• External Advertising End DateAdvertising End Date:
    23 Mar 2026
  • All LocationsLocation(s):
    Scottish Prison Service Headquarters - Edinburgh
  • Salary DescriptionPay Band
    F
  • Vacancy TypeVacancy Type:
    Temporary
  • Contract DurationContract Duration
    12 Months Fixed Term
  • Advertising SalarySalary Details:
    £54,398 progressing to £58,065
  • Hours Per WeekHours Per Week:
    35
  • Working PatternWorking Pattern:
    All Hours Required
  • Eligible For Hybrid Working?Eligible For Hybrid Working?
    Yes
  • About The Role

  • SPS is committed to putting the people who live and work in Scotland’s prisons at the heart of outcomes focused and evidence-based design, delivery and improvement of servicesSPS’s corporate Research and Evaluation team is at the forefront of this commitment, supporting development and delivery of the SPS Improvement Framework, and helping SPS to meet its obligations as an effective prison service, as an Executive Agency of Scottish Government, and as a public body.

     

    The role is within ousmall Research and Evaluation team (reporting to the Head of Research & Evaluation) and will lead research activity on integrated care pathways linked to the evolving work of SPS’s FAI Taskforce which includes addressing the physical environment, security, health and safety, support and wellbeing, in addition to health.

     

    Acting as the single point of contact for research on integrated care pathways, the role will work closely with the Health Analyst in the Data and Analysis team. A core focus will be on Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) to enable SPS to assess the impact and effectiveness of newly developed interventions and approaches. Key responsibilities will therefore include: liaison with colleagues across the business to develop fit-for-purpose tools and methods that support service delivery, drive improvement and enable accountabilityand managing procurement and delivery of complex commissioned research projects, providing quality and ethical assurance. 

  • For full details about the role, please refer to the Job Description, Person Specification and Selection Information & Timeline.

  • Qualifications

  • Educated to degree level or equivalent in the social sciences and/or a specialist qualification in research and/or evaluation Essential
  • Knowledge, Skills & Experience

  • Research and Evaluation Experience of designing, commissioning and managing qualitative and quantitative research and evaluation projects. Skilled in applying robust methodologies to generate high quality evidence. Ability to translate complex findings into actionable insights that inform policy and practice. Essential
    Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Experience of designing and implementing MEL systems and tools to support effective project and programme delivery. Skilled in developing robust frameworks, indicators and data collection methods that generate meaningful insights to inform decision-making within complex environments. Essential
    Leading and Supporting Project Management Experience of coordinating a portfolio of research / MEL project work to ensure that projects are properly timetabled, resources are appropriately allocated, delivery milestones are met and benefits are delivered in line with organisational priorities Essential
    Ethical Principles Thorough understanding of the application of ethical principles in research and evaluation, ensuring that all research activities comply with relevant ethical frameworks. Experience of promoting ethical integrity and supporting colleagues to apply ethical standards. Desirable
  • Essential Competencies for Success

    • Listen & Communicate
    • Relationships & Collaboration
    • Solve Problems & Make Decisions
    • Plan & Organise

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  • External Advertising End DateAdvertising End Date:
    23 Mar 2026
  • All LocationsLocation(s):
    Scottish Prison Service Headquarters - Edinburgh
  • Salary DescriptionPay Band
    F
  • Vacancy TypeVacancy Type:
    Temporary
  • Contract DurationContract Duration
    12 Months Fixed Term
  • Advertising SalarySalary Details:
    £54,398 progressing to £58,065
  • Hours Per WeekHours Per Week:
    35
  • Working PatternWorking Pattern:
    All Hours Required
  • Eligible For Hybrid Working?Eligible For Hybrid Working?
    Yes