Head of Policy and Research

Scottish Food Commission; Aviemore; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Civil service pension scheme

25 days annual leave

Job summary

The Scottish Food Commission seeks a Head of Policy and Research to lead policy scrutiny, research, evidence and analysis for Scotland’s Good Food Nation. You will shape independent, evidence-informed advice for Ministers and authorities and guide the Commission’s analytical framework and research activities.

As a member of the Senior Management Team, you’ll collaborate with the Chief Executive and Heads of Function to ensure policy work is inclusive, well communicated and resourced, with strong

Qualifications

• Experience in public policy, legislative, scrutiny, or analytical environments.
• Ability to lead policy review and influence public policy.
• Excellent communication of complex messages clearly.
• Experience designing or leading research and evidence programmes.
• Experience managing research projects or external suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Lead policy scrutiny, research and evidence for Scotland’s Good Food Nation.
• Translate research into constructive policy advice for Ministers and authorities.
• Develop and maintain analytical frameworks and oversee research commissioning.

Skills

Policy expertise

Analytical capability

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership experience

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent

Job description

About Us

The Scottish Food Commission was established as a new independent statutory body within the Good Food Nation (Scotland) Act 2022. The Commission’s purpose: to provide stewardship and oversight of Scotland’s Good Food Nation ambition, and to support progress towards a fairer, healthier and more sustainable food system for all. The Commission are now recruiting our first senior staff team. These initial roles will shape how the Commission operates, how it scrutinises evidence and policy, how it engages with relevant authorities and communities, and how it communicates its work with clarity, independence and impact. We should at the outset make you aware that there is a Programme for Government (PfG) commitment for the Commission to be integrated into Food Standards Scotland, and with this planned integration is the possibility that organisational structures, policies and processes, as well as aspects of the roles may change over time. Whilst we do not expect these changes to be forthcoming imminently, if there are any changes before the appointment start date, these will be communicated with the successful candidate. We do not however expect there to be any changes to the role itself.

Equalities

The Scottish Food Commission is an inclusive organisation and we welcome applications from everyone irrespective of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion and belief, pregnancy and maternity, relationship status, disability, age and social class. We want this recruitment process to be inclusive. Candidates will be invited to tell us about any reasonable adjustments needed in relation to the application process, assessment exercise or interview.

The Role

The Head of Policy and Research is a senior leadership role with responsibility for the Commission’s policy scrutiny, research, evidence, data, analysis, expert advice and formal recommendations in relation to Scotland’s Good Food Nation, meaning that you’ll have the opportunity to lead in shaping how the Commission provides independent, evidence-led advice from the outset and as the organisation develops. As the Head of Policy and Research, you will lead the Commission’s policy and research approach to scrutinising the national Good Food Nation Plan and relevant authority plans, ensuring that advice and recommendations are credible, independent, evidence-informed and practical. This means that you’ll be trusted to use your policy insight and judgement to influence work that is ambitious, practical and focused on real progress for people and communities across Scotland. You will develop and maintain the Commission’s evidence and analytical frameworks, commission or support research where appropriate, and translate evidence into constructive policy advice for Scottish Ministers and relevant authorities, meaning that you will build strong foundations for the Commission’s evidence base, bringing research and analysis together in ways that support fair, constructive and informed decision-making at a national level. You will work closely with the Head of Engagement and Communications to ensure policy and research are informed by diverse perspectives and communicated clearly, accessibly and impactfully, and with Corporate Services to ensure programmes are planned, governed and resourced effectively, giving you the opportunity to work collaboratively with colleagues in ensuring that policy work is inclusive, well communicated and supported by effective planning and resources. The role requires strategic judgement, political awareness, strong analytical capability, an understanding of public policy, legislation and research methods, and the ability to translate complexity into practical, actionable advice. This means that you’ll bring your skills and sound judgement to a role where complex issues need to be translated clearly and constructively to decision-makers. As a member of the Senior Management Team, you will also have an organisational leadership role, working closely with the Chief Executive and other Heads of Function to ensure the Commission is effective, independent, collaborative and influential. This gives you the opportunity to be in a visible leadership role in a new organisation, working with supportive senior colleagues to help shape a collaborative, independent and influential Commission. So, if you are keen to be our Head of Policy and Research and you can display the skills and experience listed here, this is the role you’ve been waiting for. Further information regarding the role can be found in the recruitment pack and job description.

Scottish Food Commission Benefits

• 25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days with service, plus Public Holidays
• Flexible working
• Salary sacrifice schemes
• Civil service pension scheme – some of the benefits include:
• member contribution rates among the lowest in the public sector
• tax relief on your contributions
• generous employer contributions
• a secure, inflation-proof pension for life, with no investment uncertainty
• the option of tax-free lump sum on retirement
• potential access to ill health and injury benefits if you become too ill to work
• life assurance cover
• benefits for loved ones and dependants
• keeping all your pensions in one place by transferring in a pension you have built up elsewhere

About You

Some of the skills you will need to be considered as our Head of Policy and Research (please refer to job description for full list of criteria):

• A relevant degree or equivalent professional experience
• Experience of working in a public policy, legislative, scrutiny, regulatory, research, evidence, data or analytical environment
• Strong awareness of food systems policy context
• Ability to lead policy review and influence and inform public policy
• Understanding of how policy, evidence, legislation, delivery and accountability interact
• Exemplary communication skills
• Proven ability to design, lead or commission research and evidence programmes
• Experience of managing research projects, external suppliers or expert input
• Proven ability to manage sensitive relationships and communicate complex messages clearly
• Ability to exercise sound judgement in a politically aware but independent mannerStrong management skills and the ability to lead and empower staff
• Ability to provide organisational leadership
• Experience of business planning and budget management
• Current UK Driving Licence and willingness to travel
• Permission to work in the UK