Description How would you support one of Scotland’s most important public inquiries in shaping lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic? The Covid Inquiry Establishment Division (CIED) was formed in summer 2021 to take forward the programme of work to support Ministers in establishing and sponsoring a public inquiry into the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in Scotland. There are independent inquiries at Scottish and UK levels, with the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry chaired by the Hon. Lord Brailsford and the UK Inquiry by the Rt. Hon. Baroness Hallett DBE. The Division (now operating as a Unit following the conclusion of the ‘inquiry establishment’ phase of activity) is responsible for the sponsorship of the Scottish Inquiry, ensuring it has the resources and structures in place to deliver its remit set by Ministers and announced to Parliament in December 2021. This includes support to Ministers to deliver their duties in relation to sponsorship of the inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2005, delivering the key operational workstreams which underpin that ongoing sponsorship and ensure the inquiry’s effective operation, and helping the Scottish inquiry team to navigate, and coordinate, work with relevant parts of the Scottish Government who are providing systems and/or services. The post will cover work in relation to all sponsorship aspects of the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry. Due to the rapidly-changing and interconnected nature of the work required to support delivery of a public inquiry, the Unit works flexibly and responsively to support each other in meeting pressures, if and as they arise. In relation to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, CIED’s role is to maintain dialogue with the UK Government Cabinet Office and to provide advice and support to Scottish Ministers for any required discussions with UK Ministers on the remit and sponsorship arrangements for that inquiry. Responsibilities Support delivery of Ministers’ Inquiries Act 2005 duties and key operational workstreams underpinning the ongoing sponsorship of the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry. Work closely with internal colleagues, including within DG Corporate, to ensure that collective priorities in relation to sponsorship are achieved collaboratively and in a way that supports resilience and wellbeing Maintain oversight and review as required of the Ministerial determinations under the 2005 Inquiries Act covering Inquiry Counsel reimbursement rates and expenses of witnesses, consistent with both with Ministers’ obligations as sponsor and the Inquiry’s own independence. Maintain an effective and resilient working relationship with the secretariat team within the Inquiry, providing support to ensure the Inquiry’s effective operation whilst mitigating risks and managing competing demands. Take a lead role to support the Inquiry to ensure it maintains the staffing resources it requires as part of an overall strategic planning approach to resourcing and recruitment, working closely with People Directorate to coordinate and ensure efficient recruitment and retention of key staff for the Inquiry, and working with the Inquiry’s leadership team to achieve this. Play a key role in relation to Directorate and Scottish Government governance, including business planning, and leading implementation of a Management Agreement and risk management arrangements in relation to the sponsorship of the Scottish Inquiry. Ensure Scottish Government as sponsor of the Inquiry maintains strong awareness of external stakeholder and media views in relation to it, and undertake roles to reply to press activity, Freedom of Information requests, correspondence, and Ministerial briefing requests, as required. Qualifications Success Profile Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on. Technical / Professional Skills: Challenge assumptions and explore different scales of impact – Level 1 Deliver effective external communication - Level 1 Understand the legislative process - Level 1 You can find out more about the skills required here. Experience: The successful candidate should be able to demonstrate experience of working with senior stakeholders in business and other organisations, as well as the ability to achieve consensus and drive progress in complex environments whilst effectively managing risks and competing priorities. Behaviours: Seeing the Big Picture – Level 3 Making Effective Decisions – Level 3 Working together – Level 3 Leadership – Level 3 You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here: Behaviour levels - Success profiles: candidate guide - gov.scot How to apply Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 1000 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above. If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and presentation. Assessments are scheduled for the w/c 13/10 however this may be subject to change. 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, 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. Find out more about what we offer. As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules. Working Pattern Our standard hours are 35 hours per week. We offer a range of flexible and hybrid working options depending on the needs of the role. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us. 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. This post is open to Internal Scottish Government candidates and Common Citizenship organisations only.