At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead improvements in social work education and professional learning across Scotland.
- Company: Join the National Social Work Agency, making a real difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, supportive environment, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of social work and impact national outcomes for children and adults.
- Qualifications: Experience in policy development and a passion for social work education.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Are you looking to broaden your experience in a cross-cutting policy area that supports our ambition for improved national outcomes for children and adults across Scotland? We have an opportunity within the National Social Work Agency to lead the development and delivery of a variety of planned improvements for social work education and continuing professional learning.
The National Social Work Agency has oversight of social work, raising the profile of and strengthening the cohesion of the profession across the public, third and independent sectors, including students. It will advance social work practice and support the implementation of national policy, driving support, change and continuous improvement in social work education and learning.
The Agency is an Executive Agency with responsibility for advising Ministers and policy teams with an interest in all aspects of social work policy and practice, including adults, children and justice social work. Additionally, the Agency will provide cross-governmental policy input in areas including health and social care, mental health, children and families, prisons, and all aspects of public protection.
The Agency has highly motivated staff who take pride in their work and strive to ensure effective person-centred and trauma-informed support is available for people of all ages in Scotland. The work is fast-paced, high-profile, varied and rewarding, in an area that impacts the lives of everyone in Scotland.
Responsibilities
- With the regulator, plan a programme of work to improve educational and practice experiences for student social workers in approved programmes in Scotland, including the financial resources available to students, and encourage widening access to the profession.
- With sector partners, oversee the development of a national training plan for social workers, working across the Agency and with government policy teams to ensure a coordinated and viable approach.
- Lead the support and coordination of the SSWP Education and Learning Delivery Group, including providing direct support to the Priority Lead and working with SSWP partners to shape and deliver agreed outcomes.
- Support the Professional Learning Team to identify and develop new policy initiatives that benefit current and future social workers, and that strengthen the structures of social work education, linking with the regulator, educational providers, employers and the workforce.
- Work closely with the Workforce Planning Team Leader to coordinate policy activity that recognises mutual dependencies and provides an evidence-based, coherent narrative of planned work and achievements to the sector.
- Work closely with the Workforce Planning Team Leader to ensure social work educational data is incorporated into a single source and to develop strategies to identify and address data gaps.
- Contribute to the leadership of the Agency, working with the Chief Social Work Adviser, Deputy Chief Social Work Adviser and Senior Leadership Team to deliver strategic priorities.
- Contribute to a strategic overview of social work policy and practice, engaging and collaborating with other relevant areas across government to explore, support and progress joint policy outcomes.
- Undertake line management responsibilities, including providing leadership, direction and support to team members.
Success profile
Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of behaviours, experience and technical criteria (if applicable) that candidates will be assessed on.
Technical / Professional Skills
Policy context & Purpose – Level 1 You can find out more about the skills required, here: Policy Profession Standards
Experience
Experience of policy development impacting social worker education, continuous learning and practice.
Behaviours
- Making Effective Decisions - Level 4
- Communicating and Influencing - Level 4
- Working Together - Level 4
- Delivering at Pace - Level 4
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 Profiles 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 presentation. Assessments are scheduled for w/c 17th August 2026 however this may be subject to change.
Skilled Worker Sponsorship not being offered
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.
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.
Qualifications
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, observing the Civil Service Code and 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.
As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules.
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, including Flexi-leave. Scottish Government staff in hybrid-compatible roles should aim to work in-person 40% of the time, either in an office or other agreed work location.
If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.
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). You can find out more about BPSS on the UK Government website, and read about the Government Vetting Charter, or about all the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide. Internal candidates may need to gain higher security clearance than they currently hold if successful in their application.
Equality statement
We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.
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 30th July 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.
Professional Learning Team Leader in Edinburgh employer: Scottish Government
The Scottish Government offers a dynamic and supportive work environment, where you can make a significant impact on customer service and safeguarding across Scotland. With a strong focus on employee development and innovation, you will have access to numerous growth opportunities while working alongside a dedicated team committed to excellence in public service. Join us in shaping a high-performing organisation that values collaboration and strives for transformative results.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Professional Learning Team Leader in Edinburgh
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Scottish Government.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Scottish Government!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Scottish Government, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Scottish Government or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Professional Learning Team Leader in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Scottish Government:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Scottish Government! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Government
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
