Job Description

ID 2739

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The Welsh Government operates name-free recruitment. The recruiting panel will not see personal information such as a candidate's name and address during the sifting process. This policy is in line with our commitment to end bias and promote equality and diversity.
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Vacancy details

Vacancy title
Chief Scientific Adviser for Health Health, Social Care and Early Years Group


Closing date
27/06/2025, 12:00


Advertising basis
Senior Civil Service
Actual starting salary
circa 92,537
Payband
SCS1
Allowances
No
Work pattern
Full time (applications are welcome from people who work part time, as part of a job share or who work full time)
Duration
3 years
Group
Health, Social Care and Early Years
Directorate
Population Health
Location (s)
Pan Wales
Pan Wales' means that the location in which the vacancy can be based is flexible, subject to the needs of the business. A list of the Welsh Government's offices can be found on www.gov.wales/welsh-government-offices. Please note it may not always be possible to accommodate a preference for a specific office location.
Purpose of post
The Chief Scientific Adviser for Health (CSAH) will have extensive experience at a senior level within the higher education sector in a life science (human health) related scientific discipline, the research and development industry or as a clinician scientist with a track record that will enable them to command the respect of all professionals.


Their deep science knowledge should enable them to work across, or have an appreciation of, a range of science disciplines; developing productive links to other deep specialists to formulate their advice and understanding.


The post holder will need to quickly gain the confidence of the Ministers, senior NHS colleagues and wider partners. Given the breadth of the portfolio, the ability to deliver will be critical to success.

Above all, the CSAH must have the ability to build partnerships and networks and build respected authoritative groups. They should be excellent communicators and collaborators.

This is a key post within the Welsh Government's Health Social Care and Early Years Group (HSCEYG) for the provision of scientific advice in relation to health and care, and the promotion of the health and care research sector in Wales.


The post holder plays a key role in ensuring health and care research, science advice and evidence is harnessed to best effect to support the delivery of health and care services, improvements in health equity and outcomes, and drive the health and care sectors contribution to the broader ambitions of Welsh Government.


Key to the role is ensuring that science evidence and advice is robust, relevant and high quality and that science and evidence appropriately underpins policy development, advice and evaluation.


The post holder will co-lead, with the Deputy Director for Science, Evidence and Research, Health and Care Research Wales - a multi-faceted virtual organisation providing the infrastructure to support and increase capacity in health and care R&D, runs a range of responsive funding schemes and manages resources to promote, support and deliver research.


The post holder will work with colleagues within Welsh Government and across the health and social care sectors to strengthen coordination and links between research, development, and innovation.



Key tasks

The CSAH will be responsible for:

Provision of pro-active and demand led independent scientific advice and analysis across a range of health topics to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care and policymakers. Ensure research & development, scientific evidence, analysis and advice are relevant, robust and of high quality. Providing an independent challenge function to the group and ensuring mechanisms are in place to inform policy and decision-making including in an emergency response. This includes the oversight of the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) and any other relevant scientific advisory committees (SACs). Co-lead, with the Deputy Director for SRE (Science, Research and Evidence), Health and Care Research Wales (HCRW), and be a source of advice to that Deputy Director on overall research policy and priorities, bringing in a deep understanding of research and development systems, with a particular focus on supporting it's influence at a UK level. Working closely with the key leads across Welsh Government to maximise the impact of science in health on life sciences, innovation, emerging technologies and AI, ensuring effective prioritisation of focus and ongoing coordinated development of collaborations with academia, industry, and healthcare providers. Develop and maintain a strong working relationship with the Chief Scientific Adviser for Welsh Government (CSAW), Head of Analysis, Head of Policy Profession, the Chief Economist and wider leads across Government to ensure a co-ordinated and strategic approach to science and research. Represent Welsh Government in relevant four nations advisory committees and panels and supporting the CSA Wales through their link into the UK CSA Network to ensure Wales interests in health, care and life sciences perspective are safeguarded appropriately and that the outputs of such committees appropriately inform advice to senior officials and Ministers in Welsh Government. Developing and maintaining key relationships with Welsh and UK partners, including NHS Wales, UK Health Departments, UKHSA, National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), UKRI Research Councils, research charities and industry. Actively participate as a member of the Chief Medical Officer's Senior Leadership Team, and deputising for the Chief Medical Officer when appropriate.




Other vacancy related information
Location: You may be contractually based at any of the main Welsh Government offices in Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Llandudno Junction or Aberystwyth. We support hybrid working and tailoring patterns to suit individual circumstances. The role requires occasional travel across Wales and the UK. There may be opportunities for international travel.


Salary: The role is at Deputy Director level (SCS1) and the starting salary is

circa 92,537

although some flexibility may be available for an exceptional candidate

For existing Civil Servants - if you are a substantive Deputy Director applying on a lateral transfer basis to the Welsh Government you will retain your existing salary. If you are an existing civil servant applying on promotion, the starting pay on promotion will usually attract a 10% increase in base pay or be at the pay band minimum, whichever is greater. Secondment - if you are applying for this role on a secondment basis, you will retain your existing terms and conditions including salary (subject to approvals).

Please contact SCSRecruitment@gov.wales if you would like to discuss terms and conditions and salary level.


Contract Type: This role is being offered on a fixed term or loan/secondment basis, usually for a minimum of 3 years, with the possibility of extension by mutual agreement.


This could be as either a full-time or part-time position, at 0.8 or 0.9 FTE to allow candidates to continue an association or position within an academic institution during the duration of their roles.



Vetting level
SC - Candidates applying for a role that requires SC clearance must have normally resided in the UK for a minimum of the last 5 years
Number of posts
1
Contact point for further information regarding the post
SCSRecruitment@gov.wales
Candidate pack / supporting information (English)
CSAH - External - Candidate Pack - FINAL (2).docx - 1100KB Opens in a new window


Converted File CSAH - External - Candidate Pack - FINAL (2).docx.pdf - 431KB Opens in a new window
Candidate pack / supporting information (Welsh)
CSAH - External - Candidate Pack - CYM_FINAL.docx - 1098KB Opens in a new window


Converted File CSAH - External - Candidate Pack - CYM_FINAL.docx.pdf - 434KB Opens in a new window
Person specification

The post holder will be expected to demonstrate ability to:

Generate respect as a source of knowledge, expertise and advice. Providing first-rate strategic and analytical skills with an ability to assess the evidence of effectiveness of interventions, programmes and services and to translate these into accessible and practical advice for Ministers and Officials to inform policy and strategy. Communicate effectively with demanding internal and external audiences and the media. Work in partnership with internal and external experts to achieve goals. Think creatively and develop innovative policies and methods of delivery. Champion and mainstream equality and diversity and promote best practice Act with self-awareness and integrity. Maintain a high level of personal resilience - the determination and stamina to sustain effectiveness while upholding the values of the Civil Service Work in a political environment and to understand the needs and expectations of Ministers and Government in the context of a devolved administration. Negotiate and lead change with stakeholders and individuals in partner organisations. These include senior management teams in Public Health Wales, Trusts, Special Health Authorities and Local Health Boards, and professional groups. Represent Wales as a devolved nation. Lead and manage a research organisation.

Welsh language skills are not essential for this post, but they would be an asset. We expect the successful candidate to develop their Welsh language skills on appointment and we will fully support them to do this, with training available. As is the case in respect of other requirements, reasonable adjustments can be discussed on appointment.

We'll assess you against these Civil Service Success Profile behaviours and experience criteria during the application and interview:

Behaviours

Seeing the big picture -

Develop an in-depth insight and understanding in to the needs of the organisation and partners, anticipating the long-term impact of environmental, social and scientific developments at both national and international levels, helping to influence the organisations stratigic direction and policies.

Leadership -

Be a visible and approachable source of trusted scientific advice to all colleagues and stakeholders, embedding a culture of inclusion and equal opportunity for all where the diversity of individuals' backgrounds and experiences are valued and respected.

Working Together -

Proactively create, maintain and promote a strong network of contacts across the organisation and with partners establishing mechanisms to share knowledge and resources across boundaries to support the provision of excellent scientific evidence and research.

Experience

Proven ability to understand and synthesise science / research findings across a broad range of scientific disciplines, and an ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and accurately to non-technical audiences verbally and in writing, and ability to act as an effective advocate and ambassador of science. Experienced at working effectively in a multidisciplinary way to achieve goals, including identifying and drawing on the advice and experience of experts across a wide range of fields Knowledge and experience of research and/or research management and systems leadership in academic, health, social care or industrial sectors with an appreciation of research and development in the public sector. An outstanding track record in leading and conducting applied research of internationally recognised standing, in an area of interest to health, social care or life sciences in Wales and the UK, that has delivered demonstrable impacts on policy or populations.

Technical

A Level 6 qualification (for example, BSc, BEng, etc.), in a scientific discipline Level 8 qualification (for example PhD, DPhil, etc.) in a life sciences or health related scientific field.

Assessment process
Candidates should apply for this role through The Welsh Government recruitment website.


Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Welsh Government on this appointment, your application and contact details will be shared with them as part of the assessment process. According to GDPR guidelines, Saxton Bampfylde are only able to process your Sensitive Personal Data (racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership, genetic data, biometric data, health, sex life, or sexual orientation) with your express consent. By submitting an application you consent for Saxton Bampfylde to process your personal data.

The follow sections explain the recruitment process and anticipated timeframes.

Stage 1 - Application

To apply for this role, you will be asked to submit:

Application Form:

We welcome applications in Welsh and English. Applications in either language will be treated equally. If you have an impairment that would prevent you from applying online, please contact SCSRecruitment@gov.wales to request an alternative format or a reasonable adjustment to submit your application.

CV

: We operate name-free recruitment. The selection panel will not see personal information while shortlisting in line with our commitment to end bias and promote equality and diversity. Please remove your name from your CV and personal statement.

Personal Statement:

A personal statement of no more than 1250 words explaining why this appointment interests you and how you can evidence your suitability for the role, with particular reference to the behaviours and experience criteria of this pack.


The Welsh Government is committed to achieving a workforce that reflects the society it serves - at all levels. You will be asked to confirm some diversity information on your application form. Collecting this information enables us to identify whether we are recruiting from the widest possible pool of talent and check that all groups are being treated fairly throughout the process; this form will not be disclosed to anyone involved in assessing your application. If you do not wish to provide a response to a particular question, you select 'prefer not to say.' You will not be able to submit your application if you leave any of the questions unanswered.

Stage 2 - Assessments

Online Psychometric Tests:

These include a discussion with a psychologist via Microsoft Teams. You will receive a link to the online tests within 10 working days after the shortlisting meeting. You do not need to take these tests again if you have completed these tests in the last two years for a role at the same grade.

Staff Engagement Exercise:

This exercise gives you the opportunity to present your experience, ideas and views on effective leadership for this role. You will meet with a group of staff via Microsoft Teams who may be future team members, peers, colleagues or stakeholders.

Informal Conversation:

You will have an informal conversation with the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Services via Microsoft Teams to further explore the professional and lived experience you would bring to this role.

Interview and Presentation:

Before your interview, the selection panel will receive feedback on your psychometric tests and staff & stakeholder engagement exercise. You will be given a presentation topic before your interview and will be asked to give a 5-minute verbal presentation. Interviews will be around 1 hour long and will consider how the skills and experience in your CV and personal statement meet the requirements of the role. The interview will be held over Microsoft Teams.

Expected Timeline

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We will try to offer flexibility but it may not be possible to offer alternative dates for assessments. These dates may be subject to change:

Closing Date:

27 June 2025 12:00

Longlisting:

8 - 9 July 2025

Shortlisting:

28 - 29 July 2025

Online Psychometric Tests:

Week commencing 4 August 2025

Staff & Stakeholder Engagement Exercise:

Week commencing 11 August 2025

Informal Conversation with Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care:

Between 11 - 22 August 2025

Interview:

Week commencing 25 August 2025