ID 3748
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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
Mental Health Specialist Adviser - SEO
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Closing date
01/07/2026, 16:00
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Advertising basis
Permanent
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Actual starting salary
Salary will be at the starting point of the SEO pay scale. This is non-negotiable.
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Salary range or pay band
SEO £47,675 to £56,445
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Allowances
No
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Work pattern
Full time (applications are welcome from people who work part time, as part of a job share or who work full time)
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Group
Health, Social Care and Early Years
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Directorate
Primary Care, Mental Health and Early Years
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Branch
Mental Health Legislation
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Location (s)
Pan Wales
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‘Pan Wales’ means the post holder can be based in any Welsh Government office, subject to business needs. Roles based outside Wales, including London, are not available unless explicitly stated in the advert.
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.
The post holder’s travel from their home to their assigned Welsh Government office is considered their ‘ordinary commute’ and must be done in their own time and at their own cost.
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Purpose of post
The Mental Health team is responsible for developing and implementing policy to improve mental health for everyone in Wales. The team also has responsibility for suicide and self-harm prevention policy and dementia policy.
The post will be responsible for providing specialist advice to support the implementation of the Mental Health Act reform in Wales and wider changes to legislation and policy to deliver the Welsh Government’s Mental Health and Well-being Strategy. The post holder will be supported by a small team in the Mental Health & Substance Misuse Division and will provide expert advice based on their operational experience. They will use their experience of the application of previous mental health legislation and their understanding of Government processes to operationalise the policy intent in the Mental Health Act. A key responsibility will be to oversee the development of the Code of Practice and statutory forms to ensure operational effectiveness and alignment with other related legislation.
Mental Health is a high profile and fast paced policy area and is a priority for the Welsh Government . The branch works closely with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, reflecting the cross-cutting nature of the policy areas covered. The role requires expert knowledge of the Mental Health Act and related legislation, strong communication and organisational skills and the ability to deal with a wide variety of individuals and organisations.
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Key tasks
Ensuring successful implementation of the Mental Health Act through providing expert advice and guidance.
Working with UK Government to ensure alignment between implementation planning and related work including the Code of Practice.
Informing and updating all relevant forms and guidance to support implementation, and developing a longer-term approach to continually review and update documents where necessary.
Briefing Ministers in relation to all aspects of the legislative implementation programme.
Engaging and advocating for sectors responsible for operating the Mental Health Act to support system preparedness
Advising on, and supporting planned changes to related legislation to support implementation, for instance the Mental Health (Wales) Measure.
Maintaining good relationships with external bodies including service providers, third sector organisations, service users and carers, and representing the Welsh Government at official events on some occasions.
Developing knowledge and understanding across the Mental Health Division of related legislation.
Responding to policy priorities across the Division as necessary.
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Development opportunities
The post has a range of development opportunities, including engagement with a breadth of stakeholders and other administrations, alongside working closely with Ministers and Special Advisors. This is a cross-cutting portfolio with engagement with officials across HSS Group and WG.
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Other vacancy related information
Occasional travel within Wales may be required for engagement with stakeholders.
In the event of a large number of applications, an initial sift will be conducted against the lead assessment criterion: Changing and Improving . Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
A reserve list may be held for this opportunity. Any candidate who is successful in being offered a reserve status, will remain on the reserve list for 12 months.
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Vetting level
Basic
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Number of posts
1
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Contact point for further information regarding the post
mentalhealthandvulnerablegroups@gov.wales
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