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- Tasks: Support patient safety through research, investigations, and policy development.
- Company: Join the Office of the Patient Safety Commissioner for Scotland.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40.5 days of leave, flexible working, and a Civil Service pension.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare safety and quality across Scotland.
- Qualifications: Experience in health, policy, or investigations is essential.
- Other info: Hybrid working available with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 46272 - 62710 £ per year.
Location: Edinburgh Office – Bridgeside House, 99 McDonald Road. Hybrid working available with some required attendance at the office.
Contract Type: Fixed Term (2 years). Full time (35 hours per week). 9am-5pm Monday-Friday.
Salary: Salary scale: Band 4: £46,272 – £62,710. Starting salaries are normally placed at the starting point of the scale.
Benefits:
- 40.5 days of annual leave (including public holidays)
- Flexible working arrangements
- Civil Service Pension Scheme
About the Office: The Office of the Patient Safety Commissioner for Scotland plays a vital role in strengthening the safety and quality of healthcare across the nation. Independent of government and the NHS, the Office amplifies the voices of patients and families, identifying systemic risks and driving evidence-based improvements that make healthcare safer for all. Through rigorous, impartial investigations and constructive engagement with health bodies, regulators, and patient groups, the Office seeks to uncover and address the underlying causes of harm—ensuring that learning from adverse events leads to enduring improvements in policy, practice, and culture across Scotland’s health system.
Responsibilities:
- Provide specialist research, investigative and policy support to the Patient Safety Commissioner (PSC) for Scotland.
- Lead and contribute to inquiries, reviews, and site-based investigations across NHS and independent healthcare providers.
- Ensure the voices of patients, families, advocacy groups and frontline staff are heard, and that findings inform recommendations and reports to Parliament and Ministers.
Requirements / Qualifications:
- Experience in health, policy, regulation, patient safety, investigations, advocacy, or a related area.
- Proven experience of conducting site-based investigations or inspections in healthcare, regulation or similar settings.
- Knowledge of healthcare operations, including procedures, waiting list management, medication systems, and medical device use.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and integrate complex information from multiple sources.
- Knowledge of data protection, confidentiality and ethical frameworks for handling sensitive information.
Recruitment: Recruitment for the Patient Safety Commissioner is being managed by the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman’s office. If you are interested in this vacancy, please visit the SPSO website for the full job outline and application pack.
Application Details: Closing date: 10:00 on 6 February 2026. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of applications by 25 February 2026. Interview and assessment: During the week of 16th March 2026.
Equal Opportunities: We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities. We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment and in the service provided to complainants. No job applicant, staff member or person receiving a service from us will receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of sex, gender, marital status, or racial grounds or on grounds of disability, age, sexual orientation, language or social origin, or of other personal attributes including beliefs or opinions, such as religious beliefs or political opinions. We are totally opposed to discrimination and are committed to conducting business in a way that is fair to all sections of the community.
Policy and Investigations Officer employer: s1jobs
Contact Detail:
s1jobs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy and Investigations Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Office of the Patient Safety Commissioner inside out. Research their recent reports and initiatives, so you can chat about them during your interview. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute!
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. It’s a great way to get insider info and make a good impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky competency questions. Think of examples from your past work that showcase your skills in investigations and policy support. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re here to help you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions.
We think you need these skills to ace Policy and Investigations Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in health, policy, and investigations. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Policy and Investigations Officer, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant skills!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since strong analytical skills are key for this position, include examples of how you've interpreted complex information in past roles. We love seeing how you’ve tackled challenges and made data-driven decisions!
Highlight Your Communication Skills: This role involves engaging with various stakeholders, so make sure to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively. Share instances where you’ve successfully collaborated with teams or advocated for patient safety—this will really resonate with us!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly. Plus, you’ll find all the necessary info and resources to help you along the way.
How to prepare for a job interview at s1jobs
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key responsibilities of a Policy and Investigations Officer. Familiarise yourself with the healthcare operations, patient safety regulations, and any recent inquiries or reports from the Office of the Patient Safety Commissioner. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also understand its impact.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in health, policy, or investigations. Think of specific examples where you've conducted site-based investigations or contributed to policy improvements. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them memorable.
✨Engage with the Mission
Demonstrate your passion for patient safety and advocacy during the interview. Be ready to talk about why this role matters to you and how you can contribute to amplifying the voices of patients and families. Showing genuine interest in the mission of the office can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the office's current projects, how they measure success in patient safety, or what the team culture is like. Asking insightful questions shows that you're engaged and serious about the position.
