Additional Support for Learning in Schools Policy Team Leader - C1

This opportunity is only open to applicants who are Scottish Government employees, and are currently 'Priority Movers'. Applications from individuals not currently on the Priority Mover list will be rejected and not considered. 

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. 

Working pattern

This role is a permanent level transfer position. 

How to Apply

Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive C1 employees. 

Please submit a CV and a statement outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team (maximum 500 words).

Vacancy closes at 11:59pm

Selection Process

All applications will be invited to an informal discussion with the hiring manager.

Informal discussions are to be confirmed.

Further Information

If you have specific questions about the role, please contact [email protected]

Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.