Head of Performance Analysis

The Analysis and Insights team within Social Security Scotland is currently seeking an experienced leader to oversee and guide multidisciplinary analytical teams providing strategic direction that supports evidence-based decision-making across our this role you will manage an extensive programme of analysis that informs operational strategies and change initiatives empowering senior leaders to deliver outstanding public services.

This is one of three C2 leadership positions within our recently expanded Analysis and Insights function. You will play a key role in leading the planning and delivery of analytical work carried out by operational and social research teams focusing on measuring and improving our performance. With the team currently reviewing its structure you will have the unique opportunity to influence its future design including the distribution of expertise across your peers.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the creation of a compelling and holistic evidence-based performance story that challenges and influences important decisions about Social Security Scotlands delivery for clients and the people of Scotland.

• Prioritise and plan including the management of resources an analytical programme of operational and social research that measures Social Security Scotlands performance and its contribution to Scottish Government objectives and outcomes.

• Lead a programme of social research for performance analysis and reporting including for the Charter Measurement Framework and the Performance Framework.

• Lead a programme of operational research for workforce planning benefit realisation and other aspects of operational delivery.

• Be knowledgeable in the wider subject area of the analysis and use that to make strategic decisions on the production dissemination and development of their analysis.

• Build and use networks of users producers and other stakeholders to inform the analytical programmes including collaborating effectively with Communities Analysis Division.

• Lead the work of a branch in line with the aims and objectives of the Scottish Government professional analytical group including providing professional support for analysts and ensuring that professional standards are being met for all analysts in the teams.

• Line management for four analytical teams of social and operational researchers and embed a culture of quality transparency and reproducibility of analysis across teams.

• Provide clear direction empowering and motivating staff with a strong focus on continual improvement and championing good analytical practice.

• Overall responsibility for ensuring that analysis is communicated and promoted effectively and is not misused.

Qualifications
This post is open to current members of analytical professions; including a minimum of a 2:2 undergraduate degree a masters degree or PhD.

Applicants should either:

• Be a member of the Government Operational Research Service (GORS) Government Social Research (GSR) and Government Economic Service (GES) or Government Statistics Group (GSG) or;

• Demonstrate how their qualifications contain formal training on analysis or;

• Have a minimum two years experience in an analysis related field.

If the successful candidate is not already badged by their analytical profession at C2 grade at the point of appointment arrangements for the professional badging of the successful candidate at C2 will be taken forward by the relevant Head of this circumstance the successful candidate will retain their existing professional membership and their badging at the grade held at the point they applied for the post until professional badging at C2 grade can be confirmed.

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 how we assess the Success Profile elements.

Behaviours

• Seeing the big picture
• Changing and improving
• Making effective decisions
• Leadership

You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours here:

Technical / Professional Skills:

• Understanding of government context and policy relevance: Understands how analysis fits within the wider policy or operational context and can strategically lead analytical work aligned with organisational objectives.
• Communicating analysis and insight: Leads the communication of complex analytical findings with clarity tailoring messages to diverse audiences including senior decision-makers to influence and impact.
• Analytical thinking and problem solving: Demonstrates strong analytical leadership in the design and delivery of a complex analytical programme of work.

As this vacancy is open to candidates who are current members of analytical professions the technical skills are not aligned to any one framework but cover skills from each. The following frameworks are linked for reference:

Government Statistical Service Government Analysis Function
Government Economic Service Government Analysis Function
Government Operational Research Service Government Analysis Function
Government Social Research Government Analysis Function

How to Apply
Apply online you must provide a CV and a Supporting Statement (of no more than 750 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the Behaviours and Technical Skills required for the role as outlined in the Success Profiles above. Be sure to provide specific examples of work that youve done that showcase your relevant experience.

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 Technical Skill: Understanding of government context and policy relevance.

Candidates who successfully pass this initial sift will have their applications fully assessed.

Candidates who are successful at sift stage will be invited to attend an Interview and Assessment. The assessment will consist of a presentation. You will receive full details of the skills to be assessed and the assessment methods to be used.

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 w/c 19th January
Interview w/c 2nd February

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 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

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 or the broader Scottish Government.

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.

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.

If you experience any difficulties accessing our website or completing the online application form please contact the Resourcing Team via

Apply before 23:55 on 13th January 2026

Contact Name - Helen Fogarty

Contact e-Mail -