Quality and Safety Senior Policy Official

Policy Lead: Independent Healthcare Regulation – Scottish Government

The Healthcare Quality and Improvement Division is seeking a proactive and skilled Policy Lead to join the Quality and Safety Unit. Operating within the Directorate for the Chief Operating Officer, NHS Scotland, you will be at the forefront of expanding and refining the regulatory landscape for independent healthcare in Scotland. This role is ideal for a self-starter with a strong policy background who is comfortable navigating complex legislation and engaging with diverse professional communities—from clinical experts to private ambulance providers.

About the Role

You will lead critical workstreams aimed at closing regulatory gaps in the independent health sector. Your primary focus will be the implementation of the Non-Surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers Bill, alongside scoping future legislation for currently unregulated services. This is a high-visibility role that requires balancing legislative technicality with strategic stakeholder management to ensure that patient safety remains the paramount priority across all healthcare settings.

Key Responsibilities

• Legislative Implementation: Lead the rollout of the Non-Surgical Procedures Bill, including the creation of secondary legislation (SSIs), guidance, and communication strategies.

• Training & Standards: Collaborate with the UK Government and industry bodies to develop and standardize training and qualification requirements for practitioners.

• Regulatory Scoping: Work with Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) to identify priorities for the next phase of regulation, specifically targeting private ambulances and first-aid services.

• Consultation Leadership: Plan and execute public consultations ahead of new legislation, fulfilling Ministerial commitments to progress engagement throughout 2026.

• Ministerial Support: Provide high-quality briefings for Ministers, support high-level stakeholder meetings, and represent the division in cross-government policy forums.

• Relationship Management: Act as a central point of contact for expert stakeholders, clinical communities, and independent providers to ensure policy is grounded in operational reality.

Person Specification

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Policy Expertise: A proven track record in developing and delivering complex policy, ideally within a healthcare or regulatory context.

• Stakeholder Influence: The ability to build credibility with a wide range of professionals, from surgeons and clinicians to private business owners.

• Legislative Literacy: Comfort working with primary and secondary legislation (SSIs) and an understanding of the Scottish Parliamentary process.

• Analytical Thinking: The ability to scope unregulated sectors and translate findings into robust, evidence-based policy proposals.

• Communication: Exceptional written skills for drafting Ministerial briefings and public-facing guidance.

Key Priorities for 2026

This role is pivotal for the Scottish Government’s 2026 health agenda. You will be expected to:

1. Finalize SSIs for the regulation of non-surgical cosmetic procedures.

2. Launch a National Consultation on the regulation of private ambulances.

3. Establish Standards across the independent sector through sustained engagement with HIS and Local Authorities.

Benefits & Working Culture

• Impact: Direct involvement in legislation that will improve safety for thousands of citizens using independent health services.

• Collaboration: Regular engagement with the Chief Operating Officer of NHS Scotland and cross-directorate teams.

• Development: Opportunities to lead on high-profile Bill work and represent the Scottish Government at a UK level.