Candidates must apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 500 words) that directly addresses the experience criteria listed in the Success Profile above. General or unrelated statements will not be accepted and may result in your application being sifted out. Please ensure your statement clearly demonstrates how you meet the specified experience requirements.
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and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.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.
During the interview and assessment process we will test your skills and experience as well as behaviours aligned to this role.
If you are shortlisted, you will be provided with full details of the next stages of the selection and assessment process. This may include an individual psychological assessment and both stakeholder and staff engagement exercises as well as a short meeting with the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Care.
The final interview panel and some of the assessment exercises will take place in person in Edinburgh. Interviews will be chaired by Liz Walmsley, Civil Service Commissioner.
The other panel members are:
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Joe Griffin, Permanent Secretary, Scottish Government
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Sam Jones, Permanent Secretary, Department for Health & Social Care, UK Government
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Alex Plant, Chief Executive, Scottish Water
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Mark Adderley, Non-Executive Director, Scottish Government
Indicative Timeline*
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Weeks commencing 20th/27th July and 3rd/10th August: Assessments & Meeting with Cabinet Secretary for Health and Care
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w/c 17th August: Final panel interview with presentation
- Timings are subject to change. You will be informed appropriately.
This campaign is being supported by an Executive Search partner, currently being appointed via a government procurement process.
Interview Expenses
Any travel and subsistence expenses incurred during the selection process are the responsibility of the applicant.
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.
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.
Benefits
Alongside your salary of £190,000, Scottish Government contributes £55,043 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension Provides.
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Learning and development tailored to your role
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An environment with flexible working options
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A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
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A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97% and member contributions of £8.05%.
Working pattern
Our standard hours are 37 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role. Scottish Government staff in hybrid-compatible roles should aim to work in-person 40% of the time, either in an office or other agreed work location. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.
Security checks
Successful candidates, if new to the Civil Service, must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. In addition, given the requirements of this role, candidates will require national security vetting to Developed Vetting level as a condition of appointment.
You can read about the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide.
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.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
