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 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. 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. 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 areas of the Scottish Government who are providing systems and/or services to the inquiry.
The post will cover work in relation to all sponsorship aspects of the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry, as well as internal governance activity in relation to the ethical wall that separates the SG's roles as sponsor of and respondent to the inquiry, and relevant budget and financial management activity within the DFM's portfolio. In relation to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, the Unit's role is to maintain dialogue and relationships 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. Due to the rapidly-changing and interconnected nature of the work required to support delivery of a public inquiry, the post-holder will be part of a Unit that works flexibly and responsively to support each other in meeting pressures, if and as they arise.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities
* Support delivery of Ministers' Inquiries Act 2005 duties and key operational workstreams underpinning the ongoing sponsorship of the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry.
* 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.
* Work closely with internal colleagues, including within DG Corporate, to ensure that collective priorities in relation to inquiry sponsorship are achieved collaboratively and in a way that supports resilience and wellbeing.
* Lead on coordination of briefing and communications work, including keeping abreast of external stakeholder and media commentary, inquiry outputs and hearings, maintaining relevant background documentation and encouraging good practice in record keeping.
* Lead on direct engagement with UK Government's Cabinet Office and take part in UK inquiries networks where appropriate (including any ad-hoc contact with other nations).
* Play a key role in relation to internal Scottish Government governance, including financial and budget management, propriety, and risk management arrangements in relation to the sponsorship of the Scottish inquiry.
* Lead on necessary work relating to reporting by the UK and Scottish inquiries, ensuring governance structures are operating well, managing communications where relevant, ensuring 2005 Inquiries Act compliance and supporting Ministers in their duties as sponsor of the Scottish inquiry.
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
* Strategy: Challenge assumptions and explore different scales of impact – Level 2
* Democracy: Understand the legislative process - Level 2
* Delivery: Understand the delivery of the operations of government - Level 2
You can find out more about the skills required here.
Experience
1. The successful candidate should be able to demonstrate experience of working with senior internal and external stakeholders on cross-cutting issues, as well as the ability to achieve consensus and drive progress in complex environments whilst effectively managing resources, risks and competing priorities.
Behaviours
* Making Effective Decisions – Level 4
* Working together – Level 4
* Delivering at Pace – Level 4
* Leadership – Level 4
You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here: Behaviour levels - Success profiles: candidate guide -
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.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in recruitment.
If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and presentation.
Assessments scheduling is to be confirmed.
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
The post is based in St Andrew's House.
Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role. From October 2025, the Scottish Government will require staff in hybrid-compatible roles to work in-person 40% of the time, either in an office or other agreed work location. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.
Security checks
Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions).
You can find out more about BPSS on the UK Government website, or read about the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide.
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 23:59 1 December 2025
This post is open to internal candidates and Common Citizenship Organisations only.