Practice and Policy Advisors

Please note:  We have two roles available - x1 permanent, x1 fixed term for 12 months

Why apply for this role?

As a Practice and Policy Advisor, reporting to the Practice and Policy Team Manager, you will provide advice, support and guidance on Panel Member practice matters to the National Convener, CHS staff, Panel Members, regional Area Support Teams and other key stakeholders. You will work closely with CHS colleagues, the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration (SCRA), the Scottish Government and other external stakeholders to lead and implement improvement to practice and policy across the Children’s Hearings System.

You will play a key role in developing effective practice and policy resources for Panel Members and work with the National Team to ensure that practice and policy materials are developed collaboratively in line with current legislation and the National Convener’s practice advice for Panel Members.

You will receive high quality development opportunities and support to enable you to interpret complex legislative and practice issues to improve practice and ensure high quality decision making in children’s hearings that results in better outcomes for children and families.

For information on how to apply, please see the bottom of the advert.

Key responsibilities

• Support the Practice and Policy Team Manager to develop practice information for Panel Members in response to changes in legislation and internal and external policy.
• Respond effectively and consistently to written requests for practice and policy advice from the CHS volunteer community.
• Manage requests and directions arising from children’s hearings, as delegated by the Practice and Policy Team Manager.
• Alongside your fellow Practice and Policy Advisors, co-ordinate the work of a Bank of Independent Report Writers. This involves managing the end-to-end process from the point where an independent report is requested to the production and delivery of the report to the children’s hearing, managing a support network for the Bank and continuing to develop the Independent Report Writer’s function.
• Work closely with the National Team and partners to ensure that all national training and resources are developed in accordance with legislation, practice information and policy.
• Work in partnership with other stakeholders on policies to improve practice in the Children’s Hearings System leading to better outcomes for children and young people.
• Contribute to national policy development by writing and responding to consultation documents.
• Actively consult with the CHS volunteer community regarding their experience of children’s hearings, policy and the implementation of practice changes.
• To research, develop and write organisational policy and strategy as identified by the Practice and Standards Manager or the Senior Leadership team.
• In the spirit of positive team working, willingly lend support to colleagues and members of our volunteer community, when possible, in their times of pressure and demand.

Our Practice and Policy team

Our Practice and Policy Team sits within the Practice and Standards function as part of the Positive Outcomes Directorate and consists of a Practice and Policy Team Manager and three Practice and Policy Advisors. The role of the team is to promote best practice within our 3,000-strong volunteer community, while collaborating with colleagues and partners to influence improvements and policy which will positively impact on the quality of decisions made with children and their families.

Life at CHS

At Children’s Hearings Scotland, our highly trained Tribunal Members make decisions for Scotland’s unique Children’s Hearings System that upholds and promotes the rights of infants, children and young people. Our 2,500 volunteer Tribunal Members take part in children’s hearings in their local areas, making decisions with and for infants, children and young people. Our organisation also supports a network of Area Support Teams throughout Scotland who support Tribunal Members in their local communities.

As an organisation that works within the Children’s Hearings System, we are passionate about making a positive contribution to improving outcomes for Scotland’s infants, children and young people.

You can read more about our core values and view an introductory video to our organisation on our website at chscotland.gov.uk. We also offer a generous benefits package from hybrid working, flexi hours and a fantastic pension scheme. Check out our full benefits summary on our working with us page.

Diversity and Inclusion

CHS is an equal opportunities employer. We encourage diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We actively encourage applicants from all protected characteristics and are committed to providing any reasonable adjustments required during the application and assessment process, and upon joining us.

How do I apply?

To apply for the role, please visit our website.

After the closing date, this role profile won’t be available on our website, so please save a copy when you apply. 

It is anticipated that interviews will be held the week commencing 10 June.