The Head of Enforcement will be one of three heads of department who report to and support the Commissioner to deliver his statutory role and functions and manage the organisation. You’ll provide essential support to the Commissioner in fulfilling his responsibilities which will include the following:

• providing input into both the strategic aims and the operational delivery of the organisation
• having a legal focussed role, providing legal support to the Commissioner in fulfilling his responsibilities and advising the Commissioner and the organisation on a range of legal issues including FOI law and how it interacts with other legislation
• dealing with high profile, legally complex and politically sensitive cases with confidence.
• instructing external legal advisors, as required, and managing the legal services contract
• leading the enforcement team and directly line manage 3 deputy heads of enforcement
• managing the investigation of applications under FOI law, ensuring procedures follow best practice and are kept up to date, and regularly report to the Senior Management Team on investigations performance
• handling complex enquiries and respond and give advice on responding to requests made to the Commissioner under FOISA, the EIRs and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (the UK GDPR)/Data Protection Act 2018
• providing advice on, and liaising with Police Scotland on, allegations made under section 65 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland|) Act 2002
• monitoring FOI in the external environment, identifying opportunities and challenges, providing evidence to support the Commissioner and ensuring that the work of the Commissioner continues to be audible and respected including preparing and updating regulatory guidance on FOI law aimed at public authorities.

You will need to be educated to degree level, or have the equivalent level of knowledge or skill, and have a current legal qualification to practise law in Scotland.

You’ll bring:

• experience of a senior management role and be able to show that you can have the necessary skills to manage 3 deputy heads of enforcement and oversee the work of their teams
• experience of regulatory/statutory based environments, including experience of working with FOI legislation and are able to demonstrate in-depth understanding of how this will shape and impact on your role as a Head of Enforcement
• sound knowledge of the structure and operation of public bodies
• sound knowledge of FOISA and the EIRs and associated secondary legislation and Codes of Practice (or similar) including an understanding the political, legal and practical issues around freedom of information, gained through practical experience of working with FOISA and the EIRs (or similar)
• excellent writing and highly developed influencing and communication skills, including the ability to write and communicate with a wide range of stakeholders
• highly developed and relevant analytical and research skills and be able to demonstrate that you can analyse complex information and situations and use your judgement to make recommendations to the Commissioner
• the interpersonal skills required to deal with a wide variety of people, advising them and assisting them to understand complex issues and in situations which may be challenging
• the ability to seek out, manage and influence opportunities for continuous improvement and change

We offer:

• interesting, challenging and varied work in a senior management role
• starting salary –£66,305 (gross p.a.) FTE on a scale rising to £79,672 (gross p.a.) FTE
• work location in St Andrews, Fife – it will be a contractual requirement to attend the office premises when required to do so and hybrid working will be possible
• flexible working arrangements (applications on a job share basis are welcome)

The Scottish Information Commissioner is an independent officeholder whose role is to promote and enforce the freedom of information regime established by the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 and the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004.

This is a demanding post which has a very high media and public profile. We are looking for a talented individual with a track record of operating at a senior level and delivering results. You will have extensive knowledge of a freedom of information regime and excellent analytical and decision-making skills.

This is a full-time appointment for a fixed term of 6 years, attracts a starting salary of £77,260 and is pensionable.

The Commissioner is based in St Andrews, Fife.