About the role
Incorporation of the UNCRC into Scots law places the Commissioner at the leading edge of child rights strategic litigation. This is an incredibly exciting opportunity to use your legal skills to work on cases that will shape the development of Scots law and drive real systemic improvements in children’s lives. Reporting to the Head of Legal, the Solicitor will be responsible for the lawful and effective discharge of the Commissioner’s powers and duties.
Key responsibilities
- Exercise the Commissioner’s new strategic litigation power brought in by the UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024, including the use of powers to deliver impact on issues such as restraint in mental health settings, best interests in eviction actions, access to justice in the tribunal system, and children’s rights in criminal law proceedings.
- Undertake swift and robust human rights analysis of cases and issues, providing advice, drafting submissions, instructing agents and counsel, and directly representing the Commissioner where appropriate.
- Provide advice and exercise the Commissioner’s other statutory functions, including investigation powers, as required by the Commissioner or Head of Legal.
- Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders and work directly with children and young people to gain their views, including through the Young Advisers Group.
- Utilise litigation powers creatively and strategically to address children’s rights issues across a range of areas of law.
Qualifications
- Significant experience of successfully undertaking litigation in a fast‑paced environment.
- Commitment to rights‑based practice, collaborative working and the highest professional and ethical standards.
- Proficiency in strategic human rights and child rights law, including knowledge of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2003 and the UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024.
- Willingness to consider secondments lasting a minimum of two years.
Benefits & Working Conditions
- Competitive salary
- Access to the Civil Service Alpha Pension Scheme with an employer pension contribution of 28.97%
- 30 days annual leave plus 11.5 observed public holidays
- Flexible working policies
- Enhanced wellbeing initiatives, including a Healthy Living Allowance and access to an Employee Assistance Programme offering shopping discounts, advice and counselling services
About the Commissioner
The Commissioner for Children and Young People Scotland is an independent statutory public body with a budget of £1.76million and a multidisciplinary team of 18 staff based in Edinburgh but working across Scotland. The office promotes and safeguards the human rights of everyone in Scotland aged under 18, or up to 21 if the young person has care experience.
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