Head of Local Government Policy & Relationships

This is an Expression of Interest (EOI) opportunity, available on a lateral move basis only. Applications are open to Core Scottish Government employees only . Job Title: Head of Local Government Policy & Relationships Business Area / Directorate: Local Government Division, Directorate for Local Government and Communities. Location: Victoria Quay, Edinburgh Working Arrangement: This post is based in Victoria Quay, as are the teams within the Unit, and regular in person working and flexibility to attend meetings in person at short notice is integral to the role. There may be frequent working in person in SAH and stakeholder offices as well. Grade: C2 Advert Type: Level Transfer Duration: Permanent Eligibility: Expressions of interest are invited from substantive colleagues on level transfer from Core SG only. Sponsorship: Skilled Worker sponsorship is not available for this role. As a result, we are unable to appoint candidates who require Skilled Worker sponsorship now or in the future. Applicants must have an existing and ongoing right to work in the UK. Overview : This dynamic, engaging role will suit an individual who relishes working independently, flexibly and at pace. It presents an opportunity to shape the ways of working and relationship with local government at the outset of a new administration – building on the Verity House Agreement to reflect the optimal working framework in the context of driving Public Service Reform (PSR) to deliver effective, sustainable services for communities. Based in VQ with frequent working in person in SAH and our stakeholders’ offices across the central belt, the post sits within Local Government Division in the Directorate for Local Government & Communities, within DG Communities & External Affairs. The Division comprises approximately 45 staff, organised into several units: Local Government Finance and Non-Domestic Rates; Local Taxation; Analytical Services; Local Government Policy; LG Public Service Reform and Business Management. The work of the team – and the directorate more generally – includes outward facing engagement across the wider Scottish Government and local government sector. This post has responsibility for delivering and implementing the New Charter for Local Self Government – which builds on the previous Verity House Agreement – and continuing development of the Community Planning and Place Directors frameworks. This will involve navigating a period of change in Local Government in the run up to next year’s local elections, and in the context of PSR. The Directorate places a high level of importance on creating a positive working environment where the civil service values are actively promoted and adhered to. Staff across the division have the opportunity to reach their full potential with a strong focus on learning, development and self-expression working, as well as good teamwork. Working closely with the Deputy Director and Director, and in partnership with the Senior Leadership Team and across the directorate as a whole, you will play a key role in making the Directorate for Local Government a great place to work as a high performance and high engagement team. You will be responsible for leading the relationship between Scottish Government and Local Government. This role plays a vital part in ensuring Scottish Ministers’ ambitions can be delivered, through constructive and effective partnership working with local government. The work of the team – and the directorate more generally – includes outward facing engagement across the wider Scottish Government and local government sector. This post has responsibility for delivering and implementing the New Charter for Local Self Government – which builds on the previous Verity House Agreement – and continuing development of the Community Planning and Place Directors frameworks. This will involve navigating a period of change in Local Government in the run up to next year’s local elections, and in the context of PSR. The Directorate places a high level of importance on creating a positive working environment where the civil service values are actively promoted and adhered to. Staff across the division have the opportunity to reach their full potential with a strong focus on learning, development and self-expression working, as well as good teamwork. Responsibilities : Lead the Local Government Policy Unit, empowering the team to lead specific policy responsibilities and to support teams across Government in working with local authorities and with COSLA. Lead relationship with COSLA, SOLACE and local government and developing strong relationships with the DFM and Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government Work across the Government to develop a clear understanding of the cross SG position on policy and joint working between the two spheres of government, including supporting DG and the Permanent Secretary with strategic engagement. Draw on this understanding - and using acumen and knowledge of the organisation - to horizon scan across wider strategic and political environments, and identify emerging critical issues. Use effective analysis and tact to implement appropriate action in support of constructive working between Scottish Government and Local Government, including advising the deputy director and director and providing strategic and tactical advice as required. Progress guidance, awareness raising and embed new ways of working to support the Charter of Local Self Government as it is embedded into Scots Law from Autumn 2026. Lead the development of the framework to support best impact from Community Planning Partnerships and from the Place Directors’ network, including in support of PSR and supporting the effective delivery of services for communities Ensuring effective sponsorship of the Accounts Commission Play a key role in the collective leadership of the Directorate as a whole Success Profile Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on, you should provide evidence of how you meet these in your statement. Behaviours: Communicating and Influencing – Level 4 Leadership – Level 4 Changing and Improving – Level 4 Working Together – Level 4 You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here . Working pattern This role is a full-time, permanent level transfer position. This post is based in Victoria Quay, as are the teams within the Unit, and regular in person working and flexibility to attend meetings in person at short notice is integral to the role How to Apply Applications are invited from eligible staff in C Band for this vacancy, see guidance on Saltire for details on eligibility criteria: Temporary vacancies and lateral move opportunities . Please submit an Expression of Interest (maximum 1000 words) outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team. Please align this to how you meet the behaviours, experience and technical skills listed in the Success Profile above. Vacancies close at 23:59pm on Monday 24 August. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in recruitment. Selection Process Applications will be reviewed by panel. Shortlisted candidates who are considered to have the skills and experience will be invited to interview with the hiring manager and another panel member. The panel will recommend the candidate considered most suitable for the post. Interviews will be scheduled for w/c 24th or 31st August, however this may be subject to change. Further Information For further information you can contact the previous postholder Hannah Keates or line manager Catriona MacKean. Recruitment Principles As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases. 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 observing the Civil Service Code and 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 . Security checks Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions). You can find out more about BPSS on the UK Government website , or read about the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide . 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. Apply before: 24/08/2026 (23:59). This vacancy is open to core SG C2 staff only.