Head of Participation and Communities Team – PACT

The Scottish Parliament; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Head of Office for their Participation and Communities Team. This pivotal role involves leading a skilled team to enhance public participation and ensure diverse voices are heard in legislative processes. The successful candidate will inspire and motivate staff, build influential relationships, and navigate a political environment to achieve impactful outcomes. With a commitment to inclusivity and respect, this organization offers a supportive work culture and a range of benefits, making it an exciting opportunity for those looking to make a difference in Scotland's governance.

Benefits

41.5 days annual leave

Flexible working hours

Paid professional subscriptions

Family-friendly policies

Onsite gym facility

Health and Wellbeing Schemes

Cycle to Work Scheme

Employer pension contribution of 28.97%

Qualifications

• Skilled leader with experience in facilitating and communicating effectively.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of 9 participation specialists to enhance public participation.
• Set strategic direction and inspire team to deliver high standards.

Skills

Leadership

Facilitation

Communication

Relationship Building

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent experience

Job description

• Hybrid: from Holyrood, Edinburgh and from home
• Closing 7th May 2025
• Advertised from 23rd April 2025
• Our normal working week is 37 hours, and we currently operate a wide variety of work patterns, successfully balancing lifestyle choices with business requirements. All requests for flexible working hours will be seriously considered.
• Permanent. Annual leave: 41.5 days (including public holidays).

Role

Want to work in one of the most influential places in Scotland? Now is your chance!

We’re offering an excellent opportunity to join the Scottish Parliament working as Head of Office within our Participation and Communities Team (PACT).

As Head of PACT, you’ll lead a team of 9 participation specialists. The team provides participation expertise to enable more diverse and under-represented voices to influence the work of the Scottish Parliament, particularly Parliamentary committees as they scrutinise the government and consider legislation.

We’re looking for a skilled leader who can set the strategic direction for the team and inspire and motivate staff to deliver to a high standard. You’ll be an experienced facilitator and communicator, able to build collaborative and influential relationships with internal stakeholders and external community partners. You’ll be able to work creatively in a political environment, balancing the needs of elected members with those of participants to achieve impactful and effective public participation.

We particularly welcome applications from candidates from a Minority Ethnic background and candidates with a disability. All appointments will be made on merit. We have a values-based culture of respect and inclusion embedded in our organisation, and everyone has the ability to make a difference.

We offer a great range of benefits including: 41.5 leave days (including public holidays), flexible working, paid professional subscriptions, family-friendly policies, Season Ticket advance loans, an onsite gym facility, Health and Wellbeing Schemes including discounted gym membership, a confidential counselling and information service, and the Cycle to Work Scheme.

You’ll also have the opportunity to join the Alpha Civil Service pension scheme, where we’ll offer you an employer contribution of 28.97% of your basic salary.

Clearance Required: CTC security clearance will be processed at job offer stage.

Application notes

For full information about this role and to apply for this job please visit our careers page. Please visit the recruitment process to further understand our application process and gain some hints and tips on your application.

Closing Date: 11:59 pm on Wednesday 7 May 2025.