Description Are you an experienced Health & Safety (H&S) professional who will own and drive forward improvements in Health & Safety culture and practice? As the Head of the Corporate Health, Safety and Fire Unit (CHSFU), you will be the Scottish Government’s (SG) ‘responsible person’, leading the organisation through the development, implementation and management of SG’s Health and Safety Management System. This role sits within the Workplace Division, and you will be expected to use your expertise to lead on the health, safety, and wellbeing of people and assets across the organisation. You will provide professional leadership and practical advice in line with legislation and best practice, supporting a large and complex organisation. The Head of CHSFU is an exciting and high-impact post, involving strategic leadership, operational delivery, and offering significant opportunities for reform and transformation. Responsibilities Responsibilities Acting as the ‘competent person’ for all Health and Safety matters across core SG Directorates, providing competent, proportionate and professional health safety and wellbeing advice, guidance and decisions and supporting SG managers and staff at all levels by encouraging a positive H&S culture. Leading, coaching and developing the SG’s CHSFU to provide a competent and professional health, safety and wellbeing advice service to the SG and maintain strong working relationships with key stakeholders including Trade Unions. Maintaining and regularly reviewing the SG Health & Safety Management System in line with legislation to ensure its consistent implementation. In particular, and in conjunction with the appropriate stakeholders (trades unions, etc.) developing, and ensuring the ongoing maintenance and implementation of occupational health & safety policy and practice for SG operations. Supporting high risk SG Directorates (such as Marine Scotland and Rural Payments and Inspections) with specific health and safety advice to manage operational risks effectively, specifically including risks associated with driving and lone working activities. Leading on procedures to ensure effective fire safety management that include actions from Fire Risk Assessments and developing appropriate training for duty holders. Ensuring all accidents, incidents and near misses are investigated and appropriate corrective action is taken. Effectively manage the H&S budget within delegated limits. Qualifications Qualifications The post holder must hold a formal qualification in occupational health and safety to at least Diploma level and be able to evidence external, professional accreditation e.g. IOSH Certified/Technical. 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: Health and safety law. Minimum Certified/Technical level Culture. Minimum Certified/Technical level Leadership and management. Minimum Certified/Technical level You can find out more about the skills required here: IOSH Competency framework Experience: A strong track record of delivering effective, practical advice to a large organisation ensuring advice is appropriate for the audience and meets health & safety legislation and best practice. The ability to develop proportionate solutions and operational policies to address emerging health and safety issues, demonstrating a practical understanding of the management of risk and available resources. Behaviours: Communicating and influencing - Level 4. Making effective decisions - Level 4. Delivering at pace - Level 4. 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 1500 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 w/c 4 August 2025, 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. Apply before: 16 July 2025 (23:59)