Description Do you want to play a crucial role in a high-profile public inquiry that seeks justice and drives meaningful change for Scotland’s children? This is an exciting time to join the Response Unit, now that the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry has been running for some time and the Unit is engaged in a variety of work that spans different Directorates/Agencies including Education Scotland, Learning Directorate, Justice Directorate, the Scottish Prison Service, Health Directorates, Digital Directorate (Records) and principally, the Directorate for Children and Families. The Response Unit reports to the Deputy First Minister, who has lead Ministerial responsibility for the Inquiry. The Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry is a major public inquiry that was established under statute and is independent of the Scottish Government. The purpose of the Inquiry is to raise awareness of the abuse of children in care, and in particular, to identify systemic failures that led to abuse happening. The Inquiry may make recommendations to improve legislation, policy and practice. The Inquiry does not have a pre-determined end date and it will continue until its work has been completed. Responsibilities Coordinate the Scottish Government’s policy response to the Inquiry, working with multiple policy teams, legal representatives, and senior officials. Lead on justice and prison service matters within the Inquiry, ensuring policy positions are clear, evidence-based, and aligned with Ministerial objectives. Prepare reports, submissions, and briefings for the Inquiry, analyzing evidence and ensuring a cohesive response. Support witnesses, including Ministers and senior officials, by anticipating issues, briefing them effectively, and ensuring consistency in government responses. Oversee project timelines and key deliverables, ensuring that Inquiry deadlines are met and work is managed effectively. Lead and provide direction to the records management team, ensuring the identification and submission of relevant government records to the Inquiry. Develop the team’s capabilities, supporting their increasing role in policy response while maintaining established records management processes. Respond to wider Inquiry demands, including findings, publications, and engagement with survivors, Parliament, and the media. Manage government engagement with the Inquiry’s recommendations, coordinating the Scottish Government’s response when they are issued. Build strong relationships with external stakeholders and collaborate with other public inquiry response teams to share best practices and institutional knowledge. Qualifications Success Profiles: Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on. Experience: Experience of working with legal colleagues Experience of working in one or more policy areas that are relevant to the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (children and families, education, health, justice, records etc). Behaviours: Delivering at Pace (Level 4) Communicating and Influencing (Level 4) Working Together (Level 4) Developing Self and Others (Level 4) You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here: Behaviour levels - Success profiles: candidate guide - gov.scot How to Apply Closing 13th April - 23:59 Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 1500 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above. If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and an assessment. Interviews will take place after the Easter break at the end of April. 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. At the present time, you will be required to attend the office (Victoria Quay) one day per week and for monthly divisional days. There will also be a requirement to attend the Inquiry venue from time to time, which is located in central Edinburgh (close to St Andrew Square). 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. In the event that further posts are required, a reserve list of successful candidates will be kept for up to 12 months. Further information about this role is available from David.Wilson3gov.scot (Head of the Response Unit to the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry).