Tell us a bit about you?

I’m in my early 30s, and I’ve worked for the Scottish Government for over a decade now.

I studied History and Politics at University and I live in Glasgow. Outside of work I am a big football and Batman fan.

———

What is your current job and what does it involve?

I’m the Strategic Business Lead for the Directorate for Public Service Reform.

I lead a team that oversees the business of a complex and dynamic policy and delivery directorate as well as supporting the director with their broad portfolio of work.  

———

What do you think is the best thing about working for the Scottish Government?

For me, its two things. The first is the knowledge that the work you are doing is positively contributing to the people of this country.

The second is the fact that the Scottish Government really is a good employer to work for. I think the culture that exists here is welcoming, open, and friendly. There are also great staff benefits, like flexi-time for example.

———

What attracted you to apply for the Graduate Development Programme (GDP)?

Throughout University I had always wanted to work in the public sector and had read stories about the Fast Stream programme and Apprenticeships.

When I saw that the Scottish Government was running their own Graduate programme, it seemed like too good an opportunity to pass up.

———

What was your most memorable placement on the GDP?

I was lucky enough to be afforded the opportunity to work in some amazing areas as part of the GDP, but I would say my most memorable placement was probably my first one.

I was placed in the Fair Work team and it was a varied and challenging first post. The team was absolutely brilliant and those first six months were some of the most rewarding and exciting months of my career.

———

In what ways has the culture of the Graduate Development Programme supported your development?

The culture is all about support and empowerment. Before the GDP I was stocking shelves in a supermarket. To go to briefing Ministers in Parliament was a big change, so I was grateful for all the support I received from my colleagues.

———

Do you feel the Scottish Government is an inclusive environment for disabled employees?

I’ve always found the Scottish Government to be a very inclusive employer, with a strong culture of dignity, empowerment, and fairness woven throughout the organisation.

Colleagues and senior leaders are open-minded and understanding, and there’s a genuine commitment to supporting everyone to thrive. For candidates with a disability considering applying to the programme, I would say go for it.

The Scottish Government will treat you with respect and fairness, and being on the programme adds an extra layer of support that will encourage you to make decisions that are right for you.

———

Did you use the employee passport?

I’ve had an employee passport since they were introduced. An employee passport is a simple tool that helps you and your manager agree on any support or adjustments you might need at work, making it easier to do your job well.

I have found them to be such a helpful and inclusive part of my working life. They have allowed me to share confidential information that it is important than my manager knows and understands, without the need for me to have to have the same conversation each time I move team or have a new manager.

As a team leader I’ve encouraged many of my staff across multiple teams to consider having an employee passport. Many have done so, and the benefits to having that confidential understanding in those relationships has been valuable.

———

What do you think is the main benefit of participating in the graduate programme?

As part of the GDP you are given early exposure to senior leaders and decision making processes that you might not get so early in your career. You are also placed into teams for a specific amount of time with clear deliverables required of you while you are in post.

Alongside your placements, you’ll have access to independent advice and guidance, supported by a structured programme of tailored learning and development opportunities.

———

What has been your career highlight so far?

As a member of the GDP and after completing the programme I’ve been involved in some exceptionally rewarding roles, including helping to set up Scotland’s largest Executive Agency Social Security Scotland.

I would say though that my career highlight was a small role I played in the team that delivered the Baby Box pilot in Scotland. Introducing this universal benefit and seeing first hand how it positively impacted the most vulnerable in our society is something I am proud to have been a part of.

———

What was your journey after completing the Graduate Development Programme?

My final placement was in a team building the foundations for a new government agency. After completing that placement I was fortunate enough to secure a senior position in one of their departments where I then held a few different senior positions over the years. 

More recently I’ve moved back into the core of the Scottish Government working as a Unit Head in a dynamic policy and delivery directorate.

———

What are your ambitions for the future?

My ambition for the future is to continue expanding my leadership and strategic capabilities. At this stage in my career, I’m focusing on continuing to build a deep foundation which will allow me to be sure that when the time is right, I’m well positioned to take on broader and more complex senior leadership roles.

———

Would you recommend the programme to graduates thinking of applying?

Absolutely. The Graduate Programme for me was life changing.

On the face of it, the process of applying can appear quite daunting but I would advise any applicant to take your time and go for it, the programme is worth it!

———

What career advice would you give your younger self?

Relax. Take a moment to take it all in and enjoy the journey.