External consultant jobs in Edinburgh

Are you a highly organised project leader with a track record of developing rigorous and impactful processes? Do you want to lead the delivery of the nationally-recognised accreditation transforming mental health in higher education? This could be the role for you.

We’re looking for a methodical and strategic Programme Manager (Award) to manage the end-to-end delivery of University Mental Health Charter (UMHC) Award and act as key spokesperson for the programme. 

You’ll play a vital role in ensuring that the Award upholds its standards and values, and continues to develop and scale, supporting positive change for staff and students at universities across the UK.

About the role

• Lead the delivery of the nationally-recognised accreditation for mental health in higher education: the University Mental Health Charter Award.
• The UMHC Award recognises universities that promote the mental health and wellbeing of their university communities and supports them to continually improve. 
• You will own the end-to-end management of a complex, high-profile and impactful programme, balancing administrative excellence and strategic development.

Key responsibilities

• Drive the Award lifecycle, from onboarding universities, coordinating our network of assessors and managing the Award panel.
• Scale and continually improve the Award process, ensuring it remains rigorous, impactful and values-led.
• Act as key spokesperson and point of contact for universities and other stakeholders.
• Responsible for budget, risk and line management. 

What we’re looking for

• Proven track record of managing complex projects.
• Experience developing, maintaining and improving robust systems and processes.
• A rigorous approach to accuracy and quality control.
• Comfortable holding difficult conversations with stakeholders at all levels.
• A commitment to co-production, equality, anti-racism and an interest in mental health.

Find out more about the essential criteria for this role by downloading our Recruitment Pack from the documents section.

What you will gain

• The chance to contribute to a high-impact national programme supporting better mental health for university communities across the UK.
• Experience in a varied role with opportunities to learn and develop.
• A supportive and collaborative workplace culture that values wellbeing.
• Flexibility in how and where you work. 

How to apply
If this sounds like a good fit, we’d love to hear from you!

1. Click “Redirect to recruiter”, then scroll to the 'Vacancies and volunteering' section of our 'Join our team' page to access the job listing.
2. Download the recruitment pack in the document section at the bottom of this page, where you’ll find more information about the role including responsibilities and person specifications. 
3. Download and complete our application form - instead of collecting CVs, we use an application form to ensure fairness and equal opportunity for all. 
   1. Please refrain from including any identifying details in your application answers.
4. Upload your completed application form as a word document. 
   1. Please note that once you start your application on our portal, you will have 24 hours to upload your completed form. Before clicking 'Apply' and beginning the application process, make sure your form is fully completed and ready to upload.
5. Complete the Equality Monitoring Form.

Student Minds is committed to building an inclusive team and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and walks of life.

This role is linked to and funded by the Volunteering for Health programme and the contract date reflects the anticipated programme timetable.
 
Salary: £43,500 - £48,000
Reporting to: Programme Lead
Hours: Full Time (35 hours per week)
Location: Hybrid/Remote working, and national travel to be expected.
Key Relationships: Programme Leads, CEO, COO, Director of Development, AD Policy & Influencing, AD Finance and Operations, Trustees, External Partners.
 
Overall Purpose
 
The Influencing Project Manager will work as part of a flexible team to develop, lead and manage the stakeholder engagement, influencing and communications elements of the Volunteering for Health programme.
 
Volunteering for Health is a £10million learning programme focused on testing, building and growing healthcare volunteering infrastructure. The programme has invested in fifteen systems across England who are navigating complex health systems to ensure that volunteering is embedded as a system wide NHS asset.
 
The team is responsible for developing and delivering the ‘learning and support’ and the ‘influencing and communications’ elements of the national programme, in partnership with NHS England and CW .
 
We have reached an exciting stage where we can turn our local learning into national change. By using the inspiring stories and impact from our programme, we want to show healthcare leaders what is possible. We are positioning our learnings to prove that volunteering infrastructure is a vital solution for a modern and sustainable health service aligned to the NHS 10-year Health Plan.
 
Overall Objectives

• Work collaboratively and strategically with a wide range of stakeholders including our member charities, NHS Trusts, VCSE organisations, funders, and government officials.
• Develop compelling narratives and high impact campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences and mobilise stakeholders at every level.
• To identify and leverage cross-sector themes and opportunities to scale impact across health, social care, and the voluntary sector, underpinned by robust horizon scanning and a commitment to innovative, non-traditional problem solving.
• Support the programme to maximise its impact and reach through bringing partners and stakeholders together.

 
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
 
Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration

• Convene and engage stakeholders, including member charities, NHS trusts and employees, funders and evaluators, to co-produce plans collaboratively.
• Manage stakeholder relationships, ensuring effective communication and engagement.
• Provide support to funded partnerships, enabling their development and to become high performing.
• Represent the organisation externally, acting as a champion for NHS Charities Together and NHS charities.
• Form professional and beneficial relationships with internal and external stakeholders – including at a senior level, representing the department internally and externally, and bringing policy knowledge to bear to support their influencing in line with our strategic goals.
• Building and maintaining a stakeholder database to reflect the opportunities for system change at local, regional and national level.

 
Project Design and Development

• Create plans with clear objectives, time lines, milestones and budgets, ensuring that projects and campaigns are financially sustainable and cover our costs.
• Lead processes to capture and synthesise information, and insight to support the development and design of approaches.
• Proactively build knowledge and understanding in volunteering and healthcare to support wider organisational learnings in these domains.

 
Delivery and Management

• Deliver engaging and thought-provoking communication and influencing plans to elevate our funded partnerships.
• Oversee workstream governance, risk management, and reporting processes, maintaining strong administration and compliance throughout.
• Regularly review and monitor impact against our strategic goals.
• Support internal resource planning to ensure efficient staffing and best use of our team.
• Manage project resources and staff effectively, fostering a collaborative team culture and supporting and developing team members to perform.
• Provide line management and support to staff as required.

 
Learning and Evaluation

• Work in a way to embed learning and insight capture into business as usual.
• Commission and manage external consultants where appropriate, ensuring quality and alignment with project aims.
• Lead learning events, and convene stakeholders to support the capture of insight.
• Support in the development of insight and related policy positions in relation to initiatives being managed, working closely with policy colleagues to identify system gaps and potential solutions.
• Ensure projects contribute to learning, including supporting the dissemination of what works and how to scale successful approaches.

 
Other Duties
 
This is not meant to be an exhaustive list of duties. The need for flexibility is required. We are currently a small team, and the post holder is expected to carry out any other related duties that are within the employee’s skills and abilities whenever reasonably instructed.
 
How to Apply
 
The closing date for applications is 23.59 on Sunday 15th March
Provisional interview date: Thursday 26th March.
 
Please submitted your CV and a covering letter outlining how you meet the job description and person specification. The supporting statement should be no more than 2 sides of A4.
 
In line with GDPR, we ask that you do NOT send us any information that can identify children or any of your Sensitive Personal Data (racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership, data concerning health or sex life and sexual orientation, genetic and/or biometric data) in your CV and application documentation. Following this notice, any inclusion of your Sensitive Personal Data in your CV/application documentation will be understood by us as your express consent to process this information going forward. Please also remember to not mention anyone’s information or details (e.g. referees) who have not previously agreed to their inclusion.
 
REF-227 022

About Adolescent Health Study

The Adolescent Health Study (AHS) (Registered Charity Number 1213337) is an ambitious new UKRI-funded initiative to establish a prospective, longitudinal population study that will generate a globally leading open science data platform and research resource. AHS aims to recruit at least 100,000 young people aged eight to 18 years from across the UK and to follow their mental and physical health and wellbeing over at least 10 years. It plans to collect data through questions and measures; to obtain bio-samples for a wide range of genomic and other high-throughput assays; and to capture linked data relevant to health and wellbeing from participants’ health, education and other administrative records.

There will be a strong emphasis on engaging with and involving young people, schools, parents and other relevant stakeholders in the design and delivery of the study, as well as on including young people that represent as wide as possible a range of backgrounds, experiences and characteristics. AHS will focus on enabling a wide range of research, including studies of the critical biological and social developments that occur during the transition from childhood to adulthood and the determinants of both mental and physical health and wellbeing in adolescents and young adults.

 

Purpose of the post

The Engagement and Involvement Officer will play a central role in supporting meaningful engagement and involvement of young people, families, schools and other interest-holders in the process of designing, delivering and ensuring the best outputs from the Adolescent Health Study.

Primarily, the postholder will be responsible for the stewardship and coordination of the AHS Young People’s Advisory Group (YPAG). The post-holder will provide ongoing support to YPAG members to ensure their active participation in opportunities to inform and shape the work of AHS. This will include working closely with the adults in the YPAG members’ lives, including parents/carers, teachers and other relevant adults or professionals. The postholder will also be required to build positive working relationships with other organisations and institutions that work directly with young people. They will support the Engagement and Involvement Lead to develop mechanisms to reach wider and more diverse groups of young people to take part in engagement and involvement activities at AHS.  

This is a role that requires confidence, autonomy, enthusiasm and skill. The post-holder will be a strong advocate for children’s rights, have a sound working knowledge and understanding of safeguarding practices, and demonstrate experience of co-ordinating youth advisory groups, youth councils or similar.

Main responsibilities

Coordination & facilitation

• Plan, organise, and deliver regular meetings, workshops, and consultation sessions with young people.
• Develop accessible, inclusive and engaging materials to support young people’s participation in activities and discussions.
• Ensure robust mechanisms are in place to facilitate a feedback loop, communicating to young people the impact of their input.
• Ensure safeguarding, wellbeing, and inclusion are embedded in all activities.
• Lead on and maintain communication with young people, parents/carers (where appropriate), and partner organisations.

Support for young people

• Provide guidance, pastoral support, and clear information to help young people take part confidently and safely.
• Facilitate training and development opportunities to build young people’s skills, knowledge, and confidence.
• Foster an environment where young people feel respected, valued, and listened to.
• Manage mechanisms for reward and recognition of young people’s input and contributions.

Strengthen and enable staff team

• Strengthen knowledge and understanding of youth engagement and involvement across the organisation.
• Enable the wider staff team to plan and conduct activities with the YPAG and wider groups of young people, supporting the design of involvement tasks that are age-appropriate, inclusive, and aligned with best practice.
• Provide feedback to colleagues on how to maximise the impact of youth involvement.

 

Administration & governance

• Manage recruitment and onboarding processes for YPAG members.
• Oversee consent processes, data handling, and safeguarding requirements.
• Coordinate payments, incentives, travel, and expenses for young people.
• Maintain accurate records, produce meeting notes, and ensure timely communication.
• Support the Engagement and Involvement Lead to track, document and report on outcomes and the influence of young people’s involvement on projects and workstreams.

 

Continuous learning and development

• Contribute to the development of the organisation’s engagement and involvement strategy.
• Contribute to the evaluation of engagement and involvement activities and gather feedback from young people, parents/carers and other relevant parties we work closely with.
• Maintain an interest and working knowledge of best practice in youth involvement, participation, and co‑production.
• Identify opportunities to share learning and reflections with the AHS team and wider colleagues to continuously improve practice and processes.

 

Interest-holder and partner engagement

• Build and maintain partnerships with schools, youth organisations, and community groups to recruit and support young people to engage in engagement and involvement activities.
• Provide verbal and written presentations of engagement and involvement work with young people to internal and external audiences.
• Represent AHS in meetings, workshops and events where appropriate.

Knowledge, skills and experience

Essential criteria

• Experience developing and delivering engagement and involvement activities with young people and other relevant interest-holders (such as parents, families, teachers and schools).
• A proven track record or professional background in working with young people – such as in youth work, counselling, mentoring, education, or a related setting.
• Strong facilitation and communication skills, especially with young audiences.
• Understanding and experience of good practice in youth engagement and involvement, including the principles and implementation of safeguarding, data protection, and inclusive practice.
• Experience of co-ordinating a youth advisory group, council, board or similar structure
• Ability to work autonomously, prioritising tasks and manage own workload.
• Ability to design and deliver workshops, focus groups or meetings that encourage open dialogue and collaboration.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills - able to communicate effectively and confidently with a range of stakeholders and to summarise and report key information clearly and accurately, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated commitment to children’s rights, youth participation and the meaningful inclusion of young people’s views and perspectives.
• Confidence using online meeting tools (e.g. MS Teams, Zoom), and collaborative platforms (e.g. SharePoint, Microsoft 365).

Desirable criteria

• Relevant qualification in youth participation, youth work, community engagement or similar.
• Understanding of public involvement in research or willingness to develop expertise.
• Understanding of key concepts and challenges in young people’s health and wellbeing and the transition to adulthood.
• Understanding and knowledge of key potential partners across the UK for delivering youth engagement in the sector.
• Experience using digital engagement and facilitation tools for online sessions (e.g. Miro, Mural, Mentimeter, Canva, PowerPoint).

Dimensions

• This has been designed as a full-time role, although part-time work could be considered for the right candidate.
• Flexible working may be required across several geographical locations in the UK.  Travel may be necessary to various AHS locations and partner organisations.
• Willingness to work hours flexibly including some evenings/weekends.

Additional Information

• Enhanced DBS/PVG or equivalent safeguarding check will be required.

Application Process

This post is subject to receipt of satisfactory references, an enhanced DBS check and right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available). Please apply with a CV and a covering letter (of no more than two pages) explaining what you can bring to this role, and including your current salary.

The closing date for this position is midnight on End of Day Sunday 29 March.

Interviews are currently expected to be held during the weeks commencing 27 April and 05 May.

Equal Opportunities Policy Statement

AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. It is our policy to provide employment equality to all, irrespective of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Beyond these protected characteristics, we acknowledge the importance of socio-economic background, childcare and caring responsibilities, educational background, neurodiversity, and any other factors that shape an individual’s identity and opportunities. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to contribute fully.

Values

It is an exciting time for the Adolescent Health Study (AHS) as we establish our senior leadership team and begin to plan the pilot studies. As the senior executive team evolves, the AHS values will be grounded in inclusivity, integrity, accountability, and collaboration.

About the Foyer Federation

Young people who experience homelessness are more likely to experience it later in life too. Our purpose is to break this cycle.

For over 30 years, we have led a national network of 51 Youth Foyers, reaching approximately 3,100 young people aged 16-25 who can’t live at home every year.

Youth Foyers are more than a place to stay: they are thriving communities, with people - not circumstance - at the heart. By building on young people’s strengths, talents and aspirations, Youth Foyers offer a holistic living and learning opportunity for young people to realise their power and purpose, and move on equipped to thrive as independent adults.

What we do

Through community of practice events, consultation and training, and our quality development programme, we provide youth supported housing services with infrastructural support to adopt and deliver an impactful Youth Foyer service.

By working with services to build their resilience to external challenges, capacity to work holistically with young people, and high quality provision that centres youth voice, we increase the number of young people who move on from supported housing with the power and agency to thrive.

We’re now looking for a passionate programme coordinator with a flair for building positive relationships to join our team in the north west of England.

As Network & Programme Coordinator, you will be responsible for developing and nurturing relationships with staff and young people in our Youth Foyer network.

By proactively listening to the network’s needs, ambitions and experiences; offering coaching and development opportunities; and guiding Youth Foyers through our accreditation programme, you will support services to develop and deliver transformational opportunities for young people who can’t live at home.

You will also be responsible for the delivery of funded programmes for and with young people (16-25) and staff in north west Youth Foyers.

Find out more and apply

If you’re a proactive relationship builder with a passion for enabling young people to realise their power and purpose, we’d love to hear from you. 
More information on the role, who we’re looking for and how to apply can be found in the job pack on our website.

Help improve the life chances of young people through physics education. We’re looking for an experienced, creative Marketing and Communications Manager to raise awareness of our work, strengthen our brand, and inspire engagement across schools, teachers, industry partners, and supporters.

Physics Partners is a charity dedicated to improving young people’s life chances through high-quality physics teaching. We work with schools, teachers, and industry partners to make physics accessible for every student, helping to build the skilled workforce the UK needs for the future.

As our Marketing and Communications Manager, you’ll lead campaigns that tell our story, grow our reach, and celebrate the impact of our programmes. You’ll manage content across digital, print, and social media, shape our online presence, and develop creative materials that connect with diverse audiences.

We’re looking for someone who combines strategic thinking with hands-on creativity - confident in digital communications, content creation, and stakeholder engagement. You’ll join a small, collaborative team where your ideas will make a real difference.

Key details

• Hours: 14 hours per week (0.4 FTE) – flexible working arrangements available

• Contract: 6-month initial term, with potential to become permanent

• Salary: £35,000 FTE (negotiable depending on experience and contract type)

• Reports to: Chief Executive

• Location: Home-based, with occasional travel

• Contract type: Employment or freelance considered

Essential skills and experience

• Proven experience in developing, planning, and executing marketing communications campaigns.
• Strong digital communications skills (CMS, SEO, email marketing, social media, Google Analytics).
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling ability with a strong eye for design and detail.
• Track record of managing external agencies and multiple stakeholders.
• Creative and proactive mindset
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.
• A genuine commitment to diversity, inclusion, sustainability, and Physics Partners’ mission.

Application process

The full role description is available to download.

Submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

• Deadline: 5:00 pm, Sunday 1 March 2026

• First interviews: Online on 9 and 10 March 2026

Physics Partners is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.

About Adolescent Health Study

The Adolescent Health Study (AHS) is an ambitious new UKRI-funded initiative to establish a prospective, longitudinal population study that will generate a globally leading open science data platform and research resource. AHS aims to recruit at least 100,000 young people from across the UK and to follow their mental and physical health and wellbeing over at least 10 years. It plans to collect data through questions and measures; to obtain bio-samples for a wide range of genomic and other high-throughput assays; and to capture linked data relevant to health and wellbeing from participants’ health, education and other administrative records. There will be a strong emphasis on engaging with and involving young people, schools, parents and other relevant stakeholders in the design and delivery of the study, as well as on including young people that represent as wide as possible a range of backgrounds, experiences and characteristics. AHS will focus on enabling a wide range of research, including studies of the critical biological and social developments that occur during the transition from childhood to adulthood and the determinants of both mental and physical health and wellbeing in adolescents and young adults.

 

Purpose of the post

The Study Delivery and Governance Lead will play a central role in ensuring AHS meets the highest ethical, governance and regulatory standards. The post holder will lead the development, submission and oversight of the AHS Research Tissue Bank application, coordinate ethical approvals and ongoing amendments, and provide governance leadership to support study development and delivery.

They will also oversee elements of study set up and delivery, supporting the development of piloting tools and protocols, and addressing operational and logistical considerations necessary for successful delivery. They will line‑manage Research Officers and Senior Research Officers, contributing to a cohesive, high‑functioning team.

Main responsibilities

Research Governance

• Lead the full process of developing, drafting, and submitting the AHS Research Tissue Bank (RTB) application.
• Manage ongoing approvals, amendments, renewals and reporting obligations to Research Ethics Committees, the Health Research Authority, the Confidentiality Advisory Group and other regulatory bodies.
• Develop, implement and maintain governance frameworks, SOPs and quality assurance processes required for RTB operation, keeping abreast of developments in the regulatory landscape.
• Maintain accurate documentation, version control and quality‑assurance procedures relating to ethics and regulatory submissions.
• Act as key point of contact for research governance‑related queries from internal and external stakeholders.

Study Development & Planning

• Work closely with the Senior Programme Manager to contribute to the design and refinement of study protocols, piloting phases and operational plans.
• Lead the planning and delivery of specific study workstreams, as required, defining milestones, tracking progress, and identifying interdependencies as the study develops.
• Coordinate cross‑team activity involving research, data, operations and engagement teams to ensure study components are integrated and delivered effectively.

Project Management & Coordination

• Develop and maintain detailed project plans for governance and study‑delivery workstreams as required, ensuring roadmaps are accurate, realistic and kept up to date.
• Identify, track and mitigate risks related to both governance and delivery, escalating as appropriate and working collaboratively to resolve issues.
• Prepare reports and briefings for AHS governance structures (e.g., AHS Executive, Board of Trustees, Scientific Advisory Board).

Team Leadership & Line Management

• Provide mentoring and day‑to‑day guidance on governance‑related queries, ethics submissions and documentation development.
• Line manage selected staff within the study team, supporting workload planning, professional development and quality assurance.
• Foster effective team working across research, operational and scientific colleagues.

Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal teams including scientific leads, operational delivery, data management and engagement teams.
• Represent AHS with external partners related to governance, regulatory support, tissue banking and operational delivery.
• Work with the engagement team to ensure young people are involved in all elements of the study development and delivery.

 

Knowledge, skills and experience

Essential criteria

• Extensive experience in research governance, NHS research ethics management, clinical research management or equivalent.
• Demonstrable experience drafting protocols, participant documents and regulatory submissions.
• Strong understanding of ethical and regulatory frameworks including the Human Tissue Act, UK GDPR, and NHS research ethics processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with proven ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into clear and actionable guidance for colleagues.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, with experience managing competing priorities.
• Experience in risk identification and mitigation within research programmes.
• Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience) in a relevant field.
• Experience line managing or supervising staff.

Desirable criteria

• Experience with biobanking, Research Tissue Bank applications or biosample governance.
• Experience with longitudinal population studies or large multi‑site research programmes.
• Understanding of data‑linkage governance and consent processes.
• Project‑management qualification (e.g., PRINCE2, APM, Agile).
• Experience working with children/young people, school‑based research or youth‑focused engagement.
• Experience engaging diverse stakeholders.

Dimensions

• Full time role with flexible working arrangements
• AHS is a national organisation, and our activities take place across the UK
• Flexible working will be required across several geographical locations in the UK.  Travel may be required to AHS locations, fieldwork sites and partner organisations

Application Process

This post is subject to receipt of satisfactory references and the post holder having the right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available). Please apply with a CV and a covering letter (of no more than two pages) explaining what you can bring to this role, and including your current salary.

The closing date for this position is EoD Sunday 08 March 2026.

Interviews are currently expected to be held during the week commencing 30 March 2026.

 

Equal Opportunities Policy Statement

AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. It is our policy to provide employment equality to all, irrespective of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Beyond these protected characteristics, we acknowledge the importance of socio-economic background, childcare and caring responsibilities, educational background, neurodiversity, and any other factors that shape an individual’s identity and opportunities. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to contribute fully.

Values

It is an exciting time for the Adolescent Health Study (AHS) as we establish our senior leadership team. As the senior executive team evolves, the AHS values will be grounded in inclusivity, integrity, accountability, and collaboration

Direct Reports and span of control: Head of Property Compliance, Head of Mechanical & Electrical, Head of Specialist Repairs

Dimensions (budget holder, level of contract/systems etc responsibility):

• Responsible for delivery of compliance related services of over 30,000 homes, 90,000 customers
• Controls budget >£20m per annum
• Responsible for headcount of circa 200 colleagues including managers and trades
• Member of the Property Services Senior Leadership Team
• Representation at operational panels to support Compliance Delivery
• Organisation leader

Created/Reviewed date: October 2025

Role Purpose

Oversee a blended model of in-house direct labour teams and external supply chain partners, lead and empower your teams to successfully deliver effective building, mechanical, electrical and regulated compliance related works and services across the organisation's property portfolio to ensure our homes are safe and well maintained. Delivering against challenging KPI's, ensure continuous improvement and customer safety across gas, fire, water, electrical, lifts, M&E and asbestos.

Working with the Property Services Director and Assistant Directors to shape and implement the Property Compliance Delivery strategies to deliver effective building/property regulatory compliance in line with statutory, regulatory and policy requirements. Instrumental in leading change and embedding a positive, enthusiastic, and empowered culture that enables colleagues to deliver good performance and great customer service.

Lead on new ways of working including the use of modern digital solutions to make our business more effective, agile, and responsive, requiring a forward and outward looking approach as well as an open mind and applying Lean principles in decision making.

Key Accountabilities

• Shape and contribute to the organisation's long-term compliance strategy, ensuring alignment with national housing policy and emerging legislation.
• Lead on the effective management of statutory compliance, ensuring all regulatory and legislative responsibilities for gas, electrical, asbestos, fire safety, legionella, water, and lifts are delivered.
• Oversee the delivery of regulatory repairs within the required timelines such as Damp, Mould and Condensation, Disrepair cases, and HHSRS related complex repairs, oversee escalated complaints that require additional attention to de-escalate and resolve.
• Responsibility for preparing and presenting detailed assurance, risk and performance reports to the senior leadership teams and relevant committees / boards.
• Ensure services delivered have customers at the heart of decision making, proving excellent customer service which prioritises keeping them safe.
• Accountable for performance targets, budgets and work programmes, agreeing and monitoring these and ensuring team managers align and set objectives that deliver the strategic and directorate plan.
• Manage critical relationships with stakeholders both internally and externally including but not limited to, in-house colleagues and external contractors, senior stakeholders, governing bodies, external auditors and consultants and legal representatives.
• Lead a team which is capable of delivering all current and new regulated delivery, such as Awaab's Law, HHSRS, and disrepair cases.
• Lead on external audits, inspections and regulatory reviews.
• Ensure effective property compliance 1st line assurance is in place for all areas of service and works delivery.
• Lead on the development of the compliance schedule, creating programmes on a pre-emptive cycle to ensure that the business remains compliant.
• Recruit, manage, coach, motivate, and develop colleagues within your team in line with organisational policies.
• Critically evaluate compliance information and KPIs, producing regular assurance reports covering all areas of compliance performance, processes, procedures, and statutory responsibilities.
• Oversee the development and on-going review of compliance related policies and procedures, in line with legislation and industry best practice.
• Ensure a sustainable suite of competent specialist Supply Chain partners is in place.
• Ensure that business compliance responsibilities are complied with in respect of properties where there is no maintenance responsibility.
• Responsible for a responsive aspect of repairs and maintenance in respect of Gas/Heating b

About Adolescent Health Study

The Adolescent Health Study (AHS) is an ambitious new UKRI-funded initiative to establish a prospective, longitudinal population study that will generate a globally leading open science data platform and research resource. AHS aims to recruit at least 100,000 young people from across the UK and to follow their mental and physical health and wellbeing over at least 10 years. It plans to collect data through questions and measures; to obtain bio-samples for a wide range of genomic and other high-throughput assays; and to capture linked data relevant to health and wellbeing from participants’ health, education and other administrative records. There will be a strong emphasis on engaging with and involving young people, schools, parents and other relevant stakeholders in the design and delivery of the study, as well as on including young people that represent as wide as possible a range of backgrounds, experiences and characteristics. AHS will focus on enabling a wide range of research, including studies of the critical biological and social developments that occur during the transition from childhood to adulthood and the determinants of both mental and physical health and wellbeing in adolescents and young adults.

Purpose of the post

The Research Officer will play a key role in supporting the scientific foundation, development, and coordination of AHS. The post holder will focus initially on supporting the development of the AHS pilot, contributing as required to methods selection, co-development of materials and assessment processes, writing of protocols and ethics submissions and preliminary testing of processes. Activities will involve conducting comprehensive literature reviews, supporting the development of piloting tools and protocols, engagement with schools, adolescents and parents, and addressing operational and logistical considerations necessary for successful delivery. The position is essential to ensuring the pilot and future study are grounded in robust evidence and implemented effectively.

Main responsibilities

Research & Evaluation

• Support in summarising existing evidence, and ongoing work with the research community, to identify insights and knowledge gaps that inform piloting and study research questions
• Support in conducting literature reviews and background research on determinants of adolescent health and identify tools and measures suitable for field-based assessment
• Contribute to the design and delivery of qualitative and/or quantitative research activities in support of study set-up
• Contribute to the design and delivery of public engagement and involvement activities

Piloting Design & Planning

• Contribute to developing piloting protocols and frameworks
• Assist in drafting documents for submission for ethical approval
• Help design, test and adapt measurement tools (e.g. questionnaires) and visit processes
• Support in the preparation of piloting recruitment materials
• Assist in the recruitment of, and relationship building with, schools for pre-testing

Data Collection & Fieldwork Support

• Support procurement of logistics for fieldwork
• Support in the preparation of field worker training materials
• Support training for data collectors and field staff
• Assist in data collection where required
• Be a part of a core team that ensures adherence to ethical standards and protocols

Piloting Coordination Support

• Support meetings and workshops on workstreams
• Support write-up of feasibility testing findings, and contribute to revisions on plans based on findings
• Support the senior study project manager as required on managing piloting timelines, risks and progress

Administrative and Logistical Support

• Take meeting minutes for the scientific study team as required
• Manage piloting documentation and version controls
• Respond to stakeholder queries as required

Knowledge, skills and experience

Essential criteria

• A Masters degree in epidemiology, public health, social sciences, or a related discipline
• Demonstrable experience in supporting research studies, preferably in population and/or adolescent health.
• Ability to translate complex findings into clear, actionable insights
• Ability to synthesise literature and evidence concisely for reporting to diverse audiences
• Evidence of strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to contribute to protocols and ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines
• Proven ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
•  Ability to form strong working relationships with colleagues, partners and stakeholders at all levels, both in person and virtually.

Desirable criteria

• A PhD in epidemiology, public health, social sciences, or a related discipline (completed or due to be submitted within 3 months of application)
• Prior experience of working on adolescent health, youth development, or related public health issues
• Experience of conducting and reporting on literature reviews
• Experience with Research Ethics Committee submissions
• Good knowledge of basic principles of ethical research
• Clear understanding of study designs (including piloting) and data collections tools, and their application in school settings
• Experience with the development, testing, or adaptation of research instruments (e.g. questionnaires)
• Experience of working with young people and/or schools (through research and/or public involvement)

Dimensions

• Full time role with flexible working arrangements
• AHS is a national organisation, and our activities take place across the UK
• Flexible working will be required across several geographical locations in the UK.  Travel may be required to AHS locations, fieldwork sites and partner organisations

Application Process

This post is subject to receipt of satisfactory references and the post holder having the right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available). Please apply with a CV and a covering letter (of no more than two pages) explaining what you can bring to this role, and including your current salary.

The closing date for this position is EoD Sunday 08 March 2026.

Interviews are currently expected to be held during the week commencing 30 March 2026.

Equal Opportunities Policy Statement

AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. It is our policy to provide employment equality to all, irrespective of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Beyond these protected characteristics, we acknowledge the importance of socio-economic background, childcare and caring responsibilities, educational background, neurodiversity, and any other factors that shape an individual’s identity and opportunities. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to contribute fully.

Values

It is an exciting time for the Adolescent Health Study (AHS) as we establish our senior leadership team. As the senior executive team evolves, the AHS values will be grounded in inclusivity, integrity, accountability, and collaboration

Make a difference every day with PDSA  

About Us   

Join us to help keep even more people and pets together when times are tough. For over a century, PDSA have provided vital veterinary care for the pets of people in financial hardship.    

We’re now on a journey to expand our reach to support even more people and their beloved pets. To achieve this ambitious goal, we need passionate and driven individuals who are ready to embrace change and help shape a future-focused PDSA. Together, we'll build a stronger organisation to ensure our services help those who need us most for the next hundred years.    

If you're ready to make a real difference and be part of a team that's creating positive change, we want you to join us. Let's build a brighter future for pets and their owners, together.   

About you  

In this role you will support the front-line improvement project by analysing business processes and ways of working, identifying opportunities and helping stakeholders define needs & priorities.

• Work closely with hospital teams and other stakeholders to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Support implementation, testing, and monitoring of changes, identifying solutions and opportunities for scaling.
• Produce and maintain data‑driven reports, dashboards and KPI tracking to inform decision‑making.
• Create and update clear documentation, including SOPs and process guides.
• Translate business requirements into technical specifications and assess systems for integration or improvement.
• Ensure full compliance with PDSA policies while supporting prioritisation of front‑line improvement work.

This is a full‑time position working 35 hours per week on a 12‑month fixed‑term contract. The role will require occasional travel typically a few times per month to PDSA sites for visits or team meetings.

We’re seeking someone with: 

• Demonstrated experience applying business analysis tools and methodologies to drive process improvements.
• Strong background in creating comprehensive process documentation and developing robust business cases.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills, including the ability to lead co‑creation workshops and collaborative activities.
• The confidence to interpret data and insights and convert them into practical, outcome-focused solutions.
• Experience working closely with front‑line teams in operational, healthcare, social care, or veterinary settings is beneficial, though not essential.
• A Business Analysis qualification would be beneficial but is not essential.

Rewards, support and benefits    

We’re really passionate about being a great place to work, somewhere people feel proud of what they do, connected to a meaningful purpose, and able to make a genuine difference every day. Our teams are collaborative and supportive, and we encourage everyone to bring their ideas, individuality and passion for pets to work with them.  

As well as a rewarding role and a positive, people-focused culture, we also offer a wide range of benefits, including:  

• Flexible working options to support your work–life balance and individual circumstances.  

• 25 days’ holiday plus Bank Holidays, with option to buy or sell an extra five days. 

• Three paid special days off: Volunteering Day, Celebration Day and Wellbeing Day annually.  

• Generous pension options, with PDSA contributions starting at 5% and rising to 10%.  

• Life assurance providing four times your annual salary for added peace of mind.  

• AXA Health Employee Assistance Programme, with 24/7 wellbeing support   

• Retail, holiday and lifestyle discounts available through our staff Fetch benefits platform.  

• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave to support you and your family.  

• 15% discount on PDSA Pet Insurance plus access to staff veterinary services.  

To apply for this role, click Apply Now at the top of the page, create a candidate account and complete our simple application form.     

PDSA is committed to embedding a culture of diversity and inclusion within our teams that reflect the communities we serve. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals are able to make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based on merit. We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies and opportunities for flexible working arrangements to support team members from different backgrounds.   

   

If you have any questions or concerns regarding accessibility, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss via email or telephone reasonable adjustments that you may require throughout the recruitment process.   

   

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, adults at risk and all our colleagues and expect everyone who works for us to also share this commitment and to treat people with courtesy and respect.   

   

To support this commitment, our recruitment & selection processes are robust and rigorous. All appointments will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate background checks.   

The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland are looking to hire a new member of staff to help co-ordinate and deliver the final two regional research frameworks as part of the Scottish Archaeological Research Framework (ScARF) project.

The role helps the Society deliver its programme activity to support its mission and vision. This role will include day-to-day management of both the North East of Scotland Archaeological Research Framework and the Forth Valley and Fife Archaeological Research Framework. The role will also contribute to other research-related activities related to the Scottish Archaeological Research Framework. The role will report to the Society Head of Research and have the support of the NESARF and Forth Valley and Fife Project Steering Groups and the authority to run the project on behalf of the Project Advisory Group. The role will help deliver Society aims relating to external strategies as required.

Role: Research Manager – full-time, fixed term for three years

Contract: 36 months (three years)

Salary: £35,400 per annum, with an additional 10% pension contribution

Hours: 37 hours (five days) per week with flexible daytime working hours on Monday–Friday, and an occasional requirement to assist at evening or weekend events with time off in lieu (TOIL) provided

Location: Hybrid working – all staff are expected to work from our office at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh at least two days per week (pro rata) and employees starting in a new role will be required to work from the office more regularly in the first instance. However, as there are several flights of stairs up to the Society offices, we are happy to explore different ways of working as required.

Annual leave: 38 days paid holiday per year which includes all normal bank holidays

Reports to: Head of Research

Probation: There will be a probationary period during which time your skills and suitability for the post will be assessed.

Main Responsibilities

• Manage the North East Scotland and Forth Valley and Fife Archaeological Research Framework projects and their outputs
• Manage project budgets and timescales
• Lead the desk-based assessment and literature review of the archaeological resource and previous archaeological research in the regions
• Organise Project Advisory Group meetings, stakeholder engagement, workshops and other project events
• Lead on the writing of the content of the Research Frameworks in consultation with the Project Advisory Groups, stakeholders, and project partners/consultants
• Maintain high academic standards across Society research-related activity
• Manage all copyright associated with the Local and Regional Framework publications
• Final editing of the regional research frameworks following consultation with stakeholders
• Promotion and dissemination of the projects and their outputs in partnership with the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and other key stakeholders
• Line manage two Research Officer posts
• Conduct at all times to maintain the high esteem in which the Society is held, and follow the Society employment policies and health and safety procedures
• Other reasonable tasks as required and agreed with Head of Research

How to Apply

Submit a CV and a cover letter outlining how your experience, skills and knowledge meets the requirements (cover letter to be no more than two sides of A4) by the closing date.

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in person in Edinburgh or online via Zoom on 19 and 20 March 2026. Reasonable travel expenses can be claimed.

Applicants who are not shortlisted will be informed but no detailed feedback will be possible.

The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland is dedicated to meeting the aims and commitments set out in its equality policy. This includes not discriminating under the Equality Act 2010 and building an accurate picture of the make-up of the workforce in encouraging equality and diversity. Please help us by filling in the Equalities Monitoring Form, a link will be emailed to you with receipt of your application. Filling in this form is voluntary, and the results are anonymous and are not used in the recruitment process.

Closing date: 11:59 PM on 8 March 2026

Further Information

For further information, please read the ScARF Research Manager – Full Job Description or contact the Head of Research, Dr Helen Spencer FSAScot.