Graduate Development Programme

Overview

Looking for a graduate role where you can make a real difference to the people of Scotland and build a meaningful career as a future leader within the Civil Service? Join our unique 3.5 year Graduate Development Programme, where you’ll gain hands-on experience across a diverse mix of work placements, from working with teams to improve the effectiveness of public services to project managing events, collaborating directly with senior leaders and Ministers to build the skills and confidence you need to take on a senior role in government. Our graduates are fully supported with opportunities to learn from each other, build an extensive professional network and develop key skills through a broad range of real-world work experiences.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities will vary by placement, with positions situated across the Scottish Government or wider public sector agencies. Typical roles include:

• working with ministers to provide updates on key priorities
• managing complex projects and undertaking research
• planning communications and engaging with stakeholders
• supporting teams delivering vital public services
• participating in short-term projects or opportunities
• developing policies to shape key public services

Graduates also benefit from a mix of organised and self-directed learning activities to develop technical skills and leadership capabilities in addition to work experience.

Qualifications

You need to have achieved a degree in any subject by July 2026. If you are in your final year and are expecting to graduate by summer 2026 you can apply for the programme now.

There is no minimum grade requirement, and there is no time limit on when you achieved your qualification. We are also happy to accept equivalent qualifications equal to a level 9 SCQF qualification and 360 credits.

Success Profile

The Success Profile listed below reflects the core behaviours required for graduates on the Programme; these will be tested throughout the recruitment process.

Behaviours

• Making Effective Decisions – Level 3
• Working Together – Level 3
• Communicating and Influencing – Level 3
• Developing Self and Others – Level 3
• Delivering at Pace – Level 3

We have developed useful descriptions for each of the Success Profile Behaviours specifically for the graduate role – these are the themes that you will be assessed against and can be viewed in our Graduate Development Programme: candidate guide. Text for the Success Profiles can be found in our guidance around Behaviours and levels.

How To Apply

There is a 5-stage recruitment process for the Graduate Development Programme:

1. Stage 1: Online application and supporting statement
2. Stage 2: Initial online assessment
3. Stage 3: Review of supporting statement
4. Stage 4: Assessment centre and interview
5. Stage 5: Offers, and pre-employment checks

Candidates should apply online, providing a supporting statement of no more than 350 words which answers the following question: Please tell us about one or two specific aspects of the Scottish Government graduate programme that appeal to you, how these connect with your long-term aspirations, and what personal experiences or decisions have shaped your interest.

This statement will be measured against the Success Profile Behaviour \’Developing Self and Others\’.

Please note: only candidates who successfully pass the online assessment at Stage 2 will progress to the following stage in which their statement will be reviewed.

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, applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in recruitment.

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. Find out more about what we offer. 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. Work location will vary depending on each placement, due to the nature of the role; graduates should expect to spend most of their time working in an office-based environment.

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.

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 Graduate Development Programme: candidate guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.