Equalities Policy Officer

Job Description

Do you want to help make the NHS a workplace that reflects the diversity of the people of Scotland, a workplace where staff can be themselves, in a safe and supportive working environment? 

This role offers the opportunity to support the development and delivery of equality policy for our health and social care workforce in Scotland, in a supportive and ambitious team. You will play a key role in delivering the Improving Wellbeing and Working Cultures (IWWC) action plan, and work collaboratively with our partners on a range of Ministerial commitments to support and deliver outcomes for NHS staff, working across all areas of equalities. 

You will gain invaluable experience in a fast-paced environment with high ministerial, parliamentary, and media engagement. This is an excellent opportunity to build networks with external and internal stakeholders, to drive a culture where diversity, inclusion and safe working are at the centre of staff experience. Flexibility and adaptability are key in this role, as the nature of the work is constantly evolving meaning that as a division, we work on priority projects across different teams as needed.

Responsibilities

• Developing briefing and advice (for senior officials and/or Ministers).
• Correspondence (e.g. Ministerial, official, PQs, FoIs).
• Drafting and preparation of official documents (including guidance, publications).
• Communications activity (incl. media, speeches, visits).
• Participation and engagement (with partners, stakeholders, public). 
• Collaboration with other areas within government to progress policy outcomes. 
• Supporting Policy design, development and delivery (incl. strategy, appraisal, impact assessment, monitoring, evaluation etc). 
• Public procurement and/or contract management to deliver policy objectives.
• Governance and risk management and delivery of secretariat function – including minute taking, agenda setting, action management for our governance boards. 
• Financial management of policy activity (including grants and other funding, budget management).
• Project and/or Programme management to deliver policy objectives.

Success Profile

Experience:

Experience in handling and managing Ministerial correspondence, general correspondence, Ministerial briefings, event briefings, PQs and FMQ’s, and an ability to keep up to date on developments in a particular subject area.
 

Behaviours: 

• Managing a Quality Service – (Level 3)
• Communicating and Influencing – (Level 3)
• Working Together – (Level 3)
• Delivering at Pace – (Level 3)

You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here: Behaviour levels - Success profiles: candidate guide - gov.scot

How to apply

Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 1000 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above. If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and written analysis exercise.
 Assessments are scheduled for w/c 18th August 2025 however this may be subject to change.  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.  We offer a range of flexible and hybrid working options depending on the needs of the role. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for,  please contact us.

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.