Working with us

Location: Glasgow/Hybrid

Salary: £57,701 – £71,942 (Grade C1 – Max 3)

Contract Type: Permanent

Reporting Line: Finance Director

Scottish Rail Holdings Limited

Scottish Rail Holdings (SRH) is a limited company and public body in Scotland with accountability to Scottish Government Ministers for the delivery of rail passenger services in support of the Scottish Government’s objectives as set out in the National Transport Strategy. We are focused on delivering a safe, reliable, and green railway for our passengers and guests, while providing value for money for the taxpayer.

SRH has oversight of the governance and performance of two subsidiary train operating companies: ScotRail Trains Limited (ScotRail) and Caledonian Sleeper Limited (CSL). We are also part of a group of stakeholders known as Scotland’s Railway, which includes infrastructure manager Network Rail Scotland, cross border train operating companies, statutory bodies, and suppliers. SRH commenced operations in April 2022, when ScotRail was taken into public ownership.

SRH is classified as an Executive Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) and reports to the Scottish Ministers, with its obligations set out in a Framework Agreement with Transport Scotland, who are responsible for transport policy and strategy.

SRH’s role is to oversee the delivery of services, targets and KPIs by its subsidiaries, including commitments within its strategic and annual business plans, and to support SRT and CSL in the development of policies and projects.  In addition, SRH oversees SRT and CSL’s performance against a Grant Agreement.  SRH liaises with the Transport Scotland Rail Sponsor team on matters relating to SRT and CSL and their performance. SRH is classified as an executive non-departmental public body (NDPB) and reports to the Scottish Ministers, with its obligations set out in a Framework Agreement with Transport Scotland, who will continue to be responsible for transport policy.

The SRH Board has taken the decision that the provision of internal audit services for the Group should be largely outsourced and that this arrangement will be managed by the SRH Audit and Risk Manager. Risk management arrangements across the Group are at different stages of development, but the objective is to establish an approach which can be applied consistently across the Group.

An excellent opportunity has now arisen for an Audit & Risk Manager.

Key Accountability:

The post holder will lead on all matters associated with audit and risk and make recommendations on how best practice can be implemented across the SRH Group.  They will be responsible for the oversight of internal audit for SRH and its subsidiary companies working in partnership with the outsourced internal audit service and colleagues within SRT and CSL. They will be responsible for ensuring that systems and processes for managing risk across the Group are consistent and comply with guidance in the Scottish Public Finance Manual and wider best practice.  As necessary, this will require supporting the development of existing systems and processes, including reporting to the respective boards and audit and risk committees.

Main Duties:

• Taking the lead in establishing arrangements for internal audit which comply with best practice (including the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards) and fully meet the assurance needs of SRH and its two subsidiaries. Provide oversight of the outsourced internal audit service on behalf of the Group.
• Advising and supporting the development and implementation of consistent and best practice compliant risk management arrangements across the Group.
• Advising and supporting the development and implementation of Risk Appetite across the Group, with emphasis on the practical application and benefits of this aspect of risk management.
• Taking the lead in the development of a Group wide Assurance Framework, based on the three (or four) lines of defence model which fully meets the operational and governance needs of the SRH Group.
• Advising and supporting the development of integrated assurance and organisational performance reporting to the respective boards and audit and risk committees.
• Ensuring compliance across the SRH Group with the audit and risk assurance requirements within the Framework and Grant Agreements.
• Provide support to the Chair of the Risk and Audit Committee for SRH, SRT and CSL and attending Committee meetings.

Person Specification 

The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant or auditor with significant experience of internal audit and risk management in a public sector environment.  Where public sector experience is absent, the candidate will need to demonstrate a sound understanding of public sector requirements.  The candidate will have excellent analytical and decision-making skills, coupled with the ability to communicate information on audit and risk requirements in an accessible way for a non-expert audience. Proven organisational and planning skills, including the ability to manage complex requirements and meet tight deadlines.  Excellent inter-personal skills and proven ability to work in a multi-disciplinary environment, building constructive relationships with internal and external colleagues to deliver business objectives.

To apply for this engaging role, please email your CV and covering letter to:

tc@northstarconsultancy.com

Closing date: 7 February 2025

Scottish Rail Holdings

Board Secretary

Location: Glasgow/Hybrid

Salary: £57,701 – £71,942  (Grade C1 – Max 3)

Contract Type: Permanent

Reporting Line: General Counsel

Scottish Rail Holdings Limited

Scottish Rail Holdings (SRH) is a limited company and public body in Scotland with accountability to Scottish Government Ministers for the delivery of rail passenger services in support of the Scottish Government’s objectives as set out in the National Transport Strategy. We are focused on delivering a safe, reliable, and green railway for our passengers and guests, while providing value for money for the taxpayer.

SRH has oversight of the governance and performance of two subsidiary train operating companies: ScotRail Trains Limited (ScotRail) and Caledonian Sleeper Limited (CSL). We are also part of a group of stakeholders known as Scotland’s Railway, which includes infrastructure manager Network Rail Scotland, cross border train operating companies, statutory bodies, and suppliers. SRH commenced operations in April 2022, when ScotRail was taken into public ownership.

SRH is classified as an Executive Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) and reports to the Scottish Ministers, with its obligations set out in a Framework Agreement with Transport Scotland, who are responsible for transport policy and strategy.

An excellent opportunity has now arisen for a Board Secretary.

Overall Accountability

The role will require in person attendance at the board meetings of SRH and its subsidiaries, SRT and CSL, and their Board subcommittees. Meetings are ordinarily held in Glasgow, however travel to other locations in Scotland may be required occasionally. It is expected that other aspects of this role can successfully be fulfilled with a combination of both office and home/remote working, details of which are to be agreed in advance with the SRH General Counsel.

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

This is a key role to establish and enable the delivery of an effective company secretarial service for the SRH group companies, with responsibility for ensuring compliance with the agreed governance cycle of all Board and Subcommittee meetings, to include production of agendas, papers collated and submitted, meetings managed, minutes drafted, and actions followed up.

The Board Secretary will report directly to the General Counsel providing support & assistance, as necessary.

Board Duties:

• Manage the calendar invites for all Board meetings and associated Subcommittee meetings, ensuring all meeting are quorate.
• Formulate meeting agendas with the relevant Board/Committee and advise the Executive team on organisation of papers or presentations for meetings.
• Ensure that all Board meeting and associated meeting papers are in advance of the date of the meeting.
• Take detailed and accurate minutes at all Board meetings and associated Committee meetings for approval by the relevant Chair prior to circulation.
• Circulate the minutes of all meetings in a timely manner to all attendees.
• Manage the actions following all Board meetings and associated Committee meetings, ensuring that updates are available and recorded in good time.
• Ensure that all Board Committees’ Terms of Reference are reviewed, amended where appropriate, and approved as part of the annual governance review cycle.
• Advise directors on their duties and ensuring that they comply with corporate legislation and the articles of association of the company.

Regulatory and Other Duties:

• Maintain the company’s statutory books, including:

1. a register of present and past directors and secretaries
2. a register of all shareholders, past and present and their shareholdings
3. minutes of general meetings and board meetings

• File documentation at Companies House, for example the appointment or resignation of directors.
• Manage and publish agreed Board minutes.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues in the design and content of the Annual Report and Accounts to ensure compliance with statutory and public sector requirements and produce of the corporate governance sections.
• Maintain and update the Governance section on SRH’s website.

Essential Criteria 

Person Specification

Working knowledge of Companies Act 2006 and the UK Corporate Governance Code is essential, together with demonstrable company secretarial experience with a proven ability to plan, deliver and document meetings. CGI qualified or part-qualified and familiarity with the Scottish Government’s governance advice for arms’ length public bodies are desirable.

The ideal candidate will be highly organised, with proficient record keeping skills and attention to detail. The candidate will work closely with SRH’s subsidiary companies, SRT and CSL, and will have a collaborative working style.

Core Skills and Competencies 

Managing and Leading

Leading Others

Communicates a clear vision which supports actions and engages others.

Takes responsibility to deliver consistent services, managing risk and resources to support continuous improvement.

Promotes collaborative working and is able to respond creatively to tough challenges.

Actively manages authorising environment, making connections across boundaries to build strong networks and partnerships.

Delivering Outcomes

Communications & Engagement

Contributes to and develops clear, creative, and detailed policy communication strategies to achieve SG outcomes.

Manages internal and external relationships, creating positive networks and maintaining trust and credibility.

Knows when to engage with Communications specialists and considers the impact on other policies and programmes across SG & wider system.

Communicates complex information clearly, presenting strategic ideas in a clear and positive way.

Improving Performance

Uses relevant tools, techniques, and skills development to facilitate continuous improvement.

Adapts quickly to fit skills and resources to changing circumstances and expectations.

Maintains and promotes risk management processes to improve strategic planning and resource allocation.

Analysis and Use of Evidence

Captures and securely organises knowledge & information for wider use across the organisation.

Shares knowledge and information across the wider system, to obtain best value from it across the wider public service.

Financial Management

Understands the wider public expenditure and financial decision-making environment as outlined in the policies of the Scottish Public Finance Manual.

To apply for this engaging role, please email your CV and covering letter to:

 tc@northstarconsultancy.com

Closing date: 7 February 2025

Scottish Rail Holdings

Finance Manager

Location: Glasgow/Hybrid

Salary: £57,701 – £71,942  (Grade C1 – Max 3)

Contract Type: Permanent

Reporting Line: Financial Controller

Scottish Rail Holdings Limited

Scottish Rail Holdings (SRH) is a limited company and public body in Scotland with accountability to Scottish Government Ministers for the delivery of rail passenger services in support of the Scottish Government’s objectives as set out in the National Transport Strategy. We are focused on delivering a safe, reliable, and green railway for our passengers and guests, while providing value for money for the taxpayer.

SRH has oversight of the governance and performance of two subsidiary train operating companies: ScotRail Trains Limited (ScotRail) and Caledonian Sleeper Limited (CSL). We are also part of a group of stakeholders known as Scotland’s Railway, which includes infrastructure manager Network Rail Scotland, cross border train operating companies, statutory bodies, and suppliers. SRH commenced operations in April 2022, when ScotRail was taken into public ownership.

SRH is classified as an Executive Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) and reports to the Scottish Ministers, with its obligations set out in a Framework Agreement with Transport Scotland, who are responsible for transport policy and strategy.

SRH’s role is to oversee the delivery of services, targets and KPIs by its subsidiaries, including commitments within its Business and Corporate Plans, and to support SRT and CSL in the development of policies and projects. In addition, SRH oversees performance of its subsidiaries against a Grant Agreement. SRH liaises with the Transport Scotland Sponsorship Team on matters relating to SRT and CSL and its performance.

An excellent opportunity has now arisen for a Finance Manager.

Overall Accountability

This role will be responsible for undertaking a full range of financial services for SRH. The post holder will review and critique SRT’s and CSL’s periodic reporting packs and budget/forecasts for the full year and beyond. In addition, they will be accountable for the preparation of periodic Grant in Aid requests from Transport Scotland, the consolidation of financial data for SRH, and the SRH Finance Board paper for review by the SRH Financial Controller.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• The role will be required to liaise with SRT, CSL, and Transport Scotland as required
• Undertaking an initial review and critique of subsidiaries periodic reporting packs and budgets/forecasts for full year and beyond
• Preparation of periodic Grant in Aid requests from Transport Scotland, the consolidation of financial data for SRH, and the SRH Finance Board paper for review by the SRH Financial Controller.
• Monitor cash balances and the maintenance/update of 13-week cash flow forecasts
• Preparation of monthly payments for salary, PAYE/NI, and Pensions liaising between the outsourced payroll team and SRH
• Liaison with expert third parties including Insurance, Auditors, and Pensions. (10%)
• Updating monthly journals through preparation and entry into Xero
• To raise Purchase Orders
• Processing purchase invoices and pay when correctly authorised
• To undertake the initial review of monthly expenses claims
• Deputise for the SRH Financial Controller as required.

Essential Criteria

Person Specification

The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant, potentially newly qualified or just out of practice. Experience of working within the public sector is desirable but not essential. They will be an expert user of Excel and experience of Xero or Dynamix would be beneficial. The candidate will be adaptable, agile and with the ability to work under pressure with competing deadlines. Highly organised and analytical, they will be able to communicate effectively with multiple stakeholders both verbally and in writing.

Core Skills and Competencies

Managing and Leading

Leading Others

Communicates a clear vision which supports actions and engages others.

Takes responsibility to deliver consistent services, managing risk and resources to support continuous improvement.

Promotes collaborative working and is able to respond creatively to tough challenges.

Actively manages authorising environment, making connections across boundaries to build strong networks and partnerships.

Delivering Outcomes

Communications & Engagement

Contributes to and develops clear, creative, and detailed policy communication strategies to achieve SG outcomes.

Manages internal and external relationships, creating positive networks and maintaining trust and credibility.

Knows when to engage with Communications specialists and considers the impact on other policies and programmes across SG & wider system.

Communicates complex information clearly, presenting strategic ideas in a clear and positive way.

Improving Performance

Uses relevant tools, techniques, and skills development to facilitate continuous improvement.

Adapts quickly to fit skills and resources to changing circumstances and expectations.

Maintains and promotes risk management processes to improve strategic planning and resource allocation.

Analysis and Use of Evidence

Uses relevant evidence, recognising validity and limitations, in evaluations & assessment of risks against desired outcomes, engaging analytical specialists appropriately.

Captures and securely organises knowledge & information for wider use across the organisation.

Shares knowledge and information across the wider system, to obtain best value from it across the wider public service.

Financial Management

Interprets and uses accurate financial data to inform decision-making, investment appraisals and risk management implications.

Delivers objectives within budget, applying procurement policies & procedures and knows when to seek advice from audit, risk, procurement, and finance specialists.

Understands the wider public expenditure and financial decision-making environment as outlined in the policies of the Scottish Public Finance Manual.

To apply for this engaging role, please email your CV and covering letter to:

tc@northstarconsultancy.com

Closing date: 7 February 2025

Scottish Rail Holdings

Financial Controller

Location: Glasgow/Hybrid

Salary: £74,480 – £85,964  (Grade C2 – Max 3)

Contract Type: Permanent

Reporting Line: Finance Director

Scottish Rail Holdings (SRH) is a limited company and public body in Scotland with accountability to Scottish Government Ministers for the delivery of rail passenger services in support of the Scottish Government’s objectives as set out in the National Transport Strategy. We are focused on delivering a safe, reliable, and green railway for our passengers and guests, while providing value for money for the taxpayer.

SRH has oversight of the governance and performance of two subsidiary train operating companies: ScotRail Trains Limited (ScotRail) and Caledonian Sleeper Limited (CSL). We are also part of a group of stakeholders known as Scotland’s Railway, which includes infrastructure manager Network Rail Scotland, cross border train operating companies, statutory bodies, and suppliers. SRH commenced operations in April 2022, when ScotRail was taken into public ownership.

An excellent opportunity has now arisen for a Financial Controller.

Overall Accountability

To support the management of all aspects of the finances for Scottish Rail Holdings, including the preparation of management and financial statements, budgeting, and financial business planning. To support the oversight of the finances of all Scottish Rail Holdings subsidiaries, ensuring that any variances to the financial plans are managed with appropriate remedial actions.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

In this post you will be responsible for Strategic, Leadership, Oversight, Board and Governance Responsibilities as detailed within your key duties.

The Financial Controller will provide leadership and day to day management to the SRH Finance Manager and Capital Finance Lead.

Strategic Responsibilities:

• To support the Finance Director in the inputs for the long and short-term business planning at Scottish Rail Holdings and its subsidiaries, ensuring that all business plans are aligned to the Grant Agreement Commitments and the Framework Agreement, with a clear set of financial Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that the subsidiaries will be held to account to deliver.
• Support the Finance Director in the financial direction of Scottish Rail Holdings to ensure the delivery of value for the taxpayer with a focus on continuous improvement across Scotland’s Railway.
• The Financial Controller will work closely with sponsor and subsidiaries to lead on and identify improved process and opportunities to influence future policy development or change
• Ensure that all decisions and plans are in line with the Scottish Public Finance Manual.

Leadership Responsibilities:

• To lead on the provision of the day-to-day management of finance ensuring a high-quality output, with strong financial control, responsive to change and driving continuous improvement.
• The Financial Controller will provide leadership and day to day management to a Finance team including Finance Manager and Capital Projects Lead. The Financial Controller will lead the team and manage performance to ensure support for wider Finance directorate objectives.
• Lead the delivery of a finance business partnering approach to provide impartial advice and guidance to management on all financial matters relating to Scottish Rail Holdings.
• Development and implement a financial control framework which sets out the key financial processes and ensures that the necessary financial controls are in place to ensure that spend is managed appropriately and in line with the Scottish Public Finance Manual and Framework Agreement.

Oversight Responsibilities:

• To ensure that all subsidiaries deliver the financial commitments outlined in the Grant Agreement and the Framework Agreement, and that there is regular reporting in place to the Board of Scottish Rail Holdings on actual financial performance.
• To ensure early warning of any adverse variance of financial performance by Scottish Rail Holdings and its subsidiaries is reported to the Scottish Railway Holdings board, and that required remedial action plans are in place.
• Through leadership and collaborative working, whilst managing at times complex and sensitive relationships, the Financial Controller ensures that Scottish Rail Holdings and its subsidiaries work in line with their laid down business processes particularly those around delegated financial authorities.
• Liaise with the Transport Scotland Sponsor Team to ensure the appropriate cash management and budgeting processes are in place in line with any laid down processes and procedures.
• Provide oversight of the production of annual accounts on behalf of the Accountable Officer, in line with the requirements of the Scottish Public Finance Manual and the Scottish Government Financial Reporting Manual.
• Provide oversight of the effective and efficient production of monthly management accounts, cashflow forecasts and other financial reports for SRH.
• Ensure compliance with Internal Audit recommendations, and relevant Transport Scotland or government guidance and controls.

Board Responsibilities:

• To ensure that appropriate financial decisions are taken at Board level with the appropriate level of financial appraisal/evaluation and are in line with the Scottish Public Finance Manual.
• Ensure effective relationships are in place with senior Finance personnel at Scottish Government, particularly the sponsoring Directorate, Transport Scotland.
• Manage the provision of effective reporting on financials performance of Scottish Rail Holdings and its subsidiaries to the Scottish Government, ensuring that any variances are highlighted with corrective actions clearly outlined.
• To ensure all financial reporting is done in line with all regulatory reporting requirements.
• Support the management of financial group risks and issues at a high level for Scottish Rail Holdings in line with the Scottish Public Finance Manual with regular reporting in place to the Board. Financial risk management should have a full consideration of organisational resilience to physical, personnel and cyber risks/threats/hazards.
• Provide reports to the Finance Director which supports their attendance at the Audit and Risk Committee.
• Ensure that adequate systems of internal control are in place at Scottish Rail Holdings including effective measures against fraud and theft in line with the Scottish Public Finance Manual.
• Ensure that the Board levels of financial delegated authority are adhered to.

Governance Responsibilities:

• The role holder will attend the following Boards and Committees only on behalf of the FD when they are unable to attend: Scottish Rail Holdings Board, Scottish Rail Holdings Limited Audit and Risk Committee, ScotRail Trains Limited Board.

Essential Criteria

Specialist Expertise

The role holder must hold a recognised accountancy qualification from CIMA, ICAS, ICAEW, ACCA or CIPFA. They will have operated at a senior level both technically and professionally, with Board level exposure. Appreciation of lease accounting rules specifically is required. Exposure to both private and public sector accounting and governance is also desirable, along with a strong understanding of the UK rail industry and the political, commercial, and legal complexities.

Person Specification

A strong, collaborative, and inclusive leader with a high level of gravitas, the role holder will have the ability to provide highly effective financial leadership and governance, with a strong commercial focus. Able to build effective working relationships at all levels, they will have strong analytical skills, with excellent planning and forward-thinking capability. Highly organised, output focused disciplined and diligent, they will bring a strong track record in the delivery of complex financial management, along with demonstrable continuous improvement skills.

Core Skills and Competencies

Managing and Leading

1. Leading Change

• Communicates a clear vision which supports and engages others.
• Sets a standard by taking responsibility for delivery. Managing risk and resources to drive continuous improvement
• Leads a way through complex issues and conflicting perspectives.
• Leads and manages the authorising environment, making connections across boundaries to build strong networks and partnerships.

2. Strategic Thinking

• Understands, influences, and translates strategy into outcome focused solutions.
• Reframes issues and problems to create opportunities for creative thinking to deliver new ways of working.
• Accountable for developing and delivering strategic Directorate Plans that continuously raise expectations.
• Works collaboratively in the wider system to improve outcomes and deliver high quality public services.

3. People Management

• Shapes the SRH Plan to engage and align staff, manage workloads, and ensure capacity to deliver.
• Credible with staff, creating conditions to build confidence and effective teams that empower, value, recognise, inspire, and motivate people.
• Raises performance using constructive challenge, feedback and coaching skills using advice from HR when needed.
• A resilient and self-aware role model. Recognises impact on others, creating an environment which supports diversity and equality, health, and wellbeing.

Delivering Outcomes

1. Communications and Engagement

• Understands, influences, and translates the wider communications agenda.
• Develops clear and creative communications objectives and measurement criteria.
• Works with specialists to devise communications strategies and shares experience across the wider system.

2. Improving Performance

• Provides a framework to embed continuous improvement, including skills development.
• Uses Portfolio Programme and Project Management effectively and proportionally, including rigorous evaluation of effectiveness.
• Uses skills and resources effectively to meet challenging circumstances and expectations.
• Oversees risks to strategic objectives, influencing others to enhance outcomes and aid continuous improvement.

3. Analysis and Use of Evidence

• Identifies evidence and analysis requirements for short and long-term decision making.
• Works with a wide range of analytical experts to achieve outcomes and goals.
• Links evidence with specific outputs and outcomes to challenge norms and identify new ways of working.
• Ensures knowledge and processes are captured and shared across the wider system through wide range of networks.

4. Financial Management

• Plans and monitors targets. Identifies and implements ways of improving resource and assets efficiently.
• Interprets a wide range of information and options to underpin sound decisions, sharing implications for public expenditure with the wider system.
• Uses a variety of tools and techniques and know when to seek advice form audit, risk, procurement, and finance specialists.
• Assures the highest standards of value for money, internal controls and public sector governance as outlined in the Scottish Public Finance Manual

To apply for this dynamic role, please email your CV and covering letter to:

 tc@northstarconsultancy.com

Closing date: 7 February 2025

Scottish Rail Holdings

Safety & Oversight Lead

Location: Glasgow/Hybrid

Salary: £57,701 – £71,942  (Grade C1 – Max 3)

Contract Type: Permanent

Reporting Line: Rail Director

Scottish Rail Holdings (SRH) is an organisation controlled by Scottish Ministers that has been set up with the express purpose of overseeing the governance of train operating companies under Section 30 of the Railways Act 1993.  SRH act as the “owning group” of the operating companies and provides separation between Transport Scotland as strategic policymakers and the direct management of train service delivery by their subsidiaries ScotRail Trains (SRT) and Caledonian Sleepers Limited (CSL).

SRH’s role is to oversee the delivery of services, targets and KPIs by its subsidiaries, including commitments within its Business and Corporate Plans, and to support SRT and CSL in the development of policies and projects.  In addition, SRH oversees performance of its subsidiaries against a Grant Agreement.  SRH liaises with the Transport Scotland Sponsorship Team on matters relating to SRT and CSL and its performance.

SRH is classified as an Executive Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) and reports to the Scottish Ministers, with its obligations set out in a Framework Agreement with Transport Scotland, who are responsible for transport policy and strategy.

An excellent opportunity has now arisen for a Safety & Oversight Lead.

Overall Accountability

This role will provide oversight of SRH’s subsidiaries compliance with their safety responsibilities as set out in the Grant Agreement. SRH subsidiaries are responsible for the delivering their safety, health and environmental (SHE) responsibilities, the post holder will be responsible for providing governance and assurance to SRH and working with its subsidiaries to identify and implement best practice in SHE.  The post holder will also participate in the SHE Committee, lead on implementing outputs and reporting to the Board.

The Safety & Oversight Lead will also have direct management for the Active & Sustainable Travel Officer role within SRH.

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

• Working closely with the SRH subsidiaries to monitor their compliance with the SHE responsibilities as set out in the Grant Agreement and that the SHE responsibilities are fulfilled.
• To act as SRH’s lead on all matters relating to SHE, providing real time feedback on incidents and ensuring that SRH is informed on safety related matters.
• Reporting to the SRH Board on SHE matters.
• To participate in the SHE Committee and lead on implementing the outputs of the meeting.
• Monitoring and reviewing the SHE performance of SRH and its subsidiaries, its KPIs and actions implemented to improve performance.
• To research and identify best practice and how this may be applied to SRH subsidiaries in order to improve performance and / or governance.
• Providing oversight of the annual safety audit plan and manage the external safety audit if required.
• Providing information as requested by Transport Scotland.

Essential Criteria 

Specialist Expertise

Experience of safety management and a background of working within the rail industry is desirable but not essential for the role.  Experience of working in a public sector, regulatory and monitoring environment, would also be desirable.  Educated to degree level the post holder will be IOSH (Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) qualified or prepared to study for the qualification.

Person Specification

The ideal candidate will be highly organised, with attention to detail and confident in using and manipulating data.  The candidate will work closely with SRH’s subsidiary companies, SRT and CSL, and will have a collaborative working style.

Core Skills and Competencies 

Managing & Leading

People Management

• Prioritises and agrees objectives aligned with the Directorate Plans to engage staff. Responsive to change, managing workloads and building capacity to deliver.
• Credible with staff, creating conditions to build confident and effective teams that empower, value, develop and motivate people.
• Raises performance issues using constructive challenge, feedback and coaching skills, seeking support and advice from HR professionals when needed.
• Self-aware, recognises impact on others and creates a positive environment which supports diversity and equality and promotes health and wellbeing.

Leading Others

• Communicates a clear vision which supports actions and engages others.
• Takes responsibility to deliver consistent services, managing risk and resources to support continuous improvement.
• Promotes collaborative working and is able to respond creatively to tough challenges.
• Actively manages authorising environment, making connections across boundaries to build strong networks and partnerships.

Delivering Outcomes

Communications and Engagement

• Contributes to and develops clear, creative, and detailed policy communication strategies to achieve SG outcomes.
• Manages internal and external relationships, creating positive networks and maintaining trust and credibility.
• Knows when to engage with Communications specialists and considers the impact on other policies and programmes across SG & wider system.
• Communicates complex information clearly, presenting strategic ideas in a clear and positive way.

Improving Performance

• Uses relevant tools, techniques, and skills development to facilitate continuous improvement.
• Adapts quickly to fit skills and resources to changing circumstances and expectations.
• Maintains and promotes risk management processes to improve strategic planning and resource allocation.

Analysis and Use of Evidence

• Develops policy options and decisions using a range of evidence and research, to ensure that polices are aligned to outcomes.
• Uses relevant evidence, recognising validity and limitations, in evaluations & assessment of risks against desired outcomes, engaging analytical specialists appropriately.
• Captures and securely organises knowledge & information for wider use across the organisation.
• Shares knowledge and information across the wider system, to obtain best value from it across the wider public service.

Financial Management

• Interprets and uses accurate financial data to inform decision-making, investment appraisals and risk management implications.
• Delivers objectives within budget, applying procurement policies & procedures and knows when to seek advice from audit, risk, procurement, and finance specialists.
• Set targets to improve the value achieved from resources, utilising financial data in business cases for change and monitors outcomes using performance measures.
• Understands the wider public expenditure and financial decision-making environment as outlined in the policies of the Scottish Public Finance Manual.

To apply for this engaging role, please email your CV and covering letter to:

 tc@northstarconsultancy.com

Closing date: 7 February 2025