At a Glance
- Tasks: Support high-quality ministerial advice and manage a team in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join the Scottish Government Response Unit, making a difference in child protection.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on leadership and personal development.
- Why this job: Be part of a vital inquiry, influencing policy and supporting survivors.
- Qualifications: Experience in policy development and strong project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Business Area/Directorate – Scottish Government Response Unit to the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI), Redress, Relations, and Response Division. Children and Families Directorate
Location – Glasgow (AQ) or Edinburgh (VQ)
Working Arrangement – Staff in roles compatible with hybrid working should aim to spend 40% of their contracted working time working in person at their contractual workplace.
Grade – B3
Duration - Permanent
Eligibility - Expressions of interest are invited from eligible staff in Band B for this vacancy.
Sponsorship: 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 Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI) was established in 2015 as a statutory, independent inquiry into the abuse of children in care. Its purpose is to raise awareness of such abuse, identify the systemic failings that allowed it to occur, and make recommendations to improve legislation, policy, and practice. The Scottish Government Response Unit coordinates the Scottish Government’s role as a core participant in the Inquiry. The Unit anticipates and responds to the policy and wider implications of the Inquiry, collaborating closely with colleagues across the Scottish Government and its executive agencies. Its responsibilities include managing the identification and disclosure of relevant information to the Inquiry and supporting Scottish Government witnesses.
Responsibilities
- Ministerial Business: Support the provision of high-quality ministerial advice, including submissions, briefings and correspondence.
- Support with the coordination of RU’s FMQ’s, Micases and PQ’s.
- Leadership and People Management: Deputise for, and assist, the Policy Coordination Team Leader in responding to SCAI. Line manage five B2 colleagues, supporting performance, development and wellbeing. Contribute to collective leadership across the Unit and Division.
Success Profile
Experience:
- You will have a strong track record of working collaboratively with colleagues across the Scottish government and its executive agencies in relation to the policy development.
- A track record of undertaking research and analysis of the development and delivery policy and legislation.
- Strong project management skills, with experience of ensuring that complex workstreams are delivered at pace and on time.
- High personal resilience given the subject-matter and the need to meet deadlines.
Desirable criteria:
- Experience of working with internal stakeholders on the development and delivery of policy.
- An understanding of the work involved in responding to an Inquiry and/or experience of working with legal professionals.
- An understanding of child protection policy and/or responding to survivors of abuse.
Behaviours
You will be assessed on the following behaviours at Level 3:
- Changing and improving
- Communicating and influencing
- Working together
- Delivering at pace
Working pattern
This is a full-time role, but we welcome applications from staff with different working patterns. Proposed working patterns will be assessed against the business requirements for this post.
Further information
Further information on this opportunity is available from Maisie O'Brien (maisie.obrien@gov.scot).
Qualifications
How to Apply:
Applicants must discuss their intention to apply with their current line manager to help ensure early release. Please submit your CV and 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. Please align this to how you meet the behaviours, experience and technical skills listed in the Success Profile above.
Vacancies close at 23:59pm on Friday 28 August.
If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an informal discussion. Discussions are scheduled for w/c 21 September 2026 due to annual leave.
Minimum time in post:
The successful candidate will be expected to remain in post for a minimum of three years unless successful at gaining promotion to a higher Band or Grade.
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.
Apply before: 28/08/2026 (23:59)
Response Manager 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 Response Manager
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We think you need these skills to ace Response Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Scottish Government and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Government
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Scottish Government, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Scottish Government.
