JOB DESCRIPTION
POST TITLE: Senior Policy Officer (Resources & Governance), full-time
RESPONSIBLE TO: Deputy Director (Policy)
RESPONSIBLE FOR: Policy Assistant, Resources Team
JOB SUMMARY: The post is part of the Resources & Governance team in Universities Scotland. The
post holder will play an active role in Universities Scotland’s policy development. This will include
liaison with senior colleagues in member institutions and from key stakeholder organisations.
Alongside policy development and analysis, the post includes providing a full secretariat service for
the work of Universities Scotland Committees and Groups. The post holder will manage a Policy
Assistant and will report to the Deputy Director (Policy).
Main responsibilities
1. To work with the Deputy Director (Policy) in the development and execution of policy,
particularly relating to the resourcing, governance and accountability of universities; and on
‘cross-cutting’ issues.
2. To provide high level policy advice, research and analysis and executive action on key areas
of work including:
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making the case for continued public investment in universities;
securing an allocation of SFC resources in a way which best supports sectoral
success;
securing a coherent sectoral response to the challenges of potentially reduced or
redirected funding;
support the sector in developing and highlighting initiatives for the attainment of
efficiencies;
exploring and developing future funding options, including contribution to the
development of Spending Review cases;
the development of proportionate frameworks for institutional and sectoral
accountability; and
monitoring and assessing the impact of proposed policy and legislation on
governance and accountability.
3. To be US’s lead officer on key aspects of regulation and governance including Freedom of
Information, complaints handling and charities regulation, ensuring that the sector is aware of
and can contribute to relevant policy and legislative developments. As part of this, to offer
specific support to the Committee of Scottish Chairs in the development of a new governance
code for Scottish HEIs.
Data
4. To research and synthesise relevant data on resources, governance and accountability
issues; and to work with and support other US policy teams and the public affairs team to
ensure that US officers have ready access to relevant data (including media, other policy
information sources and statistical data) across all areas.
5. With the Deputy Director, to use the available data periodically to present a coherent picture of
the key strategic challenges and opportunities facing the sector.
Secretariat
6. To manage, in consultation with the relevant Conveners, the business and agendas of the
Secretaries Group, Funding Policy Group, Efficiencies Taskforce, as well as any other
committees, working or advisory groups within the post holder’s area of policy responsibility.
7. To provide policy development advice and full secretariat support to the Secretaries Group,
Funding Policy Group, Efficiencies Taskforce and UCEA Scottish committee. Line manage a
Policy Assistant to ensure suitable meeting arrangements, agenda planning, the
commissioning and writing of papers and ensuring the accurate record keeping of meetings
and the execution of decisions.
8. To manage the process by which US appoints its members to key sector bodies within the
Resources & Governance portfolio including UCEA, General Teaching Council of Scotland
and National Library of Scotland.
Management
9. To manage the work of the Policy Assistant (Resources & Governance), including carrying out
regular appraisals, developing their expertise and providing support in their learning and
development opportunities.
10. Under the Director, to ensure US operates sound procedures for the efficient and proper use
of resources for the delivery of relevant policy work in the Resources & Governance portfolio.
General
11. To assist in the arrangement of Universities Scotland events and externally focused activities
as appropriate.
12. To help to respond to enquiries from universities or other stakeholders.
13. To represent Universities Scotland at external events, meetings and conferences where
appropriate.
14. To deputise for the Deputy Director (Policy) on resources issues in their absence.
15. To undertake any other such duties or general tasks and hours of work as may reasonably be
required and to work in other locations within the organisation.
This job description will be reviewed and amended in the light of changing professional demands.
A job description is not a rigid or inflexible document but acts to provide guidelines to the duties
expected while in post.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
POST: Policy Officer
GRADE: Operational 1
DIRECTORATE: Universities Scotland
Criterion
number
QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING
ASSESSED
Essential
An honours degree or equivalent (SCQF level 10 or above).
Application
(E)
A. WORK BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE
Desirable
(D)
Sensitivity to the political and policy context and working in a
membership organisation.
Essential
At least one year experience in a policy environment, preferably
within higher education
Interview
Desirable
At least three years’ experience in a relevant environment,
preferably including policy analysis and development
B. SKILLS AND APTITUDES REQUIRED
E
E
Good analytical and research skills with the ability to analyse and
assess data and construct detailed reports.
Numerate with excellent written and oral communications skills with
the ability to interpret and explain policies and provide advice and
assistance.
E
Good interpersonal skills, including the ability to develop and
maintain productive working relationships with a wide range of
people and organisations within HE and beyond, including senior
staff in universities and government.
E
Ability to work cooperatively in teams, and with different kinds of
people, contributing to team decisions and maintaining team
relationships by supporting others.
E
Computer literacy - Universities Scotland currently uses Microsoft
Assessment
Application/interview
Application/interview
Application/interview
Assessment
Windows and Office
E
Ability to plan and manage one’s own time and several projects at
once, and to deliver these on schedule.
Application/interview
C. SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED
D
Good knowledge of the UK higher education and, in particular, HE
policy in Scotland.
D . PERSONAL QUALITIES
E
E
Willing to be flexible and positive about change
Committed to high standards
E. OTHER REQUIREMENTS
E
Willingness to travel within Scotland and occasionally to other parts
of the UK
Application/interview