The Presbytery of Edinburgh and West Lothian is situated in East Central Scotland and covers an area of 574 sq km (222 square miles) and has a population of 726,100; the population of Edinburgh, the main city in the Presbytery, is forecast to double within the next three decades. There are currently 62 congregations; the Presbytery Mission Plan sees a further reduction to 46 over the next five years.

The Presbytery was formed in January 2022 when the former Presbyteries of Edinburgh and West Lothian came together as part of the reform programme established by the General Assembly. It has a number of mission contexts ranging from the well-known streets of the centre of Edinburgh to the thriving light industry and rural farmlands of western West Lothian, from a busy tourist city to areas of multiple deprivation, from apparent wealth to all too evident poverty.

This role offers the opportunity to use your skills to support Presbytery, playing a key role in ensuring that its administrative business is conducted smoothly and efficiently and, working with colleagues and Presbytery members, that the information and support needs of committees and congregations are met. The postholder will work closely with the Presbytery Clerk and the Depute Clerk, ensuring that meetings are arranged, that papers are prepared, that minutes are produced and that all actions are recorded and followed up timeously. The postholder will also provide senior secretarial and administrative support to the Clerks and to appropriate Committee Conveners. Flexibility, creativity and a willingness to share and experiment will all be vital. High-level administrative experience and good IT skills are essential, as are excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Some evening working will be required. Flexible patterns of work may be available but there is a basic requirement to work Monday - Friday.

About the Coalition of Care & Support Providers in Scotland (CCPS)

CCPS is the voice of not-for-profit social care and support providers in Scotland. Our vision is for people and communities to thrive with the support of a rights-based, sustainable system of social care and support. As a membership organisation, we aim to work collectively to make sure not-for-profit social care providers have the right landscape to deliver the best possible support for people and communities.

About the role

We are recruiting a Parliamentary Officer to help to position us with political stakeholders as a credible, solutions-focused strategic partner in the reform of social care, and support delivery of our wider influencing work.

With a new government in place from May and major changes anticipated in the Scottish political landscape over the coming year, this role will focus on establishing strong relationships and influence for CCPS, prioritising the Scottish Parliament but also engaging in UK or local political spheres where appropriate.

You will be a great communicator and able to draw on demonstrable experience of the national political landscape in Scotland; a detailed understanding of the workings of the Scottish Parliament; and experience of advising on development of effective political influencing strategies.

You’ll be committed to working collaboratively and upholding the values of CCPS in all you do so that we can achieve our vision together. We’ll be committed to developing you and your career in a forward-thinking and supportive organisation.