- Salary
- £39.8K–£45.5K
- Hiring from
- United Kingdom
- Work type
- Hybrid
- Posted
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Paralegals play a key supporting role in the Inquiry investigations team using flexibility and adaptability to problem solving, working closely with the Solicitor to the Inquiry and Deputy Solicitor in investigating the evidence, identifying witnesses, and supporting oral hearings preparations. You may contribute to drafting of the interim reports and assisting in meeting the publication process deadlines.
The Paralegal role requires excellent attention to detail due to the high volumes of evidence and documents that require rigorous analysis; strong interpersonal skills as you will be working closely with all members of the Inquiry; working as part of a small team you will be expected to turn your hand to wide range of tasks.
The overall Inquiry investigations team will work flexibly and constructively with Senior Counsel to the Inquiry and all other inquiry teams to ensure the efficient delivery of outcomes and support for the Chair.
The Jay Inquiry is a statutory public inquiry set up under the Inquiries Act 2005 to investigate group based sexual abuse and exploitation of children in Scotland, examine institutional responses to it and make recommendations to better protect children both now and in the future. The inquiry is independent of Scottish Ministers, meaning that the direction and functioning of the inquiry is for its Chair.
When announcing the setting up of the inquiry in early 2026, the Cabinet Secretary for Education stated that “survivors of abuse want to see accountability and improvement delivered as quickly as possible, and that sense of urgency is shared by the Scottish Government. We are determined to act decisively to protect children from the horrendous harm of child sexual abuse and exploitation.
The terms of reference are intentionally broad in nature following discussions with survivors and survivor groups and in order to allow the Chair, Professor Alexis Jay, to set out lines of enquiry that best fulfil the remit. In determining those lines of enquiry, the Chair wishes to hear from survivors.
The Inquiry aims to uphold the highest standards of independence and impartiality. Before applying, all candidates are asked to consider if their career history gives rise to any conflict of interest with the Inquiry’s Terms of Reference.
- Liaising with senior solicitors and Counsel to the Inquiry on the progress of lines of enquiry and witness statements in preparation for oral hearings.
- Assisting solicitors and counsel with consideration of evidence, preparing reports and documents for use by the wider investigations team.
- Undertake analytical and research tasks and create strong written and oral outputs.
- Ability to carry out tasks independently with minimum oversight, remaining calm under pressure.
- Take accurate notes and action points of complex meetings and carry out tasks independently through to conclusion.
- Work collaboratively with the Records & Evidence Team to ensure that the record of the inquiry is compliant with Data Protection legislations and is sufficiently prepared ready for transfer to the National Records of Scotland.
- Work collaboratively with the Delivery & Assurance Programme Team to support the delivery of agreed plans and maintain witness trackers to meet oral hearing delivery timescales.
- Follow project management guidance to deliver oral hearings whilst managing competing priorities.
- Contribute to assurance and governance processes including risk identification and mitigation.
- Provide cover within the wider inquiry team to support the delivery of oral hearings.
Success profile
Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of behaviours, experience and technical criteria (if applicable) that candidates will be assessed on.
Qualifications
- Accredited as paralegal with the Law Society of Scotland or may be working towards such accreditation.
Behaviours
- Communicating and influencing - Level 3
- Working together - Level 3
- Delivering at pace - Level 3
- Making effective decisions - Level 3
Desirable Criteria
- Litigation or Inquiry experience within Scotland.
- Experience of working with vulnerable individuals and an understanding of using trauma informed approaches.
Desirable criteria will only be used in the event of a strong field of candidates, and as a second stage after Qualifications and Behaviours have been considered.
Find out more about Success Profiles.
How to apply
Skilled Worker Sponsorship not being offered
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.
Apply before 23:59 on 25th November 2026 . This post is open to internal candidates and Common Citizenship Organisations only (external candidates and staff from UK Other Government Departments are not eligible to apply for this vacancy).
Recruitment Principles
As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.
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.
We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer.
This post is a full-time role (35 hours) with the expectation that at least 40% of the working week will be spent in the Inquiry offices in central Edinburgh. Due to the nature of delivery within a public Inquiry there will be times when individuals are required to attend the office on a more regular basis.
We encourage applications from individuals on a variety of working patterns and offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role.
Minimum Time in Post
There is an expectation that the successful applicant will stay in post for the duration of the Inquiry. Whilst there is no set timescale for the Inquiry, applicants should be aware that Inquiries can last typically 5+ years.
