201338 (MG) Service Manager Interpreting & Translation

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

We will fully support disabled candidates, and candidates with long-term conditions or who are neurodivergent by making reasonable adjustments to our recruitment policy and practices.

This post requires the post holder to have a PVG Scheme membership/ record. If the post holder is not a current PVG member for the required regulatory group (i.e. child and/or adult) then an application will need to be made to Disclosure Scotland and deemed satisfactory before they can begin in post. 

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Service Manager to join NHS Lothians Supplementary Staffing Team on permanent basis. Reporting directly to the General Manager for the management and control Interpretation and Translation Services for NHS Lothian, with a clear focus on delivery of service performance objectives, service develpment while contributing to the Corporate Nursing Division through the service

Responsible for managing a technologically up to date Interpretation and Translation Service for NHS Lothian and primary care independent contractors.

Being the strategic lead for the interpretation and translation service in Lothian and planning for future service developments. Implementing best practice into the service in line with academic recommendations and national developments.

Ensuring NHS Lothians interpreters and translators are of a high educational standard and competence, that governance is maintained and that all Data Protection laws and confidentiality are followed. Providing and maintaining guidance and Policy in line with the law and current technology.

If you have an enhanced in-depth working knowledge and experience and an understanding of language, race and cultural diversity and their impact on the way people access and make use of health services, with experience of bank and agencies we want to hear from you!

Educated to Masters level in Translation / Interpreting with a significant  amount of experience in public sector interpretation to

post graduate level e.g. Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (DPSI)

You should have experience of managing staff and have an understanding of language, race and cultural diversity and their impaction the way people access and make use of health services, with proven experience in managing or monitoring a budget expenditure.

Ideally you should have experience of developing and implementing strategies and plans and achieving successful outcomes and developing and building successful partnerships across boundaries (e.g. Geographical, with Partners such as Health & Social Care and other public sector organisations)

Interview date: Monday 2nd December 2024

For further information on what is included in the role and what skills/experience are being looked for, click on the links at the bottom of the screen to the job description and person specification. If after reading this information you have any questions please contact Catherine Crombie on  / or email catherine.crombie@nhs.scot

NHS Scotland is reducing their full-time working week from 37.5 to 37 hours per week from 1 April 2024 but with no change in pay.  This reduction will also be applied pro rata for part time staff.  This advert and any subsequent offer/contract of employment therefore reflects the new working hours.  However, as not all service areas will be able to adopt the 37 hour working week immediately from 1 April 2024, you may be required to work up to an additional 30 minutes per week for a temporary period for which you would be paid until the service you are working in changes rosters or working patterns to accommodate the new reduced working week.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Recruiting Board.