Post Title: Protecting People Project Officer
Salary: £32,651 - £35,656 per year
Hours: 36 hours per week, Monday - Friday
Location: Hybrid/Livingston, with travel throughout Scotland as required.
Duration of contract: Fixed term until 31 March 2026 (with possible extension beyond this date subject to funding)
Are you passionate about improving outcomes for people affected by violence, abuse and trauma in Scotland?
The Improvement Service is seeking a dynamic Protecting People Project Officer who will work alongside local authorities across Scotland, and their community planning partners, to provide support across two of the IS key workstreams: Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls and Adopting a Trauma-Informed Approach.
In this exciting role, you’ll facilitate national networks and forums, support knowledge exchange, lead on the production of newsletters, case studies and other communication activities, and develop learning resources that shape strategic improvements.
You will work collaboratively with a range of local and national partners including local authorities, the Scottish Government, COSLA, NHS Education for Scotland, Public Health Scotland and third sector partners to ensure a joined-up approach is taken to driving forward improvements at a local and national level.
Key skills and experience
- Experience in engaging and working productively with colleagues and stakeholders, providing effective support as required.
- Excellent report-writing skills and ability to produce concise, accurate minutes of meetings.
- Excellent communication, relationship building and facilitation skills.
- Ability to organise and prioritise workload, multi-task and work to deadlines.
For more information, download the full job description.
Who we're looking for
We’re seeking someone who is passionate about improving outcomes for people affected by violence, abuse and trauma in Scotland. You’ll be a confident communicator with strong organisation skills – comfortable engaging diverse audiences, organising meetings and events and producing high-quality learning outputs.
While previous experience in supporting similar projects would be advantageous, we would welcome applications from candidates who are interested in working across a range of projects and gaining new knowledge, skills and experience.
You should be:
- A confident communicator with excellent interpersonal and written skills
- Skilled at building strong working relationships and networks across organisations
- Highly organised, and able to work across multiple projects, prioritising your workload and meeting deadlines
- Comfortable working independently and collaboratively, with a flexible and solutions-focused mindset
- Experienced in producing high-quality written reports and other learning outputs.
Knowledge of Scotland’s public sector and understanding of strategic policy on violence against women and/or embedding trauma-informed and responsive approaches is highly desirable.
Why join us?
This is a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on improving outcomes for people affected by violence, abuse and trauma, supporting national priorities through local innovation. You’ll work in a highly collaborative environment with supportive colleagues and meaningful partnerships. You’ll be part of a dynamic, forward-thinking organisation and enjoy a progressive, flexible working culture.
Apply now and be part of driving positive, lasting change.
How to apply
If you would like to apply for this position, please visit My Job Scotland.
The closing date for applications is 12 June 2025.
Interview information
Competency-based interviews will take place on 24 and 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.