Programme Manager - B3

This opportunity is only open to internal Scottish Government applicants who are currently 'Priority Movers'. Applications from individuals not currently on the Priority Mover list will be rejected and not considered. The post is for maternity cover for just under one year (from early November 2026 to October 2027). Job description

This post offers the unique opportunity to drive policy that will deliver real benefit for some of the most vulnerable people in society. The work of the Mental Health and Incapacity Law Unit is focussed on improving people’s lives through its focus on the rights and protections of people with mental ill health and those adults that lack capacity. The Unit has a range of policy functions which centre around human rights, ethics, social welfare and ensuring equality.

The work of the unit has been shaped by the Scottish Mental Health Law Review (SMHLR) which reported in 2022. The strong recommendation of this review was that a new overall approach to mental health and capacity law was required. The law should have a new purpose, namely, to ensure that the human rights of people with mental or intellectual disability are respected, protected and fulfilled. It was recognised in the final report, however, that such a radical change would take several years to achieve. The Scottish Government published its initial response to the review in June 2023 (Scottish mental health law review: our response - gov.scot ([external link]).

This post provides a leading role in driving forward our ambition to embed human rights across our policies through reform of the Adults with Incapacity Act. This work focuses on developing policy intent to inform legislative change to be introduced in the next parliamentary term.

It is important that work is taken forward collaboratively across SG and with wider stakeholders. The successful candidate must therefore be experienced in this approach. An Expert Working Group and a Ministerial Oversight Group was established in September 2025 to bring both pace and priority to this work and the postholder will be expected to work constructively with both to build consensus on reform proposals.

The work of the AWI team is framed around a number of workstreams including:

• Powers of Attorney
• Deprivation of Liberty
• Guardianships
• Medical Treatment, Forced Detention and Covert Medicine
• Managing Residents' Finances
• Access to Funds

The postholder will be expected to work with a degree of autonomy in driving forward workstreams.

The work of the unit is dynamic and fast-paced. The post-holder will be expected to be flexible in responding to changing and emerging priorities.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively and constructively with the AWI Expert Working Group and Ministerial Oversight Group to develop and drive consensus on reform proposals.
• Lead on project management including risk assessment.
• Develop and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key partners.
• Work with SGLD to assess policy proposals against human rights requirements to support readiness for future legislation.
• Undertake ongoing impact assessments in relation to emerging policy proposals.
• Line management responsibility for 1xB2.

Working pattern

This role is a temporary position with an expected commitment of 11 months. Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role, including Flexi-leave. Scottish Government staff in hybrid-compatible roles should aim to work in-person 40% of the time, either in an office or other agreed work location. How to Apply

Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive B3 employees.

Please submit a statement outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team (maximum 500 words).

Vacancies close at 23:59pm on Thursday 15 September.

If you have questions about your application please contact [email protected]

Selection Process

All applicants will be invited to an informal discussion with the hiring manager. There will be no formal testing or assessment.

Discussions are expected to be scheduled for w/c TBC.

Recruitment Principles

As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.