At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful reviews to prevent domestic abuse and support affected families.
- Company: Scottish Government, committed to public service and social change.
- Benefits: Competitive daily fee, travel expenses covered, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Diverse backgrounds encouraged; training provided for all new panel chairs.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in tackling domestic abuse and improving community safety.
- Qualifications: Experience in domestic abuse, strong leadership, and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 166 - 166 £ per hour.
Domestic Homicide and Suicide Reviews (DHSRs) are a new type of review in Scotland, established by the Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews Act 2025.
Domestic homicide and suicide reviews aim to identify what lessons can be learned and applied following a death where domestic abuse is known or suspected, in order to help prevent future abuse and deaths.
They are not investigations into how someone died and are not about apportioning blame; instead, DHSRs are fundamentally about identifying where changes and improvements can be made for the future as well identifying good/ safe practice and giving a voice to those who have died.
In Scotland, following a determination by the Review Oversight Committee or the Scottish Ministers that a domestic homicide or domestic abuse related suicide review is to be undertaken, the Review Oversight Committee will establish a Case Review Panel.
Each review will be led by a Case Review Panel Chair drawn from a pool of Chairs.
The Reviews will be comprised of a multi-agency review panel and experts in specific subject matter as required.
Each Case Review Panel will be supported in its functions through a secretariat of an independent team within Scottish Government.
We estimate that the average number of DHSRs will be in the region of 20 per year.
If you are looking for a rewarding and worthwhile opportunity, we would like to hear from you.
Applications are invited from a wide range of people who have an interest in public service and tackling and eradicating domestic abuse.
You will be provided with training to be able to serve as a Chair of a DHSR Panel.
- ROLE CRITERIA
- The responsibilities of a DHSR Panel Chair will include, but are not limited to:
- Chair DHSR case review panel meetings, facilitate impartial and constructive discussions and deputising for other Case Review Panel Chairs as needed;
- Arrange an initial discussion with Police Scotland colleagues, where appropriate;
- Liaise with family members, friends, colleagues, community members and relevant others, including those advocating for the family if required;
- Enable families and relevant others to contribute and engage with a review, should they choose to;
- Keep families updated on progress throughout the review where they choose to be;
- Work closely with the DHSR Secretariat in the Scottish Government;
- Ensure the DHSR is undertaken in line with the agreed timescale range;
- Write objective, succinct and clear reports that accurately and comprehensively reflect the pertinent points, aligning to the review terms of reference throughout.
This includes where good/ safe practice and opportunities not taken and where there were any points of disagreement;
- Write a short summary report for any cases where a domestic homicide or suicide review is not completed;
- Submit all reports and associated learning and recommendation to the Review Oversight Committee;
- Contribute to the biennial thematic reports relating to a series of reviews to highlight pertinent points, patterns and themes as well as changes that have been implemented as a result; and
- Contribute to the updating of the statutory guidance.
There are three areas where a Chair of a DHSR Panel will be expected to demonstrate their competency:
• Knowledge and experience, including all of
- Knowledge and experience of domestic abuse and intersectionality;
- Knowledge of domestic homicide and suicide;
- Knowledge of the wider landscape and operating context;
- Knowledge of subject-specific disciplines
• Skills, including all of
- Leadership
- Analytical
- Organisational
- Communication
- Interpersonal
• Personal Attributes, including some but not all of
- Calm
- Challenger
- Curious
- Empathetic
- Flexible
- Honest
- Impartial
- Listener
- Open-minded
- Passionate
- Personal ethics/duty of candour
- Reflective
- Resilient
- Respectful
- Self-caring
- Trustworthy
More information about each of the knowledge and experience areas, skills and personal attributes for this role, alongside the level of competency candidates are expected to display against each of these criteria and the required wordcount for each element of the application, is included in the candidate information pack.
Candidate Background And Experience
You do not need to have previous experience of serving in a public appointment role, and we do not expect candidates to be able to demonstrate each of these skills and areas of knowledge to the most comprehensive level.
You may have gained your experience through work, by being active in your community, in a voluntary capacity or through your own lived experience.
We value the benefits of diverse experience and perspectives and encourage applications from people from all walks of life.
Scottish Ministers particularly welcome applications from people who are disadvantaged because of their protected characteristics and from groups currently under-represented in public appointments, such as disabled people, LGBTI+ people, and people aged under 50.
- REMUNERATION AND TIME COMMITMENT
- Remuneration will be provided in line with the mean daily fee applicable to Tier 2
- Public Appointments For Chairs. This Is Currently Set At
- £165.75 per half day; and
Reasonable expenses associated with carrying out the role of Chair will be reimbursed.
We expect the time commitment required of Chairs to be up to a maximum of 48 working days per year.
Chairs will be appointed for a term of 5 years and the appointment term can be extended one or more times for a period not exceeding 1 year per extension.
Chairs can be reappointed provided their total appointment period does not exceed 8 years.
APPOINTMENT ARRANGEMENTS
Public appointments are made by Scottish Ministers.
The appointing Minister will make a decision about whom to appoint based on evidence from the selection panel.
Ministers may request to meet with candidates before making a final decision.
Appointees will be asked to complete pre-appointment checks which will include a Disclosure Check and a successful security clearance to Security Check level.
This post is subject to Civil Service Nationality Requirements.
The cost of pre-appointment checks will be covered by the Scottish Government.
More information about the process of obtaining security clearance is available on the GOV.
UK website
In addition, appointees will also be asked to complete and pass Non-Police Personnel Vetting level 2 (NPPV 2) and sign a confidentiality agreement.
Appointees will also be required to complete and pass a training course. Appointment is conditional on satisfactory completion of all of these requirements.
LOCATION OF PANEL MEETINGS
Panel meetings may take place in person, online, or hybrid.
Chairs may be required to travel throughout Scotland to meet with contributors to the panel, including bereaved family members, and there may occasionally be a need to travel to other parts of the UK with the agreement of the Scottish Government.
It is not essential that Chairs holds a full current driving licence, although you should have the ability to travel across Scotland if required.
Reasonable travel expenses incurred within Scotland in relation to the requirements of the role will be covered.
Where there is a requirement to travel to other parts of the UK and this has been agreed by the Scottish Government these costs will be met by the Scottish Government.
INTERVIEWS AND ASSESSMENTS
Interviews and assessments are expected to be held week commencing 14th and 21st September, either in St Andrew’s House, 2 Regent Road, Edinburgh or online.
Completed applications must be received on or before Thursday 27th August at 23:59 (11:59pm).
EQUALITY STATEMENT
Scottish Ministers value highly the benefits of diverse public appointments and people from all walks of life are encouraged to apply for these roles.
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Panel Chair, Domestic Homicide and Suicide Reviews employer: THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
As a Lead Technical Architect within the Corporate Operations Directorate, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to driving digital transformation and enhancing the efficiency of the Scottish Government. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development. With a focus on people-centred decision-making and a commitment to making a positive impact, this role offers a unique chance to contribute to meaningful change in Scotland while enjoying flexible working arrangements and a supportive environment.
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We think this is how you could land Panel Chair, Domestic Homicide and Suicide Reviews
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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 THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to THE 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 THE 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.
