Additional Support for Learning in Schools Policy Team Leader

This is an Expression of Interest (EOI) opportunity, available on a lateral move basis only. Applications are open to Core Scottish Government employees only. 

Job Title – Additional Support for Learning in Schools Policy Team Leader

Working Arrangement – Staff in roles compatible with hybrid working should aim to spend 40% of their contracted working time working in person at their contractual workplace. More information can be found within Hybrid Working Policy .

Grade – C1

Advert type – level transfer

Duration – Permanent

Eligibility - Expressions of interest are invited from substantive colleagues on level transfer from Core SG only.

Skilled Worker Sponsorship not being offered

Skilled Worker sponsorship is not available for this role. As a result, we are unable to appoint candidates who require Skilled Worker sponsorship now or in the future. Applicants must have an existing and ongoing right to work in the UK.

Overview

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a high profile area at the heart of the Education Directorate. Improving outcomes for CYP with ASN is one of the key priorities of the new administration and this post therefore offers the opportunity to make a significant difference to the lives of children and young people.

The ASL improvement team is part of the Additional Support for Learning in Schools Unit in Curriculum Qualifications and Achievement Division. The growth of ASN (now 43% of all school age children have a recorded need) presents a significant challenge in schools and there is a persistent implementation gap between an aspirational legislative framework and the reality in schools. The McManus Review which was published in March this year set out six recommendations with a view to bridging that gap. These recommendations now form part of key manifesto, 100 days and PfG policy commitments. The post-holder will be responsible for taking forward these high profile commitments at pace supported by the wider team. The initial priority commitments include the implementation of a National Staged Intervention Model and leading a wider and interconnected programme of data improvement work.

In addition to leading on a significant suite of high policy work the post-holder will be responsible for oversight of a team consisting of x2 B3s, x2 B2s and x1 A3 . The wider work of the team includes grant management, management of the Equalities and Inclusion budget and a high volume of business of government.

ASN has connections with many other areas across government including Health and Social Care and ELC and cross portfolio working& a systems mindset will be required. This post would suit a highly motivated individual who wishes to work in a busy and high profile policy area. It offers the opportunity for significant policy development co-produced with key senior stakeholders in ADES, the opportunity to demonstrate leadership in a cross portfolio space and management of a significantly sized team responsible for a high volume of government business.

The post-holder will report to the Unit Head. The Unit consists of x2 C1 led teams (this post is one of those C1 posts). The other C1 led team focusses on complex needs, implementation of the Restraint and Seclusion (S) Act, key policy priorities in relation to dyslexia and dispute resolution.

The work of both teams is all interconnected and close collaborative working and flexibility across teams is expected.

Responsibilities

• Leadership of manifesto/PfG commitments in relation to the National Staged Intervention Model and McManus Review

• Supporting the B3 policy lead on data improvement workstreams providing overall leadership to the interconnected workstreams.

• Building and maintaining key relationships with senior external stakeholders to co-produce solutions and deliver priorities .

• Financial management of Equalities and Inclusion Budget and oversight of grant management

• Supporting Ministers in relation to Parliamentary activity including statements, debates and committee appearances as well as visits and engagements.

• Management of ASN improvement team including direct reports and oversight of a high volume of business of government and grant/contract management.

• Support for the wider unit, division and directorate’s objectives and priorities, being flexible as needed and working collaboratively across teams.

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

Policy Context and Purpose - Level 1 (Practitioner)

Participation and Engagement - Level 1 (Practitioner))

Policy Delivery and Systems - Level 1 (Practitioner)

You can find out more about the skills required here: Policy Profession Standards Annex

Behaviours

• Leadership - (Level 4)

• Seeing the Big Picture - (Level 4)

• Making Effective Decisions - (Level 4)

You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here: Behaviour levels - Success profiles: candidate guide - gov.scot

Working Pattern

The post is a full-time role, but staff with different working patterns are invited to apply, and we will assess proposed working patterns against the business requirements for this post.

This post is based in Edinburgh, with hybrid working in line with current Scottish Government policies.

Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role, including Flexi-leave. Scottish Government staff in hybrid-compatible roles should 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.

How to Apply

Please submit a CV and an Expression of Interest (maximum 500 words) outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team. Please align this to how you meet the behaviours, experience and technical skills listed in the Success Profile above.

Vacancies close at 11:59pm on the date displayed in the table, unless otherwise stated on the job advert.

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 a light touch interview.

Discussions are scheduled from 17th November onwards however this may be subject to change.

For any questions relating to your expression of interest please contact Stella Smith, ***email_hidden***

You must discuss your intention to apply with your current line manager to help ensure release dates can be agreed.

Recruitment Principles

As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.

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 observing the Civil Service Codeand 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 .

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.