Person Specification

You will need to be able to demonstrate all of the personal qualities, skills and experience listed in this person specification.  We have explained exactly what we will be looking for and how they will be tested.

In providing the evidence sought, you can draw on examples from your working and/or personal life, or through your participation with a private, public, voluntary, charity or community organisation.

It is important to note that to be considered for appointment you must, by the end of the process, meet all of the essential criteria for the role.

Essential Criteria

Commitment to the values of the Scottish Government

(Please refer to Further Reading: In the service of Scotland)

What does this mean?

The Scottish Government’s values draw on the civil service values and the National Performance framework values. They guide how we act, the decisions we take and how we work together, across all parts of government, to improve the lives of the people of Scotland. Our values are:

  • we act with integrity
  • we are inclusive
  • we are collaborative
  • we are innovative
  • we are kind

We must live our values in everything we do. Success isn’t just about what we achieve – it’s how we achieve it. We will use our values to:

  • Shape our organisational policies and processes
  • Inform team behaviours and ways of working
  • Guide us on how we, as individuals, behave and operate – even in the face of uncertainty and ambiguity

How will this be tested?

We expect that the evidence you provide throughout the assessment process will draw out how your behaviours and approach have been guided by these values.

You should therefore keep these values in mind when setting out your evidence for the criteria set out below.

Understanding of the strategic context in which the Scottish Government operates

What does this mean?

We are looking for individuals who bring an understanding of the issues facing Scotland and therefore the Scottish Government, including an awareness of the impact of COVID-19 on public service delivery and future recovery; increasing the wellbeing of people living in Scotland; creating sustainable and inclusive growth; reducing inequalities, and giving equal importance to economic, environmental and social progress.

We do not expect you to know how the Scottish Government itself works but we are looking for an understanding of the framework within which it operates and engages with business, the voluntary and community sector, public services and key stakeholders in Scotland.

How will this be tested?

We want you to tell us in your written application how you meet this criterion.

As part of the final assessment stage, we will also test this by asking candidates to consider a paper (provided in advance) which will be set in this context and discuss with the panel their approach to challenging it.

Governance and risk management skills, including financial governance experience  

What does this mean?

  • Direct experience of improving and securing effective corporate governance in complex and transformational environments.
  • Direct involvement in the implementation of good governance principles.
  • An understanding of audit and risk management and ability to demonstrate effective practical application of that understanding.
  • A sound understanding of dealing with financial complexity and sustainability at a strategic level.

How will this be tested?

We want you to tell us in your written application how you meet this criterion.

At interview you will be asked to provide specific example(s) that demonstrate this criterion.

Transformational change in large organisations or complex networks

What does this mean?

  • Experience of driving the delivery of transformational change.
  • Understanding of how to enable, influence and support transformational change at a system-wide level.
  • Able to see the ‘big picture’ in a changing environment and identify appropriate routes to achieving it.

How will this be tested?

We want you to tell us in your written application how you meet this criterion.

At interview you will be asked to provide specific example(s) that demonstrate this criterion.

Constructive challenge, advice and influencing skills

What does this mean?

  • Experience of successfully challenging the views of others, and dealing with different opinions or views in a constructive and non-confrontational way.
  • Skill to draw on a range of influencing strategies in order to reach shared objectives.
  • Can demonstrate an ability to test and challenge an organisation through an independent challenge and improvement role.

How will this be tested?

We want you to tell us in your written application how you meet this criterion.

As part of the final assessment stage, we will also test this by asking candidates to consider a paper (provided in advance) and discuss with the panel their approach to challenging it.

Understanding of diversity and equality as business critical issues

What does this mean?

  • Direct experience of championing diversity and equality in a large organisation or network
  • An understanding of the benefits of diversity and inclusion in the context of performance improvement, better decision making, new perspectives and innovation

How will this be tested?

We want you to tell us in your written application how you meet this criterion.

At interview you will be asked to provide specific example(s) that demonstrate this criterion.