At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engagement initiatives and support impactful policy-making through public sector data.
- Company: Join the Scottish Government's ADR Scotland team, fostering collaboration and innovation.
- Benefits: Hybrid working options and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in policy development while working with diverse stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Strong planning, communication, and interpersonal skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
This is an Expression of Interest (EOI) opportunity, available on a lateral move basis only. Applications are open to Core Scottish Government employees only.
Location – St Andrew’s House
Working Arrangement – Staff in roles compatible with hybrid working should aim to spend 40% of their contracted working time working in person at their contractual workplace. More information can be found within Hybrid Working Policy.
Duration – 10 months
Eligibility - Expressions of interest are invited from substantive colleagues on level transfer. 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.
Overview: Do you have an interest in supporting impactful policy making through better use of public sector data and evidence? Are you keen to work across a range of partner organisations to foster engagement, capacity building and collaboration? This role provides an opportunity to work in ADR (Administrative Data Research) Scotland at an exciting time, supporting delivery as the programme enters a new investment period (2026-2031). ADR Scotland is part of a UK-wide partnership and brings together specialists in the Scottish Government’s Data for Research and Data Sharing Legislation Unit with academic experts at the Scottish Centre for Administrative Data Research (SCADR). Together, they are transforming how public sector data in Scotland is curated, accessed and used, enabling high-quality research that supports policy development and delivers public value. ADR Scotland is helping to make administrative datasets more readily linkable and conducting research on a suite of critical issues in Scotland from children and young people, to crime and justice, to housing and environment. Working within the ADR Scotland Engagement and Impact Team, you will be based in the Scottish Government team and work closely with academic colleagues in SCADR. You will play a key role in planning and delivering engagement, events and training activity, helping raise the profile of ADR and ensure continuity of delivery across engagement and impact work.
Responsibilities
- Plan, organise and support the delivery of a varied programme of internal and external engagement activity (including events, workshops and networking opportunities such as communities of practice) with Scottish Government, academia and wider stakeholders, helping to raise the profile of ADR Scotland and support relationship-building.
- Support the development, maintenance and regular updating of clear, accessible engagement and information resources, including researcher-facing documentation and resources that promote the value and use of ADR Scotland data and services.
- Work with Scottish Government analysts, policy colleagues and delivery partners to identify skills and knowledge needs around data linkage research, contributing to the development of guidance, learning content and training materials.
- Support delivery of wider training and capacity-building activity for a range of audiences, working with colleagues across ADR Scotland, ADR UK and partner organisations.
- Build and maintain strong collaborative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support effective engagement, improve use of linked data and maximise the impact of ADR Scotland-funded research.
- Contribute to programme management and reporting activity, including input to ADR UK reporting and coordination tasks, ensuring progress and outputs are clearly documented.
Qualifications
Person Specification – Success Profiles
- Proven planning and organisational skills.
- Good interpersonal, networking and team-working skills. Able to communicate clear, well-structured and engaging messages tailored to a range of audiences, supporting shared objectives and outcomes.
- Self-starter who can work on their own initiative while managing their workload in a flexible manner. Adaptable and embraces new ways of doing things, contributing ideas and energy to continuous improvement.
Behaviours:
- Working together
- Communicating and influencing
- Managing a Quality Service
This post is a full-time role, but we welcome applications from staff with different working patterns, proposed working patterns will be assessed against the business requirements for this post, with some office attendance in St Andrew’s House on an ad hoc basis.
Further Information
Further information about this opportunity is available from Sarah.Thomson@gov.scot (Job Share Team Leader of the ADR Engagement and Impact Team, ADR Scotland, Office of the Chief Statistician) or if on leave please contact Svenja Strong - Svenja.Strong@gov.scot.
How to Apply
Please apply by submitting a short 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 noted in the job advert. Vacancies close at 11:59pm on the date displayed in the table, unless otherwise stated on the job advert.
Interviews
Interviews will be scheduled for w/c 3rd August. Selection Process: Applications will be reviewed by panel. Shortlisted candidates who are considered to have the skills and experience will be invited to interview with the hiring manager and another panel member. The panel will recommend the candidate considered most suitable for the post.
Relationships and Engagement Lead - ADR Scotland employer: Scottish Government
As a part of the Scottish Government, ADR Scotland offers a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful policy-making through data-driven research that directly impacts public value. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and professional development, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages innovation and continuous improvement, all while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements at the historic St Andrew’s House. Join us to be at the forefront of transforming public sector data usage in Scotland, fostering relationships across academia and government for a brighter future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Relationships and Engagement Lead - ADR Scotland
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Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Scottish Government, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Scottish Government and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
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We think you need these skills to ace Relationships and Engagement Lead - ADR Scotland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Scottish Government and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Government
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Scottish Government, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Scottish Government.
