Emma Caldwell Inquiry - Hearings and Witness Support Officer in Glasgow

Job Title – Hearings and Witness Support Officer

Business Area/Directorate – The Emma Caldwell Inquiry

Location – Glasgow or Edinburgh

Working Arrangement – The Inquiry will have two bases, one in Edinburgh for the administration, and one in Glasgow for the oral hearings. The postholder will be required to travel regularly between the sites. While virtual & hybrid working may be feasible at some points, there is an expectation that the Hearings and Witnesses support officers will be present in Glasgow for the duration of the Inquiry hearings.

Due to the nature of delivering public hearings annual leave and flexible working hours will be restricted at times during this post. While job sharers and individuals on any working pattern are welcome to apply, the likely restrictions should be noted and may not suit all.

Grade – B1

Advert type - Level Transfer

Duration - Permanent

Eligibility - Expressions of interest are invited from substantive colleagues on level transfer

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.

Overview

The Emma Caldwell Public Inquiry, established under the Inquiries Act 2005, is an independent investigation into matters of significant national interest. Although independent of the Scottish Government, it is largely staffed by civil servants on assignment from SG, working under the direction of the Chair, Lord Scott.

The Inquiry team is responsible for the full range of administrative and operational functions, including policy development, strategic planning, finance, facilities, security, and communications. As a public and high-profile inquiry, it will address complex and sensitive issues, requiring robust risk management and careful stakeholder engagement.

We are looking to recruit a Hearings and Witness Support Officer for the duration of the Inquiry hearings. The Hearings and Witness Support Officer is a crucial role, maintaining the Inquiry’s relationships with witnesses and helping ensure preparation for and conduct of hearings is smooth, professional and accessible. This is a cross-cutting role which will require the post-holder to work closely with teams across the Inquiry and with external stakeholders to ensure the team delivers a quality service and that the Inquiry is perceived as trusted, open and accessible.

Key responsibilities

• Provide administrative and logistical support to the Hearings and Witnesses team in preparing for and delivering Inquiry hearings.
• Support arrangements for witness attendance, including travel, accommodation, and expenses, in line with guidance and processes.
• Act as a point of contact for witnesses, responding to routine queries and providing clear and timely information about hearings and attendance.
• Assist in maintaining regular contact with witnesses to help ensure they are informed and prepared for their involvement.
• Support the delivery of hearing operations, including assisting with front-of-house duties such as reception, witness liaison, and hearing room support.
• Contribute to the organisation of hearing day rotas and undertake duties as part of the rota under supervision.
• Assist with the setup and delivery of remote or hybrid hearings (e.g. Teams/Zoom), including basic system checks and troubleshooting.
• Work with colleagues and external suppliers (e.g. AV, transcription services) to support smooth hearing delivery, escalating issues where appropriate.
• Undertake routine administrative tasks, including processing expenses and maintaining accurate records.
• Support transcript handling activities, including proofreading and uploading documents in line with established processes.
• Provide administrative support to legal teams where required, including assisting with hearing preparation tasks.
• Follow established processes and contribute ideas for improvements where appropriate.
• Apply the Inquiry’s trauma-informed approach when interacting with witnesses, recognising when to escalate concerns to senior colleagues.
• Work collaboratively and flexibly with colleagues across the Inquiry to support delivery.

Person Specification

• Experience of working effectively as part of a team and building positive working relationships.
• Good organisational skills with the ability to manage tasks and prioritise work with support.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with a range of stakeholders.
• Ability to work to deadlines and follow processes accurately.
• Demonstrates resilience and an awareness of the sensitive nature of the role.

Conflict of Interest

The Inquiry’s purpose is to carry out an investigation into the conduct of Police Scotland and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS).

Given that the day-to-day role involves investigating the actions of the above organisations, it may be considered a conflict of interest if you have previously worked for Police Scotland or COPFS.

Any disclosure of this nature must be provided at the time of application, failure to do so could result in any offer of employment being withdrawn.

Behaviours Being Tested

• Managing a quality service
• Delivering at pace
• Communicating and influencing

You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here: Behaviour levels - Success profiles: candidate guide

Working Pattern

This post is a full time role. Due to the nature of delivering public hearings annual leave and flexible working hours will be restricted at times during this post. While job sharers and individuals on any working pattern are welcome to apply, the likely restrictions should be noted and may not suit all.

Further Information

Further information about this opportunity is available from scott.kerr@emmacaldwellinquiry.scot

How to Apply

Please submit an Expression of Interest (maximum 500 words) outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team.

Vacancies close at 11:59pm on the date displayed in the table, unless otherwise stated on the job advert.

Interviews

Interviews will be scheduled for w/c 24th August although can be subject to change.

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by panel. Shortlisted candidates who are considered to have the skills and experience will be invited to interview with the hiring manager and another panel member. The panel will recommend the candidate considered most suitable for the post.

For any questions relating to your expression of interest please contact scott.kerr@emmacaldwellinquiry.scot