At a Glance
- Tasks: Support HR functions and coordinate activities for a dynamic team.
- Company: Join the Student Awards Agency Scotland, a key player in public service.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, supportive environment, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth in a fast-paced, collaborative setting.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Strong Excel skills and experience in HR administration preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
This is a temporary promotion / level transfer opportunity with an expected minimum commitment of 3 months with a possibility of a further 3 month extension. Expressions of interest are invited from eligible A grade colleagues.
This role sits within the SAAS People and Performance Team, a small, high-performing team delivering people services to around 250 colleagues across HR, Resourcing and Workforce Planning, Learning and Development, Employee Engagement, and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion.
As People and Performance Coordinator, you will provide essential administrative and operational support across all key people-related functions, helping to ensure the smooth delivery of people services and supporting the SAAS People Strategy.
You will coordinate a varied range of activities including providing secretariat support to key people forums such as workforce planning, updating Oracle HR, updating workforce data and supporting recruitment activity and HR casework. Acting as first point of contact for queries from staff and managers, you will deliver timely, accurate and professional customer-focused services.
You will work closely with managers, HR Consultants and partners across SAAS and the wider public sector to deliver a coordinated and high-quality people service, contributing to broader reform and improvement activity.
This is a varied, fast-paced role requiring strong organisation, a proactive approach and excellent attention to detail, particularly when working with complex workforce data and spreadsheets. You will need sound judgement, including handling sensitive information with professionalism and discretion, alongside the ability to analyse and present data clearly to support workforce planning and decision-making.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide high-quality secretariat support to key forums, including Workforce Planning and the Trade Union Partnership Forum, by capturing clear, outcome-focused records, contributing to papers and tracking actions, using digital and AI-enabled tools to improve efficiency, accuracy and accessibility.
- Managing and maintaining workforce planning data, including large and complex spreadsheets, ensuring accuracy, version control and auditability, and supporting reporting through tools such as Excel and Power BI.
- Manage and maintain Oracle position management (as Senior Business Manager), using Oracle reporting tools and the SAAS workforce plan, working with large, complex datasets to ensure accuracy, version control and alignment with organisational priorities.
- Support workforce planning activity, working collaboratively across teams and organisations to ensure workforce data is accurate, aligned and supports strategic decision-making in a wider public sector reform context.
- Partner with line managers and HR Consultants to coordinate and support HR Casework (including sickness absence, disciplinary, performance management and Occupational Health referrals), ensuring cases are managed efficiently, sensitively and in line with policy. Maintain accurate case data, track progress and provide insight to support timely, consistent decision-making.
- Supporting/signposting hiring managers with recruitment (inc. Oracle HR reporting). Monitoring all mailboxes and be first point of contact for people queries (including Oracle HR system issues), escalating and signposting where necessary.
- Contribute to cross-agency working aligned to public sector reform, supporting shared people priorities and improving consistency, insight and service delivery across organisational boundaries.
Qualifications
Technical/Professional Skills: Understanding key HR policies and processes. Strong Excel skills (including managing large datasets, formulas, validation and reporting) and experience of, or ability to quickly learn, tools such as Power BI and Oracle for workforce reporting and insight.
Experience: Experience providing administrative and secretariat support (ideally within HR/People), including supporting HR casework, coordinating activities, maintaining accurate records and handling sensitive information with discretion. Experience working with workforce data and HR systems (e.g. Oracle), using spreadsheets and reporting tools to manage, analyse and report on data-heavy HR and workforce planning activity.
Behaviours: Communication and influencing – Level 1. Delivering at Pace - Level 1. Working together - Level 1.
How to apply
Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 1000 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.
Vacancy closes at 23:59pm on Sunday 12 July. Applications will be reviewed by panel. Shortlisted candidates who are considered to have the skills and experience will be invited to a discussion with the Hiring Manager and another panel member. Discussions will be scheduled for w/c TBC.
For any questions relating to your application please contact peter.hamilton2@gov.scot.
About Us
The Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) is an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government responsible for providing information, support, assessment and funding to Scottish Students undertaking a course of Higher Education (HE) within the UK. More information on SAAS can be found on our website.
SAAS administers budgets of around £1.4 billion each year, making payments to both higher education institutions and over 190,000 students a year. We are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that is representative of the clients we serve.
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.
As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules.
Working pattern
Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role. SAAS have a hybrid working arrangement with colleagues expected to attend the office (Saughton House, Edinburgh) a minimum of 6 days per month. SAAS have separate Public and Privilege holiday arrangements and are fully closed between Christmas and New Year.
If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact Peter Hamilton.
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).
You can find out more about BPSS on the UK Government website, or read about the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide.
Sponsorship
Skilled Worker sponsorship is not available for this role. As a result, we are unable to appoint candidates who require Skilled Worker sponsorship now or in the future. Applicants must have an existing and ongoing right to work in the UK.
Equality statement
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 commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.
Further information can be found on our Careers Website.
People and Performance Co-ordinator in Edinburgh employer: Scottish Government
The Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment in the heart of Edinburgh. With a commitment to employee growth and development, SAAS provides a range of benefits including flexible working options and a strong focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion. Joining our high-performing People and Performance Team means contributing to meaningful public service while enjoying a collaborative culture that values your contributions and fosters professional advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People and Performance Co-ordinator in Edinburgh
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Temp Agencies
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✨Network at HR Events and Workshops
Dive into local HR events, workshops, and seminars. These are great opportunities to meet professionals already in the field and might lead to temporary positions. Be sure to have a chat, exchange contacts, and express your interest in on-the-spot opportunities!
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In the temporary HR world, being adaptable is key. When you're networking or interviewing, highlight your ability to quickly learn and fill diverse roles, from recruitment to employee onboarding. Make it clear that you’re ready to dive in at any time!
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out the opportunities at Scottish Government and apply directly via our website. This way, you can express your interest in temporary roles and get ahead in the application process!
We think you need these skills to ace People and Performance Co-ordinator in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, showcasing your interpersonal skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have dealing with talent management, resolving conflicts, or facilitating workshops. We want to see your ability to connect with others!
Tailor Your CV to HR:Use HR-specific language in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific HR tools, software, or methodologies you’re familiar with, like ATS systems or performance management frameworks. This will show that you’re not just a good fit, but you've got the know-how to back it up!
Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, emphasising your adaptability and willingness to learn quickly is crucial. Include examples of how you've successfully jumped into new environments before or handled sudden changes in previous jobs. We love a team player who can hit the ground running!
Availability Matters:In your application, make sure to clarify your availability and commitment to the temporary position. This will help us understand when you can start and how you fit into our plans at Scottish Government. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Government
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary HR role at Scottish Government, it's crucial to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly. You might be thrown into new projects or systems, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in past roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with HR Tools
Many HR positions require familiarity with tools like HRIS or ATS systems. Before the interview, brush up on the specific software that Scottish Government uses—if you see any mentioned in the job posting, make sure you're ready to discuss them and your experience with similar tools.
✨Your Motivation Matters
As a temp, it's essential to convey your motivation for this role. Employers often look for candidates who are not just filling a position, but who are genuinely keen on contributing effectively in a short period. Consider sharing why you’re passionate about HR and how you see yourself adding value at Scottish Government.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
HR interviews often include situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about common HR challenges, like dealing with conflict or managing onboarding efficiently, and prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations at Scottish Government.
