Tell us a bit about you?

I’m Dave, I’ve worked as a civil servant for over 20 years, the last 18 of which have been spent in Internal Audit. Outside of work, I love running in the mountains, travelling, and reading (I’m currently enjoying a series by Ragnor Jonasson).  

———

Did you study after leaving school?

I read Business at the University of Northumbria although much of this was based in Cumbria, where I was born. I was fortunate enough to qualify for free tuition frees, which I feel extremely grateful for.

In an ideal world, I would love to have studied Archaeology (a consequence of too much Indiana Jones) but I was dissuaded from this in the hope that business would support my future career options (which it did!).

———

What and where was your first significant job?

After returning home from travelling in Australia, I started a temporary position with the Rural Payments Agency. My role involved liaising with over a hundred farmers to ensure that their records and payments were accurate. Sadly, it also involved an awful lot of photocopying.

This role gave me a valuable insight into how the civil service operates and how integral such schemes are to people’s livelihoods. It also helped develop my communicational skills, particularly kindness and empathy when dealing with the impact of delayed payments to farmers.

———

When did you join the Scottish Government and what was the role?

I joined the Scottish Government in 2008 as a Trainee Internal Auditor. Moving to Edinburgh from Carlisle was a big step for me, but luckily I started with a group of seven trainees and we progressed through the qualifications together.

I’d never had any previous experience with internal audit so I had to start from scratch, learning about the importance of managing risks and having effective supporting controls.

I also worked on verification and compliance visits, travelling around Scotland and visiting projects that received the European Regional Development, and European Social Funds. This was a great way to build relationships with colleagues and understand the importance of these funds for local communities and the country.

———

What first attracted you to working at government or in the public sector?

Both the complexity and breadth of the work meant that it was always likely to remain interesting wherever the role took me. I also appreciated the fact that my training was funded by the government which enabled me to develop my skills whilst being paid.

———

What does a typical day look like for you?

Every day is different! I’ll generally start by ensuring that my team have everything they need and ensuring that we are on track with the delivery of our annual audit plans.

Part of my role involves engaging with client leads to see how best we can support them and I’ll also try to squeeze in some training if time allows.

———

What do you like most about your current job?

Now that I’ve completed my audit qualifications and am one of the Senior Internal Audit Managers, I get to liaise with people from across all of the organisations that I audit. This ranges from operational discussions to challenging conversations with Senior Leadership Teams and/or Non-Executives. I like the fact that no matter who you speak to everyone is focussed on the greater good of the organisation.

———

What is your working pattern?

I work full-time, although the use of flexi-time has enabled me to work informal compressed hours when I have family commitments.

I work hybrid with a mix of home and office working depending on the client and my team’s needs. Being involved in audit reviews I am always meeting new people and learning about new processes so it’s great to meet people with different professions and personalities.

———

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

Working with people who are genuinely passionate and knowledgeable in their respective fields, with a focus on positively impacting society.

Also, knowing that I will learn something new every day as the risk landscape changes for the organisations I work with. 

———

Have you used any employee benefits whilst working at Scottish Government?

I took a six month career break in South-East Asia before committing to my chartered audit qualification which was one of the best things I ever did, starting with a month hiking and kayaking in the Nepalese Himalayas.

Since then, flexi time has enabled me to train for a 100km run in the French Alps. Now I’m older, and a lot slower, it helps me to be more supportive and present for my family. I am more conscious now that time is the most valuable thing we’ll ever have.

———

What career advice would you give your younger self?

Utilise the support networks available to you. Don’t be ashamed to want to progress in your career and always remain curious.

Always assume that people are doing their best. Be kind, be patient and be constructive.