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- Tasks: Support the Scottish Government Legal Directorate with administrative tasks and team collaboration.
- Company: Join the Scottish Government, a key player in public service delivery.
- Benefits: Gain an SVQ qualification, enjoy flexible working, and access in-house training.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while developing valuable skills in a dynamic legal environment.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and basic IT knowledge required.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for career growth and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1400 £ per month.
Locations: Edinburgh, United Kingdom (Hybrid)
Working Pattern: Full Time
Number of Openings: 1
Apply Before: 01/16/2026, 11:59 PM
Are you a strong communicator and problem solver looking to support the Scottish Government Legal Directorate? We are currently seeking applications for a professional business support administrator within the Business Division of the Scottish Government Legal Directorate (SGLD). The team provides support to approximately 350 legal colleagues across the directorate. This is an interesting, varied and challenging position with the opportunity to develop new skills in a highly active legal area.
SGLD offers a range of development opportunities including in-house training and attendance at other courses with corporate learning. The Business Division in SGLD is working towards delivering a new and improved directorate-wide modern and effective support function that ensures that all of the solicitors we work with receive the high-quality support they need. We are looking for staff to build a resilient, professional and modern support team that develops and enhances the support we currently offer as well as creating opportunities to develop the team and their skills. You will have a chance to contribute your views and ideas on what a modern support service could offer.
As well as providing support to our advisory divisions, the team also provides professional support to our litigation divisions so there will be opportunities to observe the courts in action and to assist the four Paralegals with court preparations, working closely with solicitors and counsel.
As this is a Modern Apprenticeship, throughout the first 12 months the successful candidate will be expected to gain a relevant SVQ qualification in Business Administration. Support will be provided by a qualified assessor who will work with the successful candidate on a monthly basis. Time will be given to work on your qualification.
Responsibilities:
- Working within the team's shared mailbox carrying out tasks both independently and as a team. This involves providing support to around 350 colleagues across the directorate by answering general queries and signposting to relevant teams within a hybrid working model.
- Working closely with the Litigation division providing admin support involving print and binding tasks for court preparation often to challenging deadlines, assisting with managing legal mail ensuring this is actioned within court mandated timeframes, dealing with paper documents with an aim of working towards digitisation and providing general ad-hoc support when required.
- Carrying out directorate IMSO tasks on our records management system (eRDM and eRDM Connect). This involves creating new files, movement of documentation, ensuring document retention and security processes are being followed as well as managing membership of our ad-hoc groups to allow efficient sharing of documents electronically.
- Working with local teams to support, build and roll out our new case management systems; working within a smaller specially trained group of individuals working to enhance the use of the system across SGLD.
- Assist colleagues within our directorate with training. This can cover both internal system training and external package training such as Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, OneNote). This may include 1 on 1 training sessions through buddying and shadowing or assisting with wider divisional training days/events alongside our divisional learning and development manager.
- Working across a number of teams within our Business Division to assist and support on a range of specialties; resourcing, finance, learning and development, paralegal court work, legal library services.
- Management of office tasks – monitoring IT equipment (desk equipment as well as area printers/shredders) and fixing/replacing/reporting when needed, organising equipment to be purchased and sent to colleagues for home working purposes, carrying out inventory and ordering of stationery on a monthly basis.
- Managing and distributing legal mail received on behalf of the directorate. This involves both physical hard copy mail and mail received electronically which has to be identified and distributed to relevant teams.
- Regularly review processes and ways of working and contribute to ideas of how the services we provide can continue to be the most effective. This involves working on building up-to-date and informative desk instructions available to the directorate on how to complete tasks on our core systems as well as attending training sessions on any new processes or systems and passing this information on to our directorate colleagues.
Qualifications:
As this is a Modern Apprenticeship, throughout the first 12 months the successful candidate will be expected to gain a relevant SVQ qualification in Business Administration. Support will be provided by a qualified assessor who will work with the successful candidate on a monthly basis. Time will be given to work on your qualification.
Success profile:
Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on.
Experience:
An understanding of IT systems, including Microsoft Office or similar.
Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 750 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and presentation. Assessments are scheduled for w/c (2nd February 2026) however this may be subject to change.
About us:
The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles. Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland. We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits.
Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role, including Flexi-leave. Scottish Government staff in hybrid-compatible roles should aim to work in-person 40% of the time, either in an office or other agreed work location.
If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.
Security checks:
Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions). We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.
Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.
Business Support employer: Scottish Government
Contact Detail:
Scottish Government Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Support
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and role thoroughly. Understand their values and how your skills align with their needs. Practise common interview questions and think of examples that showcase your problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Support
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Business Support role. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the job description, especially your communication and problem-solving abilities. We want to see how you can contribute to our team!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to provide specific examples of how you've demonstrated the skills and behaviours outlined in the success profile. Keep it concise and engaging – we love a good story!
Be Honest About Your Experience: While it's tempting to use AI tools for help, make sure everything you submit is genuine and reflects your own experiences. We value authenticity, so be truthful about your skills and background to avoid any issues down the line.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you'll find all the info you need about the role and our organisation there. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Government
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Business Support role and its responsibilities. Familiarise yourself with the job description and think about how your skills align with the tasks mentioned, like supporting legal colleagues and managing documentation.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a strong communicator, be prepared to demonstrate this during the interview. Think of examples where you've effectively communicated in a team setting or resolved issues. Highlight your ability to manage queries and provide support to a diverse group of colleagues.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to discuss real-life scenarios related to the role. Prepare examples of how you've handled tight deadlines or managed multiple tasks simultaneously. This will show your problem-solving skills and ability to thrive in a busy environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the team's current projects or how they envision the modern support service evolving. This shows your genuine interest in the role and willingness to contribute ideas.
