Job description
We’re looking for someone organised, proactive and confident working both independently and as part of a small friendly team supporting recruitment for judicial positions. A great opportunity to develop a range of skills and experiences to start a career in Government.
About JABS
The Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland (JABS) is an independent, advisory non-departmental public body established in 2009. It is responsible for recommending individuals for judicial office in Scotland, operating independently of Ministers to ensure a fair and transparent appointments process. JABS makes recommendations for a range of roles, including Senators of the College of Justice, members of the First-tier Tribunals for Scotland, and other independent tribunals such as the Parole Board for Scotland.
The JABS Business Management Unit comprises 11 staff, led by the Chief Executive, and supports a Board of 16 members drawn from legal, judicial and lay backgrounds. BMU staff are employees of Scottish Government but are seconded to support the Board to carry out its functions.
Responsibilities
- Provide day-to-day administrative support, handling sensitive information with care and utilising Microsoft Office software effectively.
- Take a lead role in managing the JABS mailbox, responding to queries timeously.
- Organise meetings, including issuing papers, checking availability and arranging travel and accommodation where needed.
- Support judicial appointment rounds, including processing applications, data entry, checking details and corresponding with candidates.
- Support interviews by welcoming candidates and visitors and ensuring any specific visitor requirements are met.
- Provide support at Board and senior management meetings as required.
- Order stationery, catering and supplies using Scottish Government finance systems.
- Assist with processing fee and expense claims for Board members.
- Maintain accurate corporate records and support the Board’s record management processes.
- Provide administrative and PA (personal assistant) support to senior management including diary management.
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 , observing the Civil Service Code and 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 and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role, including Flexi-leave.
A hybrid working pattern is in place however the post-holder will be expected to spend a significant amount of time in the office when required for competition and corporate support. This is likely to be twice weekly but further time may be expected depending on the demands of the work. The JABS offices are located at Thistle House, 91 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact the Hiring Manager.
Security checks
Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions).
You can find out more about BPSS on the UK Government website , and read about the Government Vetting Charter , or about all the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide .
Internal candidates may need to gain higher security clearance than they currently hold if successful in their application.
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.
Success profile
Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on.
Behaviours
- Communicating and Influencing - Level 1
- Working Together - Level 1
Delivering at Pace – Level 1
Find out more about Success Profiles .
How to apply
Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 500 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
Please see our candidate guidance for more information on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in recruitment.
Interviews are scheduled for late July/early August 2026, however this may be subject to change.
If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and an on the day job simulation exercise. Interview questions will be provided to candidates in advance.
Recruitment Principles
As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.
