Address Overview:
Getting a start into work can be daunting. You don’t have experience, so how can you get a job?
Hybrid Working
Interview Information
Below are details of the Competencies required for this role, you will be tested against these competencies if you are invited to attend an interview:
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.
Social Security Scotland’s recruitment processes are underpinned by the recruitment principles of the Civil Service Commissioner, which outline that selection for appointment be made on merit on the basis of fair and open competition - Recruitment - Civil Service Commission (independent.gov.uk)
If you feel at any time your application has not been treated in accordance with the values in the Civil Service Code and/or if you feel the recruitment has been conducted in such a way that conflicts with the Civil Service Commissioner’s Recruitment Principles, you can make a complaint, by contacting Social Security Scotland at recruitment@socialsecurity.gov.scot in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive you can contact the Civil Service Commissioner.
If you experience any difficulties accessing our website or completing the online application form, please contact the Resourcing Team via recruitment@socialsecurity.gov.scot
If you are interested in us contacting you about further available vacancies, please sign up to our mailing list to receive job alerts.
Getting a start into work can be daunting. You don’t have experience, so how can you get a job?
The Modern Apprenticeship programme is designed to overcome this. Support and training is provided on the job so you can develop your skills, gain experience and get paid at the same time. You just have to bring your energy and commitment every day.
We are currently seeking applications for a Modern Apprentice vacancy within Social Security Scotland’s Procurement team. This offers an exciting opportunity to work in an organisation which makes a real difference to people’s lives. If you are enthusiastic, good with people, and keen to join a team which offers many opportunities for development and progression, you could be just who we are looking for.
The Procurement team sits within Social Security Scotland’s Procurement and Commercial branch, which is part of Finance and Corporate Services division. If you haven’t heard of procurement before, it is the process of buying goods or services that the organisation needs. Within Social Security Scotland, this involves ensuring we are making the best use of public funds when making purchases.
As a Procurement Assistant Modern Apprentice you will play a key role in our branch and carry out a range of stretching responsibilities. You will work as part of a team and will have the opportunity to work with colleagues across Social Security Scotland and the wider Scottish Government. You will be given full training on all aspects of the role, including the systems and technology required.
During the first 12 months you will be expected to gain a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) at level 3 which is relevant to the work of the team. You will receive the ongoing support and development you need to succeed, with support provided not only by your colleagues but also by a qualified assessor who will work with you on a monthly basis. You will also be given time within working hours to work on your qualification.
To find out more about being a Modern Apprentice at Social Security Scotland, please watch the following video - Modern Apprenticeship journey at Social Security Scotland
To find out more about being a Modern Apprentice at Social Security Scotland, please watch the following video - Modern Apprenticeship journey at Social Security Scotland
What Do We Do For You?
- Access to our flexible working system with potential to accrue up to four additional days’ leave in a four-week period.
- Minimum five weeks’ annual leave (pro rata) in addition to 11.5 public and privilege holidays.
- Full and comprehensive training, and access to learning and development opportunities to support your personal and professional growth.
- Career progression – join a developing organisation with excellent opportunities for career advancement.
- Attractive Civil Service pension (employer contributions between 26.6% - 27.9%).
- Workplace adjustments for everyone who needs them to ensure your comfort and safety in your new role.
- Health and wellbeing support including 24-hour access to our Employee Assistance Programme, plus counselling support available for all.
Hybrid Working
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. Your base location will be either Glasgow or Dundee.
About Us
Responsibilities: 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 are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that is representative of the clients we serve.
Find out more about us here.
Social Security Scotland is proud to have committed to the Young Person’s Guarantee, joining employers across Scotland in creating the best opportunities we can for young people.
- Supporting procurement (buying goods and services) activity throughout Social Security Scotland, including engaging with customers and suppliers.
- Supporting contract management activity, including tracking spend and delivered savings.
- Supporting tender evaluation meetings and organising the Tenderers briefing meetings.
- Creating and maintaining files and filing key documents, using Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Managing the Procurement Team shared email mailbox and responding to or directing enquiries as appropriate.
- Arranging and supporting team meetings, including drafting and circulating agendas and inviting attendees, taking and circulating minutes and chasing up on actions prior to the next meeting.
- Coordinating team planning workshops.
- Booking transport.
- Producing the team’s monthly newsletter.
No specific qualifications are required for this post.
How to Apply
We've told you about us and now we’d like to know your story, what makes you who you are and what you can bring to this role.
To apply for this post, you will need to provide the information requested below via the online application process.
How to Apply
We've told you about us and now we’d like to know your story, what makes you who you are and what you can bring to this role.
To apply for this post, you will need to provide the information requested below via the online application process.
In your application form, we will ask you to provide specific examples of how you meet the Essential Criteria below. You will have 300 words for each to showcase your knowledge, skills, and personal qualities. Your experience and answers here don’t need to be work related. They could be from any part of your life including education, sport, and hobbies or even from your personal or family life. Further information on what makes a good application can be found here.
1. In 300 words please tell us about a time when you have worked well within a team or group.
2. In 300 words please provide an example of when you have used your organisational, and/or prioritisation skills to manage your workload effectively.
2. In 300 words please provide an example of when you have used your organisational, and/or prioritisation skills to manage your workload effectively.
3. In 300 words please tell us about a time when you communicated effectively.
4. In 300 words please provide an example of when you have demonstrated good IT skills.
Social Security Scotland - Further_information for job applicants
Information Sessions
Social Security Scotland - Further_information for job applicants
Information Sessions
If you are interested in applying for a role as a Procurement Assistant Modern Apprentice, we highly recommend attending one of our online Information Sessions.
These sessions will tell you more about the role, the application process and the benefits of working with us. It’s also a great chance to meet some of the team, who will give you lots of tips and guidance to help you submit a great application.
To join one of the sessions, please click on the below links:
Friday 15th March at 12pm – 1pm - Click here to join the meeting
Wednesday 20th March at 4pm – 5pm - Click here to join the meeting
Friday 15th March at 12pm – 1pm - Click here to join the meeting
Wednesday 20th March at 4pm – 5pm - Click here to join the meeting
Below are details of the Competencies required for this role, you will be tested against these competencies if you are invited to attend an interview:
- Self-awareness
- Teamwork
- Customer Service
- Communication and Engagement
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.
In the event that there are more successful candidates than posts available, a reserve list will be kept for up to 12 months.
Recruitment Contact
To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Shirley Cuzen who can be reached at Shirley.cuzen@socialsecurity.gov.scot
Further Information
The post is a full-time role, however staff with different working patterns are invited to apply. We will assess proposed working patterns against the business requirements for this post.
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.
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.
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.
Social Security Scotland’s recruitment processes are underpinned by the recruitment principles of the Civil Service Commissioner, which outline that selection for appointment be made on merit on the basis of fair and open competition - Recruitment - Civil Service Commission (independent.gov.uk)
If you feel at any time your application has not been treated in accordance with the values in the Civil Service Code and/or if you feel the recruitment has been conducted in such a way that conflicts with the Civil Service Commissioner’s Recruitment Principles, you can make a complaint, by contacting Social Security Scotland at recruitment@socialsecurity.gov.scot in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive you can contact the Civil Service Commissioner.
If you experience any difficulties accessing our website or completing the online application form, please contact the Resourcing Team via recruitment@socialsecurity.gov.scot
If you are interested in us contacting you about further available vacancies, please sign up to our mailing list to receive job alerts.
