Description Are you ready to take on a key role in shaping policy and delivering real improvements for children and young people with additional support needs? The Improvement, Attainment, and Wellbeing Division plays a vital role in shaping education policy in Scotland, leading on key Ministerial priorities such as closing the poverty-related attainment gap, improving student wellbeing, and enhancing educational outcomes. Within this, the Support for Learning Unit focuses on ensuring children and young people with additional support needs (ASN) receive the right support to thrive in school and beyond. This newly configured role has been established in response to the growing levels of ASN in schools, with over a third of schoolchildren now identified as requiring additional support. Alongside delivering the existing Additional Support for Learning Action Plan, the team is supporting a £29 million investment in ASN for 2025/26, while also responding to recommendations from a recent Audit Scotland report calling for a fundamental review of policy and funding. The post-holder will be instrumental in shaping and delivering these workstreams, ensuring effective implementation and long-term impact. The Unit is also the shadow Bill team for a members Bill - the Restraint and Seclusion in Schools Bill. The unit operates in a highly collaborative way, working across teams and directorates to ensure a joined-up approach to ASN policy. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work directly with Ministers, contribute to high-profile policy decisions, and play a key role in improving outcomes for some of Scotland’s most vulnerable children and young people. Responsibilities Head up response to Audit Scotland report together with existing Team Leader and Unit Head. Lead suite of work in relation to teacher and wider workforce together with workforce colleagues on a cross divisional basis. Provide leadership for national work on the additional investment in ASL in the 25/26 budget. Lead and further develop relationships with the Grant Aided Special Schools and the national centres. Support the team in relation to next steps on the Doran Review with a view to accelerating progress. Work in close collaboration with the Unit Head and existing policy lead, and wider stakeholders across government, local authorities, and third-sector organisations. Line management of Policy Officer(s). 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: Policy Context and Purpose - Level 2 (Practitioner) Participation and Engagement - Level 2 (Practitioner) Policy Delivery and Systems - Level 2 (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 How to Apply Closing Date: 13/04/25 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 w/c 05/05 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. If you have any questions or want to discuss the role in more detail then please contact; stella.smithgov.scot