Governance Lead

Job summary

ESS was established by the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Act 2021 and gained its statutory functions and powers on 1 October 2021.

The remit of ESS covers a broad range of environmental law, including all aspects of environmental protection and harm, particularly in relation to human beings and their enjoyment of the environment.

ESS’ role is to ensure environmental laws and standards are adhered to in Scotland, replacing some of the functions and oversight previously provided by EU institutions following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. ESS does this through scrutinising, investigating and securing improvements in public authorities’ compliance with environmental law, the effectiveness of environmental law and the way it is being implemented and applied in Scotland.

ESS has published a Strategic Plan, which sets out how it operates and functions, including how it will act objectively, impartially, proportionately and transparently. As an independent body, ESS is accountable to the Scottish Parliament for the effective performance of its functions.

This post sits within ESS’ Corporate Services and Communications Team and provides support to all levels of the organisation.

Job description

This is a key role within the Corporate Services and Communications team. You will work with the ESS Board, colleagues and stakeholders, across all levels, to assist with the work of ESS. You will need an eye for detail and the ability to be creative in your approach to challenges, alongside being proactive in seeking to continuously improve existing processes and procedures.

Key duties and responsibilities include:

Secretariat Support

• leading on secretariat support for the Executive Team, ESS Board and Committees, ensuring they operate in line with corporate governance structures and ESS standing orders
• managing the Executive Team, Board and Committee’s forward agenda(s), commissioning, writing and presenting papers in your areas of responsibility
• ensuring accurate and full documentation of meetings and decisions made

Corporate documents and processes

• ongoing monitoring and evaluation of public body reporting requirements, ensuring that ESS is always prepared to meet statutory obligations
• leading on the ESS and CSC Risk Appetite and Register process
• managing the updates to corporate governance documents and systems, subject to approval by the Board
• overseeing relevant corporate processes
• managing the Corporate Services related ESS Performance Management Indicators

Communications

• representing ESS where required to build effective working relationships
• leading on engagement with governance related contacts, for example: the Scottish Government public bodies and appointments teams; Parliamentary Committee clerks and other relevant organisations
• acting as a trusted advisor to deliver governance communication and engagement activity
• working collaboratively and flexibly to support ESS’ role and the development of effective and efficient processes and systems

The post is full-time based on 35 hours per week with flexible working hours. Applications from those wishing to apply for any working pattern, or flexible working arrangements are welcome.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

1. Strong interpersonal, networking and team-working skills, with proven experience of managing internal and external relationships, creating positive networks and maintaining trust and credibility.
2. Excellent oral and written communication skills, with experience of: drafting a range of documentation at both a strategic and operational level; ensuring a clear flow of information to senior leaders; and recording an accurate record of decisions.
3. Demonstrable understanding and enhanced knowledge of good governance and best practice in the public sector, with relevant background and experience.
4. Excellent planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage a complex and diverse workload.

Qualifications

A relevant degree level qualification, or at least one year of experience gained through working at an equivalent level within a governance management role.

Other qualifications equivalent to these may also be acceptable, if you are in any doubt please contact the recruiting manager named at the bottom of the advert to discuss.

Please note: If you fail to demonstrate how you meet the minimum qualifications as stated above, your application will be automatically sifted out.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Seeing the Big Picture

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £36,944, Environmental Standards Scotland contributes £10,702 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
• 25-30 days holidays
• 11.5 days public and privilege holidays

ESS is a small organisation focused on ensuring Scotland achieves the highest environmental standards. We seek skilled individuals who have a passion for improving environmental standards through public service, that can work as part of a multidisciplinary team.

In return, we offer a competitive employment package, including the civil service pension and a strong commitment to investing in each member of our teams personal and professional development. We also offer opportunities to work on some of the most significant and meaningful environmental challenges facing us today and the chance to play a part in helping to improve the quality of the environment for the people of Scotland.

We are building a culture that encourages inclusion and diversity and we particularly encourage applications from people from a diverse range of backgrounds.

The post allows flexible working and is open to full time or, by agreement, other working patterns including part-time, job-shares or compressed hours.