About the job

Job summary

Our vision is to create a more successful country, increase wellbeing and provide opportunities to all people living in Scotland. As an organisation we embody the values of In the Service of Scotland in that we act with integrity, are inclusive, collaborative, innovative and kind.  

As Lead Content Designer, you will play a significant part in making this vision a reality by managing and developing your team of content designers. 

HOW DOES IT FEEL TO WORK HERE? 

*** Marc Lunness, Head of Content Design*** 

 “It’s an exciting time to be part of the User Centred Design community at Scottish Government. We’re at the stage where a lot of policy and service teams are recognising the value that we bring to help them communicate what they need, shape their products and services, and make sure their audiences’ user needs are met.” 

** Andy – Senior Content Designer ** 

 “As a content designer, it’s satisfying knowing that our work can help people access vital public services. It’s a varied, challenging role. I love learning about our users and advocating for them.  I really value being part of a supportive content community that lets us share ideas, skills, and learnings.” 

Hear from colleagues discussing Digital Careers at Scottish Government.  

HOW WILL I SPEND MY TIME? 

We’re investing in growing the size and expertise of our content design team. You will play a key role in shaping the Scottish Government’s understanding of and approach to structured content, content modelling and information architecture. This will include how we manage ontologies and our content data quality. 

Your priority workstream will be the strategic development of the future content operations of Scottish Government and other public sector bodies. You will also support content designers to plan, create, publish, and review the various content products using the right patterns and formats, such as publications, forms, and other web content (static or dynamic).  

Content designers you line manage will also be involved in either: 

• Digital operational guidance for public sector bodies  
• Service access and rights information for the people and businesses of Scotland 

Job description

Your responsibilities will include: 

• Working closely with service managers, programme directors and senior stakeholders to resource teams, resolve problems and develop future projects. 
• Promoting the content design discipline, engaging with the cross-government community, and keeping up to date with industry changes.
• Engaging with and contributing to the Scottish Government content design community of practice. 
• Having ownership of and continuously improving assigned functions and processes of the content operations in your business area. 

WHAT IMPACT WILL I HAVE? 

After a successful year you will have implemented much-needed changes in delivery speed for priority content areas, assisting Scotland's public sector in better completing digital projects and addressing the needs of its people and businesses amid the pressures brought on by changes in the cost of living.  

COMPETENCIES 

• Leading others 
• Communications and Engagement 
• Improving Performance 
• Analysis and use of evidence 

If invited to any interview or assessment the panel will be looking for evidence of how you meet the above competencies. More details on these are available in the  

Person_Specification_Band_C Updated Aug23 (V2) 

Person specification

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA & QUALIFICATIONS 

No formal qualifications are required for this role. We would love you to apply if you meet the following essential criteria. If you would like to chat first, please get in touch 

1. Your experience of coaching and leading content teams in agile and lean practices allows you to determine the right approach for the team or project.  
2. Your experience of demonstrating the value of different content prototyping techniques and patterns, and using content management systems, allows you to encourage and guide others on the most appropriate approach to take when prototyping and publishing content.  
3. Your experience of being a point of escalation if stakeholder relationships become challenging allows you to effectively manage long term strategic relationships.  
4. Your experience of leading, managing and improving the design and implementation of content strategy and operations for large scale projects or organisations allows you to evaluate their implementation and ensure objectives are met.  
5. Your experience of meeting the needs of users across a variety of channels and evidencing the success or need for further improvements to content, allows you to advocate for solutions that are most suitable for teams to use. 
6. Your experience of leading the design of content across multiple channels allows you to advocate for content design in collaboration with other user centred design professionals. 

 

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU 

A meaningful and rewarding career, a collaborative culture and support for your career goals, while promoting a healthy work-life balance. We offer a valuable range of benefits to attract, develop and retain the best talent. These include:  

•  Salary between £56,020 to £69,846 
• £5000 Digital (DDaT) Pay Supplement after a 3-month qualifying period *** 
• Generous Pension Scheme with employer contributions ranging from 26.6% to 30.3% 
• Flexible working arrangements including compressed hours and flexi time, with potential to accrue up to 4 days off a month 
• 36.5 Days Annual Leave - including public and privilege holidays.  This increases to 41.5 days after 4 year service.  

 *** Digital (DDaT) Pay Supplement: 

This post attracts a £5000 DDAT pay supplement after a 3 months DDaT competency qualifying period. Pay supplements are temporary payments and are subject to regular review.  

To learn more about our full range of benefits and opportunities for career growth visit our career's page 

REMOTE WORKING 

We operate a flexible location policy, with a contractual named base in Scotland of either Atlantic Quay (Glasgow) or Victoria Quay (Edinburgh). 

Currently the team is working on a hybrid basis typically spending one day a week at their office. If preferred, you can of course spend more time working at the base office (or an alternative Scottish Government office subject to availability). Discuss preferences with line manager about balance of home/office working as there is flexibility. Commuting costs to the named base office are not reimbursed. 

While staff are assigned to the base office, there may be a need for travel to other Scottish Government offices/other locations depending on assigned work. 

HOW TO APPLY  

The Closing Date for applications is 10/03/2024 

To apply please submit the following using our online application process: - 

•  A CV (no longer than two A4 pages) setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements, with particular reference to the essential criteria.
• A Personal Statement (no longer than 750 words) explaining why you consider your personal skills, qualities, and experience suitable for this role, with particular reference to the essential criteria. 

When reviewing your application, we will be assessing your career history and achievements against the essential criteria for the role. We are looking for examples of things you have previously achieved or your knowledge in a particular field which are relevant to the role. Please review and download links below for further guidance and support with your application. 

USEFUL LINKS 

How to Apply - Digital Jobs 

DDaT_Recruitment_-_Further_Information 

Any questions or issues during the process please email digitalcareers@gov.scot  

We are unable to progress applications which fail to provide clear evidence of meeting the essential criteria in their CV and Personal Statement. 

Diversity and Inclusion  

Delivering a successful national service for Scotland is impossible without ensuring we consider the diverse needs, perspectives, and backgrounds of everyone in Scotland in our work.  

We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, and work to ensure a positive recruitment experience where everyone is treated fairly, and with respect regardless of the outcome.  

It’s not essential to be in a similar role right now. You may be working in another field or returning from a career break - the experiences you have gained through this can bring fresh perspectives to our teams and work. 

What happens if I am unsuccessful?  

We greatly value the time and effort taken in applying to Scottish Government. If following interview and completing our full assessment process, you are not successful we may be able to offer alternative positions. 

Firstly, candidates meeting all criteria but scoring lower than appointed candidate(s) are placed on a reserve list for 12 months. If a matching role is identified, we are able to offer this position without the need for further assessment. Secondly, on occasion a lower grade post may be offered to suitable candidates. Any offers are made in merit order and in line with Civil Service Commission principles on the basis of fair and open competition. 

The Scottish Government is a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we want to help you demonstrate your full potential whatever type of assessment is used. If you require any adjustments to our recruitment process, please let us know via  ScottishGovernmentrecruitment@gov.scot  

As part of any recruitment process, Scottish Government and associated public bodies collects and processes personal data relating to job applicants and applicants for public appointments. 

Personal information you provide in the recruitment process will be made available to Scottish Government and our additional data processors. 

Nationality Requirements 

This job is broadly open to the following groups: 

• UK nationals 
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland 
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK 
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) 
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) 
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020 
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service. 

Further information on nationality requirements 

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £56,020, Scottish Government contributes £15,125 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

Sift and Interview dates TBC

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.