Private Secretary to the Inquiry Executive Team - B2
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.
The Jay Inquiry is a statutory public inquiry set up under the Inquiries Act 2005 to investigate group based sexual abuse and exploitation of children in Scotland, examine institutional responses to it and make recommendations to better protect children both now and in the future. The inquiry is independent of Scottish Ministers, meaning that the direction and functioning of the inquiry is for its Chair.
The terms of reference are intentionally broad in nature following discussions with survivors and survivor groups and in order to allow the Chair, Professor Alexis Jay, to set out lines of enquiry that best fulfil the remit. In determining those lines of enquiry, the Chair wishes to hear from survivors.
The Inquiry aims to uphold the highest standards of independence and impartiality. Before applying, all candidates are asked to consider if their career history gives rise to any conflict of interest with the Inquiry’s Terms of Reference.
Role Summary
This Private Secretary will provide efficient and effective business support to an Inquiry Executive Team office environment that combines elements of the civil service, legal and judicial professions. These roles are often fast paced, challenging and varied.
We are looking for a flexible self-starter with excellent communication skills and a customer-service mindset who is comfortable working with busy senior leaders and able to proactively interpret and carry out high-level requests. You will need to respect confidentiality at all times and carry out your work with integrity.
Typical Duties and responsibilities
- Support the Executive Team (Chair, Secretary and Solicitor to the Inquiry) in their governance responsibilities and day to day activities, including: meeting support, acting as a point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, and ensuring that they have everything they need to make informed leadership decisions and meet their statutory obligations
- Management of the Executive Team’s inboxes and calendars, proactively archiving emails relevant to the record of the Inquiry and providing ad hoc tech support
- Build strong relationships with the Inquiry’s senior managers, other members of the Inquiry team and external stakeholders such as the Inquiry’s Scottish Government Sponsor Team respecting confidences and providing constructive challenge where appropriate, in order to most fully realise the Executive Team’s goals.
- Communicating and following up on requests, decisions and actions taken by the Inquiry Board
These duties and responsibilities are expected to change and evolve as the priorities and main activities of the Inquiry change over the period of time through to the publication of the final report and into the closedown phase.
Working pattern
This role is a permanent level transfer position. This post is a full-time role (35 hours) with the expectation that the majority of that time will be spent in the Inquiry offices in central Edinburgh.
How to Apply
Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive B2 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 donna.ewing@gov.scot
Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.