The Commission protects and promotes the human rights of people with mental illness, learning disabilities, dementia and related conditions.

We have an opportunity for a suitably qualified candidate who is interested in leading and managing a team of Engagement and Participation Officers to effectively deliver key business objectives related to a range of engagement and participation activities.

Educated to degree level or equivalent you will have staff management experience, preferably within the public sector in the field of health and social care. You will have strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to develop trust and demonstrate empathy and sensitivity to people with different backgrounds.

With excellent IT skills, administrative and planning and organisational skills you will be able to work collaboratively and independently.

Experience of working in mental health either as a nurse or social worker or having a qualification in mental health or community involvement would be desirable.

At the Commission we champion diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice, cultivating a sense of belonging and providing a workplace where everyone feels valued. We aim to have a workforce which represents the wider society that we serve and therefore encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and under-represented groups.

Our office environment is modern, light, bright and green with superb views and is very close to Haymarket Railway station and transport links.

Victim Support Scotland – Empowering People Affected by Crime.

We put victims and witnesses at the heart of everything we do so they are heard, have improved health and well-being, feel safe, more secure, and informed that we are an effective organisation, that makes a lasting difference.

Who We Are?

Victim Support Scotland provides support and information to people affected by crime and campaigns for victim and witness rights. Regardless of whether a crime has been reported, or when it happened, our services are free, confidential, and tailored to individuals’ needs.

Our vision is that people affected by crime – victims, witnesses, and their families – are treated with dignity and respect and are at the heart of the justice in Scotland. Our mission is to ensure that all those affected by crime receive high quality support that will help them to recover from their experiences. All our work is guided and underpinned by our six core principles of being engaging and compassionate; inclusive and accessible; person-centred; adaptive, flexible, and responsive; collaborative; and knowledgeable and skilled.

Now is the time to join Victim Support Scotland, helping us work towards the ambitions of our 5-year plan: Empowering people affected by crime: VSS Strategy 2021-2026.

What Is the Role?

Our vision for VSS is a truly person-centred organisation that meets the needs of all victims and witnesses and uses its evidence and insight to influence stakeholders to develop and deliver best practice in supporting victims and witnesses of crime across the justice system. This role is critical to that vision, leading the organisation’s work in policy development, communications, research and evidence, stakeholder engagement and fundraising.

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and reporting into the Chief Executive Officer you will lead on building our strategy, communications, policy, research, evaluation, and impact function, ensuring our work is informed by evidence, data and insights.

You will provide professional and people leadership, giving direction and support to all staff within your areas of responsibility. As a leader within the Corporate Leadership Team (CLT), you have a wider leadership responsibility to engage with, and support positively, all organisational initiatives.

Working with the Chief Executive and Executive Leadership Team, you will work on strategic and operational issues facing Victim Support Scotland, providing key direction and expertise for the organisation. You will deputise for the CEO as and when required.

You will develop and implement a sector leading external-facing corporate communications and public affairs strategy, building influential and impactful relationships with government, funding agencies and other charity and media partners

You will have responsibility for leading the management of strategic reviews, planning processes and impact analysis.

We are looking for someone with a proven track record of leading high performing teams and an ability to translate strategy into delivery.

Full details of this role and relevant qualifications are available in the job description which can be downloaded below.

What We Offer?

When you work for Victim Support Scotland, your wellbeing is important to us. Not only do we offer an enhanced annual leave package of 42 days and a 35-hour week, but you will also have access to our free health cash plan which includes cover for you and your family across a range of benefits, which include, dental cover, access to a virtual GP, counselling, legal support and discounts on gym memberships, cinema tickets, retail and much more. In addition, we offer a generous pension, enhanced maternity and paternity pay and access to a credit union. Supporting employee development is important to us and we offer comprehensive learning and development opportunities.