Some frequently asked questions about applying for jobs and working at the Improvement Service.
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All vacancies are advertised on the Improvement Service website and MyJobScotland. From time to time we also post adverts in more specialist forums, depending on the nature of the role required.
If you have not done so already, we recommend that you take advantage of our email job alert service so that you can receive our latest vacancies as they arise. You can do this through your MyJobScotland account.
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Visit MyJobScotland directly or use the link on the Improvement Service Website, select the vacancy you wish to apply for and complete the application form in full. Ensure you submit the form by the closing date. As the process evolves further details will be e-mailed direct to you.
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To ensure an equitable, fair and transparent approach to recruitment, unfortunately we cannot accept late applications. Please continue to check MyJobScotland and our website for future vacancies to ensure you don’t miss opportunities.
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Working for the IS means joining professionals, who work together to strive for continuous improvement in the public sector and ultimately, better outcomes for Scotland’s communities.
Benefits include:
- 41 days Annual leave.
- Access to the Lothian Pension Fund which is part of the Local Government Pension Scheme, administered by 11 administering authorities. Staff will be automatically enrolled into the Local Government Superannuation Scheme.
- Access to Vivup – an Employee Benefits Platform – Improvement Service employees have access to Vivup, www.westlothian.vivup.co.uk This platform offers the Cycle to Work scheme and savings on groceries and vouchers.
- Access to Mental Health First Aiders and an Employee Assistance Programme - EAP is a confidential service, run independently by Help Employee Assistance Programme and is available 24/7, 365 days a year.
- Ongoing Performance Appraisal and Personal Development Planning (PAPDP) process.
- Employer Supported Volunteering – Employees can use annual leave for half the time required and the Improvement Service will match the employee contribution through special paid leave. Up to one day is contributed by the employee from their annual leave allocation and up to one day granted as special paid leave.
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If you experience any issues, e-mail recruitment@improvementservice.org.uk. We will ensure any problems are resolved as quickly as possible.
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To ensure the fair and equitable treatment of potential candidates for each individual role we do not hold CVs on file and do not accept CVs as a way of applying for our vacancies.
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The Improvement Service will request two referees from the successful candidate prior to a formal offer being made.
Referees provide extra information that let us know about your work history, your skills and experience. This information reinforces what you have written on your application form.
The best people to be your referees are:
- former employers, especially a mentor or boss
- your teacher/lecturer/tutor
- your PhD supervisor or examiner
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Yes. You will receive an automated response confirming your application has been received.
Once all applications have been reviewed all applicants are then contacted via e-mail. The email will provide information that lets you know whether you have been successful in progressing to the interview stage or whether your application was unsuccessful.
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Email recruitment@improvementservice.org.uk to let us know.
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You should hear within 1 week of the application closing date. In most instances a provisional date for interviews is provided in the job advert.
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No, we do not provide expenses for candidates travelling to interviews.
If travel to an interview is an issue, please contact recruitment@improvementservice.org.uk to discuss other options.
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Yes, as a Disability Confidence Committed Employer, all applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria for a post will be interviewed.
The Improvement Service will make such reasonable adjustments as necessary to help applicants participate in the selection process and for successful candidates to take up employment.
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If you are invited to the interview stage all applicants must provide evidence of their eligibility to work in the UK, as detailed in required documents.
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Start dates are usually 4-5 weeks after a candidate has accepted a position. This can vary depending on the role.
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Initially 3 months but this may be extended.
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Employees can request to work flexible working hours in agreement with their line manager and IS corporate policy.
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Applicants should look on the Improvement Service Website to find out more about the Improvement Service and what we do.
Applicants should also prepare for a competency based interview. Prospective candidates may find this Guide to Competency-based Interviews document helpful.
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We have a suite of policies to support our employees. Further information is provided on day one of our induction process.