Policy Official - B3

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

Are you passionate about shaping future opportunities for young people and communities across Scotland to get involved in culture? 

Do you have an approach to policy delivery that embeds equity, diversity and inclusion and do you thrive on working with a broad range of stakeholders?

An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Culture  Strategy and Participation Team to take forward the Scottish Government’s renewed commitment to supporting youth arts including through the Youth Music Initiative and Sistema Scotland and support the development of our new manifesto commitment around a youth culture pass.

 This post is also critical to shaping strategic alignment of the Scottish Government, Local Government and associated delivery partners’ alignment in supporting the empowerment of Scotland’s communities through culture, including via the flagship community arts programmes, Culture Collective and Creative Communities and supporting continuous improvement of community libraries across Scotland.  

This post has Line Management and development responsibility. 

Responsibilities

• Policy lead for youth arts and community arts and how it supports delivery of key  priority outcomes. 
• Leading on the review, monitoring, delivery and continuous improvement of SG support for youth arts including the Youth Music Initiative funded programme and Sistema Scotland, supported by B2. 
• Working closely with stakeholders,  continue work currently underway to review the Youth Music Initiative, with a view to ensuring this foundational programme provides maximum benefits to Scotland’s young people and value for money to the taxpayer. 
• Work with the lead C1 on the Scottish Government’s manifesto commitment to introduce a Youth Culture Pass by the end of the Scottish Parliament. 
• Ensure our approach to engaging with community culture is responsive to the lived experiences of people across Scotland by:
  o    Working with Team Lead on independent report on culture in communities which is due to be published later in the Summer;
  o    Overseeing B2 in management of the relationship with Inspiring Scotland who deliver the Creative Communities project for the Scottish Government; and
  o    Managing the relationship with Creative Scotland in relation to Culture Collective a flagship programme supporting a network of creative practitioners, organisations and communities across Scotland. 
• Line management of two B2 policy officers. 
• Lead on responses to PQs, FMQs, Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, and Ministerial correspondence in relation to youth music initiative and culture in communities. 
• Plan and deliver a wide range of Ministerial engagements and stakeholder meetings. Prepare tailored briefings and support to Ministers. 

Working pattern

This role is a temporary position with an expected commitment until end of June 2027. 

How to Apply

Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive B3 employees.

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

Selection Process

All candidates will be invited to an informal discussion with the Hiring Manager.  

Informal discussion dates tbc.

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.