Partnership and Policy Manager - C1

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.

This role is situated in the Professional Learning and Workforce Unit of the The National Social Work Agency. Reporting to the Unit Head, the Partnership and Policy Manager will work across the agency to support the policy aspects of our Senior Professional Advisers (Adults and Mental Health), and working closely with the existing Strategic Policy Manager to ensure the business of government is fulfilled to the highest standard.

The postholder will also lead the NSWA’s role in the operational aspects of the Scottish Social Work Partnership, including the development and implementation of a joint strategy, ensuring Scottish Ministers’ interests are embedded, and with partners, co-ordinate secretariat for groups and meetings on behalf of the NSWA

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Chief Social Work Adviser, Professional Social Work Advisers and Unit Heads to have strategic oversight of national policies and their impact on social work – working across the NSWA and SG to co-ordinate and input to cross government commissions and he provision of advice to Ministers and wider policy teams.
• Contribute to leadership of the NSWA, working with the Chief Social Work Adviser, Deputy Chief Social Work Adviser and Senior Leadership Team to deliver the strategic priorities of the NSWA
• Support Senior Professional Social Work Advisers in their engagement and collaboration with other relevant areas across government to explore, support and progress joint policy outcomes,
• Contribute to a strategic overview of adults and mental health social work policy and practice working closely with the Strategic policy manager to ensure clarity across practice areas
• Provide leadership, direction and support for colleagues across the agency and work across teams to co-ordinate and input to cross government commissions, committee briefings, appearances etc
• Lead sensitive engagement with COSLA and Social Work Scotland on the Scottish Social Work Partnership (SSWP), working closely with these partners to ensure strong partnership working and clear governance arrangements are in place and are managed to ensure maximum delivery of joint objectives.
• In partnership with COSLA and SWS, lead the development of a joint Strategy for Social Work, setting out short, medium and long term priorities ensuring an agreed and high quality Strategy is in place by Spring 2026.
• Lead NSWAs input to the SSWP, chairing Operations Groups when required, ensuring governance processes are established and maintained high quality secretariat support is provided, and the Memorandum of Understanding is followed and reviewed as required.
• Support the management of the Partnership Leadership Group (including its secretariat function), ensuring it operates effectively and has oversight of the Partnership activity, escalating issues when required.
• On behalf of the Partnership be responsible for the operation of the SSWP Advisory Group providing high quality secretariat and ensuring its works well as a sounding board to support the Partnership.

• Work collaboratively with external stakeholders to ensure that a partnership approach is adopted in developing the Strategy and its Delivery Plans, ensuring that links are made to wider stakeholders and across government to support delivery – including necessary political engagement with Ministers as required.

Experience

• Experience of policy impacting Adult Social Work (practice/services)
• Experience of developing and implementing cross-sector national strategy, including working with local government.