At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and evaluate victim support services across Scotland, managing staff and volunteers.
- Company: Join Victim Support Scotland, a charity dedicated to empowering crime victims and witnesses.
- Benefits: Enjoy 42 days annual leave, health cash plan, pension, and extensive learning opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong commitment to professional development, excellent research, communication, and organisational skills required.
- Other info: This is a maternity cover role with potential for impactful career growth.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 52000 £ per year.
Victim Support Scotland – Empowering People Affected by Crime
We put victims and witnesses at the heart of everything we do so they are heard, have improved health and well-being, feel safer, more secure, and informed and that we are an effective organisation, that makes a lasting difference.
Who we are
Victim Support Scotland (VSS) provides support and information to people affected by crime and campaigns for victim and witness rights. Regardless of whether a crime has been reported, or when it happened, our services are free, confidential, and tailored to individuals’ needs.
Our vision is that people affected by crime – victims, witnesses, and their families – are treated with dignity and respect and are at the heart of the justice in Scotland. Our mission is to ensure that all those affected by crime receive high quality support that will help them to recover from their experiences. All our work is guided and underpinned by our six core principles of being engaging and compassionate; inclusive and accessible; person-centred; adaptive, flexible, and responsive; collaborative; and knowledgeable and skilled.
Now is the time to join Victim Support Scotland, helping us work towards the ambitions of our 5-year plan: Empowering people affected by crime: VSS Strategy 2021-2026.
VSS is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of all of our service users and has a thorough and rigorous recruitment and selection process including PVG scheme checks in place to ensure this commitment is met.
What is the role?
This role is to cover a period of maternity leave up to one year. As a member of the Corporate Leadership Team (CLT) and reporting directly to the Director of Service Delivery, you will be responsible for delivering, implementing, and evaluating victim support services across Scotland.
You will work in partnership with the current Head of Service Delivery and together you will ensure that our services meet the needs of all our service users. You will have responsibility for managing staff and volunteers, ensuring that they are supported, knowledgeable and capable to deliver services that meet service users' needs. As part of the VSS team you will work collaboratively to ensure that VSS’s strategic objectives are being implemented and will have a key role in developing future strategies and business planning to ensure that the needs of victims and witnesses are being met.
Primary location: Glasgow or Edinburgh
Salary: £47,266.24 - £62,420 per annum. Salary on appointment will normally be at the lower salary point, with progression subject to regular review in line with VSS performance appraisal arrangements. A higher salary placing will be considered in exceptional circumstances subject to experience demonstrated.
What you’ll need to be successful
You will hold a demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development with a solid academic foundation. As well as excellent quantitative and qualitative research skills, meticulous attention to detail, and excellent organisational and planning abilities encompassing program, resource, and performance management. Showing effective communication skills, both written and verbal, demonstrated through successful external relationship management and the ability to present complex information visually to diverse audiences.
Please note - this post will be subject to a Basic Disclosure Scotland check and two satisfactory references. The role is based in the Central Belt but the ability to travel to all VSS bases and spaces is a requirement.
What we offer
When you work for Victim Support Scotland, your wellbeing is important to us. Not only do we offer a generous annual leave package of 42 days (pro-rata), but you will also have access to our free health cash plan which includes cover for you and your family across a range of benefits, which include, dental cover, access to a virtual GP, counselling, legal support and discounts on gym memberships, cinema tickets, retail and much more. In addition we offer a generous pension, enhanced maternity and paternity pay and access to a credit union. Supporting employee development is important to us and we offer comprehensive learning and development opportunities. If you are looking for a role with a purpose, where you can really make a difference, then this may be the role for you.
As a Disability Confident Committed employer, please advise if you require any adjustments in the application process.
Closing date – Monday 31 March 2025. It is anticipated interviews will take place on Wednesday 9 April 2025.
Head of Service Delivery employer: VICTIM SUPPORT SCOTLAND
Contact Detail:
VICTIM SUPPORT SCOTLAND Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Service Delivery
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Victim Support Scotland's core principles and mission. Understanding their commitment to empowering victims and witnesses will help you align your experience and values with theirs during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Victim Support Scotland. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights into the organisational culture and expectations for the Head of Service Delivery role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams and delivered services in previous roles. Highlighting your leadership skills and ability to adapt to changing needs will be crucial in demonstrating your fit for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Research recent developments in victim support services and related legislation in Scotland. Being knowledgeable about current issues will show your commitment to the field and your readiness to contribute to VSS's strategic objectives.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Service Delivery
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Head of Service Delivery position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with their mission and values.
Craft a Compelling CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your relevant experience, particularly in service delivery and management. Use bullet points for clarity and focus on achievements that demonstrate your ability to meet the needs of victims and witnesses.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: Your cover letter should express your passion for supporting victims and witnesses, as well as your commitment to the principles outlined by Victim Support Scotland. Be specific about how your background makes you a suitable candidate for this role.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In both your CV and cover letter, emphasise your quantitative and qualitative research skills, organisational abilities, and effective communication skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past.
How to prepare for a job interview at VICTIM SUPPORT SCOTLAND
✨Understand the Organisation's Mission
Before your interview, take some time to research Victim Support Scotland's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to empowering victims and witnesses will help you align your answers with their core principles during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Service Delivery, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed teams, implemented strategies, or improved service delivery. Highlight your ability to support and develop staff and volunteers.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. Think about how you would handle specific challenges related to service delivery in a victim support context, and be ready to discuss your thought process and outcomes.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
Effective communication is crucial for this role. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully managed external relationships and presented complex information to diverse audiences. Use specific examples to illustrate your verbal and written communication skills.