We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about how we do this visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity. Overview Would you like to play an active role in supporting Ministers shape the future of the UK and Scotland within it? Would you like the chance to lead on a programme of vital deliverables for the Office? The successful candidate will be expected to lead on a programme of secondary legislation, called Scotland Act Orders, which are delivered in collaboration with a range of other UK Government departments and the Scottish Government. You will be responsible for the delivery of these Orders (around 7-10 per year) from inception to ‘in force’. You will manage relationships with policy and legal colleagues across UK Government and the Devolved Administrations, as well as the relationship with PBL and our parly team. You will play an active role in supporting Ministers during debates, ensuring that they are adequately briefed, both verbally and through written products, and will have the opportunity to provide box support during debates in Parliament. We are looking for an enthusiastic individual who is keen to manage multiple projects whilst collaborating and building trust in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. You will have the opportunity to work closely with senior leaders across Whitehall, the Scottish Government, the Office of the Advocate General for Scotland and Special Advisors. Main responsibilities may include : - Leading on a programme of secondary legislation which you will deliver alongside relevant UK Government departments and the Scottish Government.Recent Scotland Act Orders have included changes to civil partnerships in Scotland, cross-border arrangements for the Covid-19 test and trace app and changes required as a result of the implementation of a new benefit in Scotland.
- Holding regular fortnightly meetings with counterparts in the Scottish Government, possibility of travelling to Scotland to hold face-to-face engagement.
- Expectation setting from the outset of the process on timing and steps, and holding firm on OSSS non-negotiables.
- Supporting SO Ministers during quarterly meetings with the Scottish Government on progress with the programme.
- Working with comms on press releases and tweets once SAOs are ‘in force’
- Supporting SO Ministers during debates in both the Commons and the Lords. Collaborating with the Scottish and UK Government to deliver comprehensive debate packs and verbal briefings to ensure ministers are prepared.
- Providing regular updates to the team, Private Office and SpAds regarding secondary legislation updates
- Supporting the team’s responses on correspondence, FOI requests, Parliamentary Questions, Urgent Questions, Orals and Ministerial appearances at Parliamentary Committees. As well as ad hoc briefings for meetings, visits and events within the expected timeframes.
- Collaborative working with colleagues across the office to inform policy work on ad hoc work strands of work.
Background SO supports the Secretary of State for Scotland in promoting the best interests of Scotland within a stronger United Kingdom. It ensures Scottish interests are fully and effectively represented at the heart of the UK Government, and the UK Government’s responsibilities are fully and effectively represented in Scotland.
In SO you’ll get a huge range of opportunities to get involved in interesting and exciting pieces of work. We are part of the UK Governance Group, which brings together DLUHC’s Constitution Group, Wales Office, and the Office of the Advocate General, (the UK Government’s Scottish legal advisers). The role is a great opportunity to develop the following skills: - Briefing Ministers and working closely and frequently with Special Advisors and supporting on high-profile areas of policy development.
- A detailed understanding of devolution.
- A detailed understanding of how parliament and legislation works.
- Working at pace with colleagues across the UK Governance Group and Whitehall to deliver policy outcomes.
Essential criteria - Strong planning and organisational skills including the ability to balance competing priorities to meet tight deadlines.
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Adaptable, demonstrating flexibility in supporting colleagues in a fast paced environment.
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