Practice & Policy Team Manager

Why apply for this role?

Children’s Hearings Scotland (CHS) is undergoing an exciting period of reform, designed to make a step change in improving the outcomes for infants, children and young people who need us most. Children’s Hearings Tribunal Members play a vital role in Scotland’s society. They listen and make legal decisions for infants, children and young people. They ensure that the young person is at the heart of every decision taken – because every decision, no matter how big or small, has an impact.

We have a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Team Manager to lead an established national team to drive forward enhancements in the delivery of children’s hearings. This will uphold children's rights and improve their lives.

The ideal candidate will be able to lead a team, build collaborative relationships, and skilfully challenge current practices and culture to achieve positive outcomes. You will listen to Panel Members and those with lived experience of the care system, to help shape and influence our work. You will scan the horizon and incorporate flexibility into any strategy, to pivot quickly and lead advancements in practice and policy across the children’s hearings system.

Your Role

Ensuring an agile and robust practice and policy function, you will inform, influence, and lead national improvements in the children’s hearings system. You will work collaboratively and show leadership in working with external stakeholders and partners. You will work with across CHS to lead a high performing team continually seeking out opportunities and evidence to improve practice and policy. Keeping up to date on policy and practice developments and listening to the needs of the community will be key to success in this role.

About You

You will have experience working in practice and policy related to the children’s hearings system. Previous expertise in providing high-quality advice and delivering continuous improvements in children's services is essential. You must be adept at motivating a team and collaborating with stakeholders to improve children's lives.

A strategic thinker, you will be able to work with other to develop and deliver a shared vision. Above all you will be inspired by the work of CHS to use your skills to improve outcomes for children in Scotland.

For information on how to apply, please see bottom of the advert.

Life at CHS

As an organisation that works within the children’s hearings system, we are passionate about making a positive contribution to improving outcomes for Scotland’s infants, children and young people. Our values are at the very heart of what we do every day. By working with us, you’ll be joining a diverse community of colleagues and volunteers.

At CHS we are proud to celebrate difference. We all have different skills, experience and backgrounds and we strive to have a friendly and inclusive culture where you can be yourself.

We offer an excellent benefits package, from health and wellness to finances and family. including: generous annual leave, flexible working and other leave policies, fantastic pension, Employee Assistance Programme, development opportunities and wider employee wellbeing initiatives.

Diversity and Inclusion

CHS is an equal opportunities employer. We encourage diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We actively encourage applicants from all protected characteristics and are committed to providing any reasonable adjustments required during the application and assessment process, and upon joining CHS.

How do I apply?

For more details, please download the application pack which includes a full job description and a person specification.

Please note that CVs are not accepted.

For an informal and confidential discussion about the role and to arrange a time for a phone call please contact stephen.bermingham@chs.gov.scot

If you would like to discuss any different working requirements or adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment and selection process please contact jobs@CHS.gov.scot

Closing Date: 16th February (midnight)

After the closing date, this role profile won’t be available on our website, so please save a copy when you apply.