The Office of the Patient Safety Commissioner for Scotland plays a vital role in strengthening the safety and quality of healthcare across the nation. Independent of government and the NHS, the Office amplifies the voices of patients and families, identifying systemic risks and driving evidence-based improvements that make healthcare safer for all. Through rigorous, impartial investigations and constructive engagement with health bodies, regulators, and patient groups, the Office seeks to uncover and address the underlying causes of harm—ensuring that learning from adverse events leads to enduring improvements in policy, practice, and culture across Scotland’s health system.

This role leads the delivery of corporate services and operational management across finance, audit, governance, ICT, office management and information governance, ensuring robust systems, controls and value for money. Working closely with the Executive Director, the postholder supports business and strategic planning, risk management, reporting and parliamentary outputs, while providing high quality secretariat support to the Patient Safety Commissioner. The role also drives continuous improvement through project and change management to enhance organisational effectiveness.

To be successful in this role, you will have experience of leading and managing corporate services, with the ability to operate confidently and manage relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders, providing clear, authoritative advice. You will have excellent administrative, organisational and analytical skills, alongside a strong understanding of governance, risk, and public sector accountability. It would be beneficial if you have an awareness and understanding of the Scottish Parliament systems, the NHS and patient safety landscape.

Recruitment for the Patient Safety Commissioner is being managed by the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman’s office.