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- Tasks: Analyse police practices and contribute to reports on efficiency and effectiveness.
- Company: Join HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland, an independent body scrutinising police services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a flexible working pattern and competitive pay rates with annual reviews.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on policing in Scotland while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in public sector scrutiny and knowledge of policing issues is essential.
- Other info: This is a home-based role with occasional travel across Scotland.
Join to apply for the Associate Inspector – Fee Paid role at The Scottish Government
2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants
Join to apply for the Associate Inspector – Fee Paid role at The Scottish Government
Please note this post will be a 47 month fee paid fixed term contract and the working pattern will be dependent upon the work that is allocated to the post holder. Hours will be assigned on an ad hoc basis.
Job Description
Are you an analytical thinker who is able to assimilate information quickly, thoroughly and accurately, drawing together findings and contributing to reports?
HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) is seeking applications from experienced professionals to fill a number of vacancies for the role of Associate Inspector. HMICS operates independently of Police Scotland, the SPA and the Scottish Government. Our role is to inquire into the state, efficiency and effectiveness of the Police Service of Scotland (Police Scotland) and the Scottish Police Authority (SPA), as set out in the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012. We also have a statutory duty to ensure that the Chief Constable and the SPA meet their obligations in terms of best value and continuous improvement.
Within HMICS, Associate Inspectors form part of a skilled cadre whose knowledge and expertise from working across various different organisations is invaluable to the scrutiny of policing. You must be able to demonstrate a sound knowledge and understanding of current issues facing Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority, with the ability to deliver high quality and relevant input and results. You should have experience in planning, prioritising and managing heavy workloads with minimal supervision.
Responsibilities
- Support ongoing assurance work in terms of the inspection of functions within Police Scotland.
- Assist in planning the assurance work, including document requests and reviews and developing key lines of enquiry.
- Advise on the use of the inspection framework, revising and adapting inspection tools.
- Carry out fieldwork, including interviews with key staff and observation of meetings.
- Analyse and contribute to evolving key findings.
- Record and write up findings in line with inspection methodology.
- Contribute to the production of briefings, reports and draft recommendations.
- Participate in follow-up or improvement support work as required.
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
- Ability to demonstrate broad public sector experience and a breadth of knowledge of specialist crime procedures preferably including covert crime in policing or across other agencies.
- Experience of reviewing police practice, policy and understanding how as an organisation policing protects the public.
- Experience of communicating and negotiating to ensure that the scrutiny process influences improvement.
- Technical knowledge and understanding of inspection processes and framework and how this is applied across various scrutiny bodies.
Behaviours
- Changing and Improving – Level 4
- Communicating and Influencing – Level 4
- Working Together – Level 4
- Delivering at Pace – Level 4
- Seeing the Bigger Picture – Level 4
You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here: Behaviour levels – Success profiles: candidate guide – gov.scot
How To Apply
Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 1500 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above.
If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and presentation.
Assessments are scheduled for w/c 15/09/25 however this may be subject to change.
About Us
In March this year, we published our Scrutiny Plan setting out how we will meet our statutory duties and describing scrutiny priorities for 2025-2028. Our approach is to support Police Scotland and the SPA to deliver services that are high quality, continually improving, effective and responsive to local needs. HMICS often works with other inspectorates and agencies across the public sector to share expertise or jointly examine areas where Police Scotland works in partnership with others and contributes to shared outcomes. As a values-led organisation, we conduct our scrutiny activity in a way that is independent, accountable, proportionate, transparent and user-focused.
You will participate in a range of inspections as set out in our Scrutiny Plan and contribute to key findings, final published reports and recommendations for the improvement of policing across Scotland. Associates Inspectors may be involved in single agency thematic or assurance work or work alongside other scrutiny bodies. Experience of conducting high quality professional reviews and inspections in the public service arena and presenting measured, objective and authoritative findings is essential.
We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer.
As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules.
Working Pattern
Please note this post will be a 47 month fee paid fixed term contract and the working pattern will be dependent upon the work that is allocated to the post holder. Hours will be assigned on an ad hoc basis.
Starting Salary
Hourly/daily rates are fixed in accordance with SG salaries and are reviewed annually. The current rates are as follows:
- Daily £286.44
- Hourly £40.92
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
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.
The team is based at St Andrews House in Edinburgh, however the role of associate inspector is home-based. Travel throughout Scotland and/or the wider UK may be required as part of the scrutiny process and attendance at St Andrews House is required on an ad hoc basis.
There is an expectation that you will be vetted or able to achieve a suitable standard of vetting to allow exposure to sensitive police material.
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Associate Inspector - Fee Paid employer: THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
Contact Detail:
THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Inspector - Fee Paid
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the current issues facing Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and its responsibilities.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the public sector, especially those who have experience in policing or inspection roles. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals that could enhance your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising how to communicate complex findings clearly and concisely. Since the role involves contributing to reports and briefings, showcasing your ability to convey information effectively will be crucial.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest developments in inspection frameworks and methodologies used within public sector scrutiny. This will not only boost your confidence but also position you as a knowledgeable candidate during discussions.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Inspector - Fee Paid
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Associate Inspector position. Familiarise yourself with the key skills and experiences outlined in the job description.
Craft a Tailored CV: Your CV should highlight relevant experience in public sector roles, particularly any work related to policing or inspection processes. Use clear headings and bullet points to make it easy to read, and ensure it aligns with the skills mentioned in the job description.
Write a Strong Supporting Statement: In your supporting statement (up to 1500 words), provide specific examples that demonstrate how you meet the skills and behaviours listed in the Success Profile. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread your documents. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your statements are clear and concise. Consider asking a friend or colleague to review your application for feedback.
How to prepare for a job interview at THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before your interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of the Associate Inspector role and its responsibilities. Familiarise yourself with the inspection processes and frameworks used by HMICS, as well as current issues facing Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority.
✨Prepare Relevant Examples
Think of specific instances from your past experience that demonstrate your analytical thinking, ability to manage workloads, and how you've contributed to improvements in public sector practices. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As the role requires effective communication and negotiation, be prepared to discuss how you've influenced change or improvement in previous roles. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, as this will be crucial during interviews and presentations.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, take the opportunity to ask questions that show your interest in the organisation and the role. Inquire about the current challenges HMICS faces or how they measure the success of their inspections. This demonstrates your engagement and enthusiasm for the position.
