B3 Senior Data Analyst - Social Security Scotland

Social Security Scotland is building a modern, data driven organisation where high quality information underpins the decisions and services we provide. Join us as a Senior Data Analyst to help strengthen our data foundations, improve data quality and support better outcomes for the people we serve.

Our data is one of our most valuable assets. As part of the Data Quality Team, you will work with colleagues across Analysis & Insight, Data Engineering and the wider Digital, Delivery & Change Office to ensure Social Security Scotland meets its data responsibilities and uses its information effectively.

As a Senior Data Analyst, you will help ensure the accuracy, reliability and usability of data across its lifecycle. This includes supporting testing and monitoring, carrying out root cause investigations, contributing to assurance activity and maintaining baselines across data pipelines. You will analyse raw, transformed and curated data to drive continuous improvement and support confident, evidence based decision making.

You will work closely with Data Governance and Data Standards to deliver remediation, strengthen policies and processes, and ensure our data quality approach evolves with organisational needs. Your work will play a key role in helping Social Security Scotland get the most value from its data and deliver better services for the people of Scotland.

Responsibilities 

A Senior Data Analyst leads data analysis in a team or across an area. They ensure data is appropriately prepared, managed and used, and that data analysis outcomes align with the organisation's goals. At this role level, you will:

• Guide others in appropriate practices for preparing, managing and using data.
• Lead the application and improvement of processes and ways of working with data lead communication of data and data projects with stakeholders, adapting to their needs and requirements.
   

Main Duties 

• Develops and implements Data Quality Improvement processes, analysing data quality issues and making recommendations for remediation in line with data standards.
• Conducts data profiling to assess the quality dimensions of critical datasets and establishes core measurements that align with the strategic value of data assets.
• Performs complex data analysis using various methods and tools, assuring and peer-reviewing the outputs of colleagues.
• Facilitates meetings and workshops to discuss data quality analysis with both technical and non-technical staff. Building strong relationships with Data owner across the organisation to improve Data Quality outcomes.
• Produces written and verbal data analysis outputs, such as reports and presentations, tailored to diverse audiences.
• Defines and applies data management processes, governance mechanisms, and tooling while further developing a data quality framework within the organisation.
• Engages in data mapping and pipelining for data integration, ensuring compliance with metadata standards for semantic interoperability.
• Manages data analysis projects, resolves data issues, and develops guidance to support others in embedding good data quality practice within design and throughout development.  

Success Profiles 
We use an assessment framework called ‘Success Profiles’ which lists the elements we test and provides detailed descriptions of each. Find out more about the framework here. 

For this post, the following Success Profile elements will be assessed:

Experience

1. Proven experience applying recognised Data Quality dimensions and frameworks, using appropriate tools to assess, report and visualise data quality, and contributing to the continuous improvement of data quality processes.

   
    

2. Practical experience implementing data governance practices aligned to established policies and standards, including effective use of governance tools and methodologies, and supporting improvements to data management practices where needed.
    

3. Hands‑on experience mapping, linking and cleansing data, as well as leading data‑related projects and facilitating workshops with both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.

    

Behaviours 

• Leadership (Level 3) 

You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours here.  

Technical  Skills
This role is aligned to Senior Data Analyst within the Government Digital and Data Profession. .  

These skills will be tested during the Technical Assessment if you are successful at sift stage. They will be assessed at application stage. Please review the following to understand the skill expectations: 

Data Analyst - Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework

How to Apply 
Apply online, providing a CV and a Supporting Statement (of no more than 750 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the Success Profiles above. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.   

Please see our candidate guidance for more information on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in recruitment. 

In the event that we receive a high volume of applications, we may conduct an initial sift using the CV and Supporting Statement based on the first Experience criteria. Candidates who successfully pass this initial sift will have their applications fully assessed. 

Following the application sift, there may be a telephone interview as part of the assessment process before the main interview.

Candidates who are successful at sift stage will be invited to attend an Interview and Technical Assessment. You will receive a Technical Assessment Candidate Pack, which will outline the skills to be assessed and the assessment methods to be used. The interview will further assess the Experience and Behaviours listed in the job advert and the Technical Assessment will evaluate the Technical Skills relevant to the role. 

We aim to provide feedback on request. However, if we receive a large number of applications it may not be possible for us to provide specific feedback on your application. We will provide feedback on request to candidates who attend an interview/assessment.

Expected Timeline (subject to change) 
Sift – week commencing 4^th May 2026 
Interview – week commencing 25^th May 2026 
Location – In person in either Dundee or Glasgow

Security Checks
Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions). 

This post also requires the successful candidate to clear additional National Security Vetting clearance (Security Check) before a start date can be offered. Further information regarding National Security Vetting clearance can be found here - National security vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK

Reserve List  
In the event that there are more successful candidates than posts available, a reserve list will be kept for up to 12 months. 

About Us
Social Security Scotland is an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government. Our benefits help people from all walks of life in Scotland. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles. We are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that is representative of the clients we serve.  Find more about us here. 

We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer.  

As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules.  

Working Pattern 
Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options, depending on the needs of the role. We embrace a hybrid working style where all colleagues will spend time in either our Glasgow or Dundee offices. There is an expectation of a minimum 2 days per week in your assigned location, which will be either Glasgow or Dundee.  If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.

Equality Statement  
Social Security Scotland are committed to equality and inclusion, and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.  

Social Security Scotland are a Disability Confident Employer. We will consider and implement any reasonable adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment process and during the course of your employment, should you be successful in securing a post. If you feel you may require assistance with any part of our recruitment process, please contact us at Recruitment@socialsecurity.gov.scot. 

Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them. 

Further Information 
This role is only available to existing permanent civil servants who have successfully completed their probation period within Social Security Scotland, the broader Scottish Government or Other Government Departments. 

The successful candidate will be expected to remain in post for a minimum of 3 years unless successful in gaining promotion to a higher Band or Grade. 

Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website.  

Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes. 

If you experience any difficulties accessing our website or completing the online application form, please contact the Resourcing Team via recruitment@socialsecurity.gov.scot 

Apply before 23:55 on 29th April 2026

Contact Name  - Resourcing Team
Contact e-Mail - recruitment@socialsecurity.gov.scot