National Director - Scotland

Job Introduction

This role will appeal to someone who wants to make a genuine difference to the lives of people with diabetes, a serious health condition, and that presents a major challenge for Scotland. We are looking for a highly motivated, engaged, focused and experienced individual, who can lead our team in Scotland and work in partnership with a variety of stakeholders to deliver better care for people living with or at risk of diabetes. This post comes at a time of major challenge within the Health System and offers the successful candidate an opportunity to influence and lead the required changes in partnership with the other health agencies.

We have a friendly and inclusive working environment here at Diabetes UK and are proud of our hybrid approach which allows great flexibility in the way that we work. This means that you can balance your working time between home and the office, subject to the needs of your role.

Interview Date: 17 May 2023

Please note that all job offers are subject to you providing acceptable evidence of your eligibility to work in the UK.  You might find the following resources useful:

• To view a full list of accepted documents and the checks employers are required to make click here
• To view guidance on proving your right to work to an employer click here

 If you have any questions, please contact recruitment@diabetes.org.uk

Role Responsibility

The National Director leads the Scotland team and the development and co-ordination of a Diabetes Scotland strategic plan which delivers impact for people living with diabetes and supports Diabetes UK’s strategy.  You will be the public face of Diabetes Scotland and work collaboratively at a senior level within Scottish Government and across the health system to influence better care and improve outcomes for people living with, and at risk of, diabetes. You will work with the wider organisation and community to bring knowledge and understanding of the Scottish context and operationalise our strategic goals to meet the needs of people living with diabetes in Scotland. As our most senior leader in Scotland, you will build string collaborative relationships and partnerships both internally and externally to make change happen, maintaining a high performing and inclusive team as you do.

The Ideal Candidate

You will need to be a strong leader, with an extensive track record of influencing change in the health service or a similar complex system. In addition, you will need to demonstrate a passion and commitment to improving the lives of people living with diabetes and be able to build and sustain productive relationships with policy and decision makers. You will have excellent understanding of the political landscape and health system structures and how these may be influenced to improve care for people living with or at risk of diabetes. An excellent communicator, you will have experience of working across organisational boundaries, building trust and credibility with both your team and senior stakeholders.

Package Description

What we can offer you: 

• Generous annual leave starting at 25 days plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time)
• A Cash Healthcare Plan (giving you up to £1,600 towards a range of out of pocket health expenses like new glasses, dentist, chiropractor or osteopath appointments) 
• Early finish Friday and flexible working as part of our approach to activity based working (not applicable to roles with fixed shift patterns)
• 2 Days TOIL in recognition of fixed shift patterns (pro-rata for part-time)
• Discounts on gym membership
• Employee assistance programme to give you support on any issues that come up in life  
• Annual season ticket loan* (on completion of your probation period and if contract is permanent or longer than 12 months)
• Very active social scene including sport teams, gardening and other activities 
• Generous pension provision, life assurance and income protection insurance
• Cycle to work scheme* (eligible for scheme if contract is permanent or longer than 12 months)

*Some benefits aren't available until you've passed your probation period and are dependent on the length of contract.

About the Company

For nearly 5 million people with diabetes in the UK, there’s no day off. At Diabetes UK, we fight day in, day out for better care, treatment and support. We won’t stop until diabetes can do no harm.

With more people than ever living with diabetes and millions more at risk of developing type 2, our work has never been more needed. We make sure they get the care and support needed to live well with diabetes and avoid devastating complications.

We fund critical research, which has led to life-changing discoveries – like the first insulin pen and programmes to put type 2 diabetes into remission. Now, we want to do this for everyone and find a cure.

We can’t do any of this without you. Our staff are passionate and determined about helping everyone affected by diabetes. For over 85 years, they’ve been behind vital policy changes, as well as new treatments and technologies to make living with diabetes easier every day.

But there’s more to do. And you can be part of it.

We’re a really diverse bunch and we recognise and respect your value as an individual. As well as helping people with diabetes, you’ll be part of one of the top 30 Best UK Charities to Work For, and one of the top 75 Best Large Companies in London.

We’re committed to protecting and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and we need our staff and volunteers to support this.

Our vision is a world where diabetes can do no harm. Join us today, and together, we can make that a reality.

To find out more about what we do, check out our website.

Diabetes UK