Governance and Public Duties Manager

Do you have excellent attention to detail and the confidence to advise and influence colleagues and stakeholders at all levels?

The Governance Manager plays a key role in strengthening Education Scotland's corporate governance arrangements. Working within the Governance Team, you will provide expert support to ensure that governance arrangements operate effectively, transparently and in accordance with Scottish Government governance standards.

You will lead the coordination, delivery and continuous improvement of governance support across Education Scotland's governance structures. The role is responsible for supporting compliance with the Agency's statutory obligations as a public body through research, policy development and the implementation of processes that embed public sector duties across the organisation. Working closely with senior leaders, the Head of Governance, and Scottish Government colleagues, you will help ensure that the organisation's governance framework enables clear decision-making, robust assurance and effective accountability.

The role requires strong organisational and interpersonal skills, political awareness and the ability to balance operational delivery with strategic oversight.

• Support the Head of Governance in strengthening the organisation’s overall governance framework, ensuring alignment with Scottish Government and public sector best practice.
• Contribute to the organisation’s culture of intelligent assurance — helping to ensure that governance supports informed decision-making, learning, and accountability.

Public Sector Duties:

• Undertake research and develop processes and procedures aimed at embedding public sector duties such as the Public Sector Equality Duty and the Biodiversity Reporting Duty, into the work of the Agency.
• Actively engage with relevant regulatory authorities, Scottish Government policy teams and other public bodies, developing and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of public sector duties, current regulations and best practice.
• Provide advice and guidance to staff, drafting appropriate and timely communications designed to actively raise the profile and awareness of governance and public sector duties and responsibilities across the Agency.
• Develop and deliver tailored training for staff on governance, public sector duties and corporate expectations.
• Lead the ongoing development of the Agency's impact assessment process, considering how required assessments can best be embedded within the Agency's work and policies, including the potential for a consolidated approach.

Board and Committee Governance:

• Oversee the planning, coordination, and delivery of governance support for Education Scotland’s Corporate Governance Boards and Committees, including providing secretariat support to the Advisory Board.
• Oversee the smooth running of meetings — including agenda planning, commissioning papers, quality assurance of submissions, and minute preparation.
• Provide advice and guidance to senior leaders and Board members on governance standards, meeting protocols, and corporate responsibilities.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with Scottish Government sponsor teams, auditors, and other stakeholders involved in Education Scotland’s governance arrangements.

Continuous Improvement and Leadership:

• Review and improve governance processes to ensure they remain proportionate, efficient, and aligned with organisational priorities.
• Develop and maintain systems for tracking decisions, actions, and performance across governance.
• Deputise for the Head of Governance where appropriate and contribute to cross-cutting corporate initiatives that strengthen the organisation's governance and assurance culture.