Role Purpose
The Regulatory Solicitor has a key role in helping ensure we achieve best regulatory practice in our regulatory investigations and that our investigation and adjudication process adheres to the law. This involves quality assuring casework as well as developing the infrastructure and internal knowledge/skills base that supports effective casework. It also involves instructing Presenting Officers who act for GTC Scotland as part of fitness to teach hearings and any appeals/litigation associated with fitness to teach casework.
Role Specific Responsibilities
Quality assure and audit regulatory investigation cases, decision-making and hearings and produce reports on these reviews for the Regulatory Investigations Manager and Head of Regulatory Investigations to identify areas for improvement/learning. Coordinate any Council or Council Committee process that relates to this activity (e.g. Decision Process Review Group).
Research, network and horizon scan to produce reports and advice on best regulatory practice and current law related to regulatory casework and make recommendations for improvement/action as well as provide appropriate training.
In liaison with the Regulatory Investigations Manager as appropriate, review and revise regulatory casework process, templates, guidance and other related materials to ensure this framework is compliant with Rules, law, applicable policy and represents best regulatory practice.
Coordinate Fitness to Teach Rules and related policy change requirements identified within the Regulatory Investigations functional area so that these can be taken forward appropriately through the Policy function.
Instruct the GTC Scotland Presenting Officers in regulatory casework to ensure they are delivering in line with requirements.
Provide instructions and manage Court of Session appeals, judicial reviews or any other litigation related to regulatory casework under oversight of the Head of Regulatory Investigations.
Support and advise on the investigation or adjudication of cases that are legally complex or high risk as required.
Support the appointment of Legal Assessors (who provide independent legal advice to Fitness to Teach Panels) and the continuous review of their standard of advice, service and performance in line with their terms of appointment.
In collaboration with other colleagues as appropriate, train, develop and support Fitness to Teach Panel members, Council members and employees in the context of the regulatory investigations function, related law and best regulatory practice as required.
Perform other duties that may be reasonably required within the scope of your role as assigned to you.
Responsibilities of All GTC Scotland Employees
Commit to GTC Scotland’s values and principles
Understand that our communities improve through the provision of strong and effective education, and you have a role in helping that happen
Take ownership and responsibility through your work
Be self-aware, understanding your own strengths and areas for development
Be a restless learner, seeking opportunities for your own growth
Deliver work effectively to ensure impact
Work collaboratively to share and develop expertise
Ask for help when you need it
Be flexible and adaptive to meet our needs and those of our registrants
Actively find and develop solutions to issues
Person Specification
Qualifications and Training
Essential
Qualified solicitor and holder of (or entitled to hold) a full and unrestricted Law Society of Scotland practising certificate
Evidence of ongoing professional learning
Desirable
Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB or LLB (Hons) (SCQF Level 9 or SCQF Level 10 respectively) and Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice or equivalent (SCQF Level 11)
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Essential
Role qualifying experience as a solicitor in a relevant sector
Experience in regulatory casework or equivalent
Experience in building and maintaining effective working partnerships with internal and external users and partners
Evidence of effective legal decision-making and advice
Understanding of effective legal/regulatory casework
High quality written skills
High quality research and analytical skills
Good digital literacy including competency with Microsoft 365 applications (including Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Dynamics)
An understanding of professional regulation
Desirable
An understanding of the political educational context and the impact for GTC Scotland
Experience working for or with a regulatory body
An understanding of the statutory and corporate governance frameworks within which GTC Scotland operates
Personal Qualities
Essential
Excellent communication
Strong influencing and advocacy skills
Strong ability to work with others to develop shared solutions to complex issues
Self-directed, excellent planner and organiser
A commitment to excellence
Ability to maintain absolute confidentiality and discretion
Special Conditions
Essential
Membership of the Law Society of Scotland
Additional Information
Who we are:
We are the General Teaching Council for Scotland. We register and regulate the teaching profession as a safeguard for the quality of education in Scotland. We work to maintain and enhance trust in teaching. We are a statutory body meaning our role is set out in law - we are independent of government.
Why work for us?
Make a difference to the quality of learning and teaching for children , young people and adult learners in Scotland.
Flexible working is our default and is open to all. You will have flexibility over when and where you work, depending on the requirements of the role. Most of our people choose to primarily work from home but office space is available if preferred. You will be expected to travel to our office in Edinburgh to attend collaborative events and as the role requires. Please talk to us about your individual flexibility preferences.
Learning is one of our core principles. We will support your learning and development to help you perform at your best in your role and to develop your future career.
Annual leave entitlement is a generous 42 days (294 hours).
Local Government Pension Scheme is open to all employees.
Our Values
Trust and Respect - All of us are equally important. We seek out and listen to others’ views. We support each other and build positive working relationships.
Integrity – We do what we say we will. We deliver on our plans and effectively communicate with others. We are committed to continually learning and improving.
Social Justice – We embrace diversity. We understand the importance of positive wellbeing and seek to support each other and our registrants. We want you to feel like you belong.
