Scottish Government
Head of Local Government Policy & Relationships
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
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.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
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.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
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.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location