Tell us a bit about you?

I had a full career in the Army having been commissioned into the Kings Own Scottish Borderers in 1983.  My military service included postings to Germany (Berlin, Munster and Rheindahlen), Italy (Rome and Naples) and Hong Kong.  I completed operational tours in Northern Ireland (total of 4 years), Kuwait/Iraq (Gulf War), Kosovo and Bosnia.  UK postings included Colchester, Edinburgh, Catterick, Salisbury and Dundee.

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When did you leave the armed services?

I retired from Regular service in July 2019 and transferred to Reserves (Tayforth UOTC) finally retiring in March 2022.

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

I was recruited into Directorate of Social Care on a fixed-term appointment in autumn 2020 becoming a permanent civil servant in October 2021. I have been in the same team throughout (Improving Standards – Social Care Charging).

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

By chance.  I attended a webinar hosted by Officers Association (Scotland) with presentation by Donna Bell (DG Social Care) in Summer 2020.  I applied speculatively and was interviewed (virtually) by 3 people before being offered a fixed-term position.  Having worked with Civil Servants in numerous jobs in the Army (mostly MoD) I had an idea of what was involved.

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What does a typical day look like for you?

As a Policy role I’m involved in numerous meetings with other officials across Social Care as well as meetings with external stakeholders.  As a Division and Team we cover a variety of issues.  I still predominately work from home but when possible I work from the Scottish Government office at St Andrews House.

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What do you like most about your current job?

The people I work with.  The other officials are very competent and motivated with a very strong team ethic.

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Have you used any transferrable skills at Scottish Government which you developed whilst working in the services?

Numerous!  I chair a number of meetings, both internal and external.  Not being fazed by short deadlines or complicated issues.  Writing detailed reports and drafting correspondence for Ministers.  Lots of other “soft skills” have been very useful.

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

The people.

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

I make use of flexi-leave.

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What has been your career highlight so far?

Working with a fantastic team. 

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What career advice would you give your younger self?

Try and get a better idea well in advance of leaving of what you would like to do, and plan resettlement accordingly.  When I left the Regular Army initially I worked in insurance as that was the first job I was offered.  I had a miserable 3-4 months!