Governance and Complaints Officer

Job Title: Governance and Complaints Officer

Location: SNP HQ with occasional travel required

Salary: £25K – £29K

Position: Full Time

Role Purpose:

The Complaints Officer is responsible for managing complaints processes, particularly those related to Sexual Harassment and Bullying & Harassment policies, and supporting complaint-related governance across the SNP. This role also provides support to the National Secretary in these matters and others issues relating to governance. The Complaints Officer plays a critical role in ensuring transparency, consistency, and responsiveness in handling complaints, as well as supporting SNP’s commitment to a respectful and safe environment for all members and staff.

Complaint Intake and Documentation:

  • Serve as the primary point of contact for complaints related to Sexual Harassment and Bullying & Harassment, providing a confidential and supportive reporting channel for complainants.
  • Assist the National Secretary with the intake, acknowledgment, and documentation of all complaints, ensuring that each case is promptly logged and tracked in the database.

Case Management and Investigation:

  • Conduct thorough and impartial investigations, following established protocols to gather information from all relevant parties.
  • Maintain meticulous records of complaint proceedings and communication, ensuring confidentiality and adherence to data protection guidelines.
  • Collaborate with external experts or consultants when necessary, ensuring adherence to best practices in handling sensitive complaints.

Policy and Compliance Advisory:

  • Develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of the SNP’s Constitution and Rules, especially regarding the complaint resolution process.
  • Provide informed advice to the National Secretary on how policies apply in specific complaint cases, and recommend adjustments or improvements to complaint-handling procedures when appropriate.
  • Stay updated on legal and policy developments related to harassment, bullying and equality to ensure SNP practices reflect current standards and compliance.

Training and Awareness:

  • Participate in the development and delivery of training for SNP staff and representatives on handling complaints, particularly in areas of sensitivity such as harassment and bullying.
  • Collaborate with colleagues to raise awareness around the SNP’s policies and reporting procedures, fostering a culture of respect and accountability.

Experience in Complaints Handling or Case Management: Prior experience managing sensitive complaints, ideally in a political, HR, or non-profit setting, with a strong understanding of confidentiality and ethical standards.

Knowledge of Harassment and Bullying Policies: Familiarity with best practices and legal standards for handling harassment and bullying complaints, with an understanding of the complexities involved in sensitive case management.

Strong Understanding of Governance and Compliance: Ability to interpret and apply organisational policies, including experience working within a constitution, rules, or legal frameworks.

Excellent Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Skilled in handling sensitive conversations with empathy, confidentiality, and professionalism, and able to communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders.

Analytical and Organisational Skills: Detail-oriented, with strong investigative and analytical skills to assess information impartially and maintain accurate records.

Technical Proficiency in Database Management: Experience using databases or case management software to log and monitor complaints or other sensitive data.

Experience working within a political organisation or similar environment.

Understanding of GDPR and data protection requirements in complaints handling: Attention to detail to manage the administration of documentation in relation to data protection.

To apply, please send in your CV and a covering letter outlining why you wish to apply for the role and your relevant experience to Carol.Beattie@snp.org.