Job Description
Do you have excellent operational delivery skills, including the skills to deliver continuous improvement of service in demanding and changing circumstances?
In September 2023 the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Social Care and NHS recovery announced that a public inquiry would be held into the actions of former neurosurgeon Mr Eljamel and NHS Tayside. The Inquiry will consider the appointment and subsequent suspension of Mr Sam Eljamel, the governance by NHS Tayside, previous and current reviews and any other evidence or reports the Chair deems appropriate.
On 29 February 2024 a statement was made to Parliament announcing the Chair of the Public Inquiry – the Honourable Lord Weir. This role of Secretary to the Inquiry will form part of the core team in supporting Lord Weir in the functions of the Inquiry. The Inquiry is now in its initial set up stage and this role will be part of the shaping of it. The role is a high-profile and critical one, with continuing political, public and media interest.
The Inquiry is independent of Scottish Ministers. In line with the Inquiries (Scotland) Rules 2007 the Secretary to the Inquiry is appointed by the Chair but civil servants appointed to it remain on SG Main terms and conditions and remain employees of Scottish Ministers.
You will report to the Inquiry Chair. The Secretary is a key role in the Inquiry, working closely with the Solicitor and Counsel to the Inquiry in supporting the Chair and the legal team to deliver the Inquiry Terms of Reference. You will have the opportunity to contribute to the shape of the Inquiry as it is in its initial stages. The main strategic responsibility for the Inquiry falls to Counsel to the Inquiry, on behalf of the Chair. In supporting the work of the Chair and the legal team to deliver the Terms of Reference, operational responsibility for the Inquiry falls to both the Solicitor and Secretary. The Secretary’s functions should therefore be carried out under the general supervision and direction of the Solicitor and where appropriate Counsel.
Time in Post
This a 47 month FTA post.
Responsibilities
* Support the Chair, Counsel and Solicitor on the strategic direction of the Inquiry.
* Lead on recruitment and management of staff within the Inquiry Secretariat. Direct line management responsibility for the deputy secretary roles.
* Responsible for the administration of the Inquiry’s budget and finances.
* Responsible for the secretariat function in relation to the set up of the Inquiry including but not limited to acquiring the Inquiry premises, establishing an Inquiry office, procurement of systems required for the delivery of the Inquiry work and hearings including IT systems, an Inquiry website, document management and hearing room presentation software.
* Work with the Chair, Counsel and Solicitor to produce a timetable and work plan covering issues including delivery of the hearings, drafting the report and management of key dates.
* Work with Counsel and the Solicitor to devise, implement and deliver appropriate mechanisms for obtaining, handling, cataloguing and securing storage of documents and evidence provided to and generated by the Inquiry.
* Delivery and management of the hearings including ensuring hearing rooms are fully equipped and operational, work with Counsel and Solicitor to ensure hearing timetables are met, arrange for publication of hearing timetables and plans in advance, manage the practical aspects of delivery of hearings including witness management.
* Liaise with members of the public, responding to practical queries, including those related to hearings management and publication of documents and other Inquiry materials.
* Responsibility for the practical aspects of publication of the report including accessibility needs are met and procurement of publishing services.
* Manage and arrange for the preservation of the Inquiry record, working closely with the National Records of Scotland.
Success Profile
Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on.
Experience
* Financial management experience, with an understanding of policies and procedures in areas such as spending controls, procurement and HR policies.
* Excellent operational delivery skills, including the skills to deliver continuous improvement of service in demanding and changing circumstances.
* Experience of delivering large scale projects, to budget and a demanding deadline.
Behaviours
* Leadership – level 4
* Communicating and Influencing – Level 4
* Delivery at Pace – Level 4
* Working Together – Level 4
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. A CV is mandatory for your application to be considered by the panel.
As part of the assessment there will be an interview, presentation and discussion with the Chair and Counsel to the Inquiry.
Assessments are scheduled for w/c 12th May 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.
During hearings you will be expected to attend the hearings that will be in office in central Edinburgh.
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.
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