At a Glance
- Tasks: Support policy delivery and manage operational processes in the funeral sector.
- Company: Join a dedicated team within the Scottish Government focused on public health.
- Benefits: Permanent position with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Other info: Engage with stakeholders and contribute to continuous improvement in a sensitive policy area.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the regulation of vital services in Scotland.
- Qualifications: Current B2 grade employee with relevant experience in policy or operational support.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
This opportunity is only open to applicants who are currently 'Priority Movers'. Applications from individuals not currently on the Priority Mover list will be rejected and not considered.
We have an opportunity for a B2 to join our team on a permanent basis. This role sits within the Population Health Directorate, in the Blood, Organ and Tissue Policy & Funeral Sector Policy Unit. The team is responsible for the development and implementation of policy and legislation relating to the regulation of burial, cremation, and funeral services in Scotland, including the inspection and enforcement regime established under the Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Act 2016.
The postholder supports the implementation and operational delivery of funeral sector policy, providing day-to-day policy support to the inspection and enforcement regime. Working closely with the C1 lead, the role supports the effective functioning of inspection systems, scheduling, record-keeping, enforcement tracking, publication processes, and maintenance of the national inspection register.
The role acts as the central operational coordination point between independent Inspectors and the Scottish Government, supporting communication, consistency, and continuity of delivery. The postholder contributes to governance and assurance by maintaining accurate records, monitoring inspection and enforcement activity, and escalating risks, issues, or inconsistencies as appropriate.
The postholder has line management responsibility for B1 and A3 colleagues, providing day-to-day supervision, allocating work, supporting performance and development, and ensuring delivery objectives are met in line with agreed priorities. The role operates within a sensitive and publicly scrutinised policy area, supporting Ministers’ confidence in the effective and lawful operation of the regulatory regime.
Responsibilities
- Support policy delivery by providing day to day operational support to the funeral sector inspection and enforcement regime, ensuring activity is delivered in line with legislation, regulations, and statutory guidance.
- Support briefing and advice for senior officials by providing accurate operational information, updates, and assurance relating to inspection activity.
- Draft and prepare official documentation, including internal guidance, records, and materials to support inspection processes and publication requirements.
- Manage correspondence and information flows relating to inspection and enforcement activity, including liaison with independent Inspectors and internal SG colleagues.
- Support governance and risk management, maintaining accurate records, inspection schedules, enforcement trackers, and the national inspection register, and escalating issues as required.
- Support publication processes for inspection and enforcement outputs in line with agreed procedures and transparency obligations.
- Participate in engagement activity with Inspectors and other stakeholders as required to support effective policy implementation.
- Collaborate with colleagues across government, including legal, governance, digital, and communications teams, to support delivery of policy outcomes.
- Line manage B1 and A3 colleagues, including:
- Allocating and prioritising work in line with team objectives
- Providing day to day supervision and guidance
- Supporting performance management, learning, and development
- Supporting staff wellbeing and inclusive ways of working
- Contribute to continuous improvement, identifying opportunities to improve systems, processes, and ways of working within the inspection regime.
Qualifications
This role is a permanent level transfer position.
How to Apply
Applications for this position will only be accepted from employees at B2 grade. Please submit a statement outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team (maximum 500 words). Vacancy closes at 11:59pm on Sunday the 31st May.
Selection Process
All applications will be invited to an informal discussion with the hiring manager. Informal discussions are to be confirmed.
Further Information
If you have specific questions about the role, please contact donna.mcleod@gov.scot. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.
Policy Official - B2 in Edinburgh employer: Scottish Government
As a Policy Official within the Population Health Directorate, you will be part of a dedicated team that plays a crucial role in shaping and implementing policies that impact the funeral sector in Scotland. Our organisation fosters a collaborative work culture that values transparency, continuous improvement, and employee development, offering opportunities for growth and professional advancement. With a focus on supporting public health and ensuring compliance with legislation, this role provides meaningful work that contributes to the well-being of communities across Scotland.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy Official - B2 in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees in the Population Health Directorate. A friendly chat can give us insights into the team culture and what they really value in a candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that informal discussion! Brush up on your knowledge about the Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Act 2016 and think about how your skills align with the role. We want to show them we’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After your chat with the hiring manager, drop them a quick thank-you email. It keeps us on their radar and shows our enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we can tailor our approach based on the specific requirements listed in the job description.
We think you need these skills to ace Policy Official - B2 in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your statement, make sure to get straight to the point. We want to see your relevant skills and experience without any fluff. Stick to the 500-word limit and ensure every word counts!
Show Your Passion:Let us know why you're excited about this role! Share what drives you in the policy area, especially regarding funeral sector regulations. A bit of enthusiasm can really make your application stand out.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to align your skills and experiences with the responsibilities listed in the job description. We’re looking for how you can support our team effectively, so highlight those relevant experiences that match our needs.
Proofread Before Submitting:Before hitting that submit button, give your application a thorough read. Typos and grammatical errors can distract from your message. We want to see your best work, so take the time to polish it up!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Government
✨Know Your Policies
Make sure you’re well-versed in the relevant policies and legislation, especially those related to burial, cremation, and funeral services in Scotland. Familiarise yourself with the Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Act 2016, as this will show your commitment and understanding of the role.
✨Demonstrate Operational Insight
Be prepared to discuss how you would support the operational delivery of funeral sector policy. Think about examples from your past experience where you’ve managed records, schedules, or enforcement activities, and be ready to share these during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves liaising with independent Inspectors and various government teams, highlight your communication skills. Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to manage correspondence and facilitate effective information flows.
✨Emphasise Team Leadership
As you’ll have line management responsibilities, be ready to talk about your leadership style. Share experiences where you’ve successfully supervised a team, allocated work, and supported colleagues’ development, ensuring you align your approach with the team’s objectives.
