How to apply
Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 1500 words). It is essential that you provide evidence in your application of the professional experience and skills required for this role. In addition, candidates are required to evidence Success Profile behaviours at the level required for this Senior Civil Service role. General or unrelated statements will not be accepted and may result in your application being sifted out.
During the interview and assessment process we will test your Experience and Behaviours aligned to this role.
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and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.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.
If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and individual psychological assessment and a stakeholder engagement exercise.
Assessments are scheduled for the weeks commencing 27 October & 3 November 2025, however, this may be subject to change.
The Final Interview Panel take place in person at St Andrews House, Regent Road
Edinburgh, EH1 3DG. Interviews will be chaired by Liz Walmsley, Civil Service Commissioner. The other panel Members are:
-
Caroline Lamb Chief Executive of NHS Scotland & Director General Health & Social Care
-
Richard McCallum Director of Public Spending
-
Naureen Ahmad Deputy Director, Lifelong Learning & Skills
-
Carol Potter Chief Executive NHS Fife
Interview Expenses
Any travel and subsistence expenses incurred during the selection process are the responsibility of the applicant.
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, 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. From October 2025, the Scottish Government will require staff in hybrid-compatible roles to work in-person 40% of the time, either in an office or other agreed work location. This is a permanent and pensionable SCS appointment. A secondment from your existing employer for up to a period of 5 years may also be considered. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.
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).
In addition to the standard pre-employment checks, this vacancy will also require all candidates to obtain National Security Vetting (NSV) at Security Check (SC) clearance level. This type of check normally includes meeting a minimum UK residency period, which for SC level is 5 years.
Further information about NSV checks can be found on the UK Government website - National security vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK
You can find out more about BPSS on the UK Government website, or read about the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide.
If you have any questions about this please contact our recruitment team.
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.
