Head of Professional Development

The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) has set out an ambitious agenda for change, striving to deliver a professional, outcome-focused service that will transform the lives of those within our care and make a difference to the people of Scotland. Our staff are our most valuable asset and investing in them will help to support the integration of offenders back into communities and reduce reoffending. In support of this agenda, you will oversee the provision of structured staff development programmes, for operational and non-operational roles, in order to continuously improve workforce capacity and capability.

Taking strategic direction from the Head of Learning and Development and from the SPS Executive Management Group, you will create and deliver an integrated suite of professional development activities, opportunities and practices, which respond to identified organisational priorities and provide comprehensive learning and support for staff, increasing their effectiveness in current and future roles.

Responsibilities Provide direction and leadership on the creation and delivery of continuing professional development (CPD) to all staff groups across the SPS. Direct and manage the work of the Professional Development team, prioritising and managing resources as required. Assess current and future CPD requirements to support SPS’s strategic aims and respond to staff development needs identified by SPS functions, establishments and individual members of staff, in order to provide appropriate learning and development solutions. Help to meet the development needs of the SPS in specific areas of assessment, supervision and learner support. Champion the development of current and future senior leaders in the SPS and provide the appropriate support to identified requirements resulting from workforce planning processes and decisions. Effectively communicate the aims and services of SPS Professional Development to ensure that staff understand how to access appropriate development opportunities and feel motivated to do so. Person Specification

SPS recruitment and selection practice is based on the fundamentals of our Behavioural Competency Framework. This identifies behaviours and standards required both of applicants seeking to join us, and our staff in their respective roles. Assessment of specific behaviours, of which there are twelve, will be determined by the role you are applying for. Whilst it is unlikely you will be assessed on all of them , you will be assessed on these identified as key to role.

Qualifications Requirements

A professional qualification in education, HR, or learning and development.

Essential

Experience Requirements

Proven experience of designing and delivering accredited and non-accredited professional development opportunities.

Essential

Experience of learning and development best practice gained from networking in a variety of sectors and professional settings.

Essential

Experience of providing strategic advice and guidance in relation to learning and development.

Essential

Knowledge Skills Requirements Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Excellent written and verbal skills and an ability to convey complex information to a variety of audiences in order to inform and influence decisions. Problem Solving and Decision Making: Excellent decision-making skills with evidence of an ability to analyse complex issues, problem solve and produce creative and innovative solutions with and/or for individuals or the organisation, by exercising a high level of initiative, judgement and discretion. Building & Maintaining Relationships: Evidence of an ability to build and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders and an ability to negotiate with, and positively influence your team and others to achieve desired results. Planning Implementation and Control: Evidence of excellent organisational skills, demonstrating an ability to forward plan, manage competing demands, work under pressure to ensure outputs are delivered within time and on budget and consider the implications of actions or changes in government policy, sector trends, and/or legislative requirements. Selection method 1 Presentation Selection method 2 Interview