The 'go to' organisation for Local Government improvement in Scotland

Do you want to help shape how data is used to improve lives in Scotland — while protecting people’s rights and privacy?

The Improvement Service is seeking an experienced Information Governance Lead to join our new SAVVI (Scalable Approach to Vulnerability Via Interoperability) team. This is an exciting opportunity to influence how councils and partners across Scotland share data safely and ethically to identify vulnerable people, tackle child poverty, and deliver early help.

About the role

You will play a key role in embedding good governance at the heart of this ambitious, innovative programme. Working alongside our Transformation Coach and Technical Lead, you will:

• Provide expert advice on the legal and ethical use of data, including GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and the Digital Economy Act.
• Help local authorities and partners design data-sharing solutions that are lawful, proportionate, and focused on public benefit.
• Develop practical tools like DPIA templates, data-sharing agreements, and privacy notices.
• Facilitate dialogue between legal, governance, and service delivery teams — building trust and resolving tensions.
• Support workshops, stakeholder engagement, and learning activities across local and national government.
• Champion a rights-based, ethical approach to using data for early intervention and better outcomes.

You will also work closely with the Scottish Government, iStandUK, and partners to inform legislative change and ensure that Scotland’s experience helps improve the SAVVI model across the UK.

You can learn a bit more about SAVVI here in the ‘about SAVVI’ section. This includes videos that cover the SAVVI Process, and the SAVVI Data Standards, and the process map.

What we're looking for

We are seeking a collaborative, solutions-focused professional with:

• Excellent working knowledge of data protection law and information governance in a public or private sector context.
• Experience developing clear, practical documentation for data sharing.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal issues to non-specialists.
• A passion for social justice, public benefit, and ethical innovation.

We welcome applicants from a wide range of sectors — experience in digital transformation or public service improvement is an advantage but not essential.

For more information, download the full job description.

How to apply

If you would like to apply for this position, please visit My Job Scotland.

The closing date for applications is 1 June 2025.

Interview information

A competency-based interview will take place on 24 or 25 June 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be advised by email a week in advance of the interview.

For more information about competency-based interviews, see our guide to competency-based interviews. You may also find it useful to read our current Business Plan 2025-26.

About the Improvement Service

The Improvement Service (IS) is a publicly funded company limited by guarantee, with a total annual budget in the region of £12 million. We exist to support councils and their partners to improve the health, quality of life and opportunities of all Scottish people through community leadership, strong local governance and the delivery of high quality, efficient local services.

Working for the IS means joining a team of professionals, who work together to strive for continuous improvement in the public sector and ultimately, better outcomes for Scotland’s communities.

Our company headquarters are based in West Lothian, located conveniently for commuters between Edinburgh and Glasgow. Pay is only one of the benefits of working for the IS, our terms and conditions are progressive and flexible and employees are rewarded with a generous annual leave entitlement of forty one days per year as well as a flexible working policy.

The IS is committed to promoting equality and diversity in all its activities to promote inclusive processes, practices and culture.

The IS is a Disability Confidence Committed Employer. We are committed to interviewing anyone with a disability who meets the essential criteria.