Solicitor, Sheku Bayoh Inquiry

Description

Expressions of interest are invited from internal candidates for the Solicitor to the Sheku Bayoh Inquiry. Applications are open to staff at Senior Civil Service Deputy Director level (SCS1) on level transfer and all suitably qualified staff for temporary promotion to Deputy Director.

The Sheku Bayoh Inquiry was set up on 30 November 2020 to examine the circumstances leading up to the death of Mr Bayoh, the post incident management process and subsequent investigation into his death. The Inquiry will also establish the extent to which Mr Bayoh’s actual or perceived race played a part in events, if any.

Evidential hearings concluded in 2024 and the Inquiry holds a large body of written evidence. The Scottish Ministers appointed a new Chair, Lord Colbeck, in March this year. The Inquiry is due to receive final closing submissions in September, after which the focus of the Inquiry will be to support the Chair in the drafting of the report, warning letters process, publication of the report, transfer of the record of the Inquiry to the NRS and fulfilling any other requirements to bring the Inquiry to a close.

The senior leadership team consists of the Solicitor, two deputy solicitors, Secretary and two deputy secretaries. There are two junior counsel to the Inquiry. Further, there are two Assessors that provide advice to the Chair.

The role of Solicitor is a high-profile and critical one, with continuing political, public and media interest in the Inquiry.  

The Inquiry is independent of Scottish Ministers. In line with the Inquiries (Scotland) Rules 2007 the Solicitor to the Inquiry is appointed by the Chair, but civil servants appointed to it remain on SG Main terms and conditions and remain employees of Scottish Ministers. The role will report to the Inquiry Chair.

Key responsibilities:

You will provide legal support to, and work closely with, the Chair and SLT on legal, policy and administrative matters.

• Advise the management and leadership of the Inquiry as a member of the senior leadership team and senior legal team.
• Provide legal and procedural advice to the Chair and Secretary
• Directing the collation of evidence by the legal team in a manner that supports the drafting of the report by the Chair
• Develop, and monitor, the process for rigorously checking the legal evidence basis relied on in the draft chapters of the report
• Work with the Secretariat to develop, and monitor, the warning letters process
• Advise on any possible or actual legal challenges including claims for judicial review and take responsibility for the management of overall legal risks to the inquiry by forecasting risk appropriately and seek to mitigate those at an early stage 
• Liaison with core participant legal representatives
• Overall management of the legal team supporting the Chair and Secretary to the Inquiry, including co-ordination, support and development 
• Assist with the with the close of the Inquiry, including the archiving process.

Success Profile

Professional / Technical:

Setting clear strategic direction and making high quality decisions which balance risk and stakeholder interests to deliver outcomes;

Ability to develop and support a team of legal professionals to make good legal judgements under pressure;

Experience:

A proven track record of providing high quality legal advice, including to Ministers and senior officials, which takes account of political and strategic choices.

Commitment and ability to embed an inclusive, learning culture in teams, trusting and empowering others, actively managing wellbeing and enabling high performance and innovation.

Behaviour:

Making Effective Decisions – level 5

Working Together – level 5

Leadership – level 5

Communicating and Influencing – level 5

Further Information   

Further information about this opportunity is available please contact Don McGillvray at Donald.McGillivray@gov.scot

How to apply 

Your expression of interest should be sent to glssresourcing@gov.scot by 11 October 11:55 pm at the latest. The expression of interest, which should be no longer than 1,500 words, should explain why this would be a great opportunity for you at this stage in your career and what you would bring to the role. The note should confirm that you have discussed the opportunity with your Director and that they would be content to release you if the application is successful.

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

The selection process will be short and light touch. Candidates who are considered to have the skills and experience will be invited to an informal discussion with the recruiting manager and another Director W/C 19 October . They will recommend the candidate considered most suitable for the opportunity.