Better Homes Division and its objectives will help you articulate how your skills align with their mission during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to communicate and influence effectively. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed stakeholder relationships or delivered results under pressure, as these will showcase your relevant skills.
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
Demonstrate your adaptability by sharing instances where you've adjusted your approach to meet changing circumstances. This is crucial for a role that requires managing various tasks and responding to different stakeholder needs.
✨Practice Your Written Communication
Since the role involves preparing high-quality responses to correspondence, practice writing concise and clear responses to hypothetical queries. This will not only prepare you for the Written Analysis Exercise but also highlight your attention to detail.