Job profile
Job title: Accountant
Responsible to: Senior Accountant
Principal working contacts
- Head of Finance and Corporate Governance
- Finance & Procurement Manager
- Senior Accountant
- Finance Officers
- Transactions Manager
- Procurement Officer
- Senior Managers in the Care Inspectorate
- Internal and External Auditors
Job purpose
Support the Finance and Procurement Manager and the Senior Accountant to deliver a comprehensive finance service to the Care Inspectorate in line with Care Inspectorate policies. This role also supports the provision of financial services to the Scottish charity regular, OSCR.
Key responsibilities
Annual budget:
- Supporting the preparation of the annual budget, including reviewing financial plans to ensure high quality budget setting and monitoring.
Budget monitoring:
- Preparing monthly budget monitoring information to budget holders to meet their individual needs.
- Support budget managers with the management of their budgets by providing financial advice and guidance in line with financial regulations and other financial processes to make sure the operational requirements of the Care Inspectorate are met.
- Ensuring financial transactions are properly recorded.
- Developing financial management reports within the financial management system.
Reconciliations and ledger control:
- Reviewing suspense and control account reconciliations monthly.
- Ensure all month and year end procedures are performed within the timescales agreed with the Senior Accountant.
- Leading on the financial management of specific grant funded projects.
- Managing cashflow and banking arrangements for the Care Inspectorate.
- Prepare monthly grant in aid claims.
Annual accounts:
- Assisting in the production of the Care Inspectorate and OSCR’’s annual statutory accounts. This includes liaising with finance staff, budget holders and auditors, and ensuring all working papers are prepared to a high standard.
- Review monthly analysis to ensure information is accurate for our statutory accounts.
Other tasks:
- Prepare draft reports to Senior Managers and Committee.
- Providing financial training and ongoing support to non-finance staff.
- Developing procedures to ensure the integrity and accuracy of financial data.
- Maintaining and developing finance systems and processes including undertaking process improvement and LEAN reviews.
- Preparing or reviewing statutory returns, as required.
- Preparation and submission of quarterly VAT returns.
- Participation in Best Value reviews, including reporting on the findings.
- Supporting the maintenance and development of the financial system.
- Working in partnership with managers and key stakeholders to jointly develop finance plans necessary to support their operational plans.
- Support the Senior Accountant to risk assess applications to register services to ensure that services understand their responsibilities and are financially resourced to establish, maintain and improve service provision.
- Keeping up to date with developments in financial regulations/legislation and best practice, sharing knowledge across the team to ensure continuous development and improvements in the service offered.
- Actively contributing to the wider aims, workload and objectives of the finance function, ensuring that they are consistent with best practice and ensuring the provision of a sound finance service across the Care Inspectorate.
People management:
- Lead, manage and provide professional advice to the Finance Officers.
- Support, develop and coach direct reports through regular 1-1 supervision and appraisal and lead on consistent, high-quality practice amongst staff and support development.
- Promote a positive and inclusive working environment which supports continuous professional development.
- Manage the Finance Officers, reviewing work, prioritising and managing workload. Carry out training and development, recruitment and absence management.
- Promote the health, safety and welfare of employees, with responsibility for ensuring that the Care Inspectorate health and safety policies, procedures and practice and legislative requirements are met across the team.
- Carry out your duties in accordance with our Health and Safety policies, procedures, guidance, practices and legislative requirements, taking reasonable care for your safety and that of others who may be affected by what you do or fail to do while at work.
- Promote diversity, equality of opportunity, fairness, dignity and trust, ensuring that these principles are upheld across all areas of service delivery.
Relationship management:
- Model corporate behaviour and demonstrate commitment to organisation values.
- Develop and maintain constructive and co-operative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective and efficient directorate support.
- Promote the principles of collaborative working throughout the organisation and in all working practices in accordance with the Partnership Agreements with the trade unions.
- Ensure effective working protocols in accordance with the Care Inspectorate’s Communications, Human Resources, Finance, IT and Operations function.
- Project a professional image for the Care Inspectorate when dealing with colleagues and external stakeholders.
- Demonstrate a commitment to the Care Inspectorate’s aims, vision and values and to the Care Inspectorate’s overall objective of improving care in Scotland.
Other duties
This job profile is a broad picture of the post at the date of preparation. It is not an exhaustive list of all possible duties, and it is recognised that jobs change and evolve over time. Consequently, the post holder will be required to carry out any other duties to the equivalent level that are necessary to fulfil the purpose of the job, and to respond positively to changing business needs.
Modern Apprentice – Business and Administration SVQ qualification
Salary: £23,511 – £24,213 plus excellent benefits
Contract: Temporary for one year.
Location: Dundee – with an opportunity to work from home, in the office or to use a hybrid approach.
Hours: 35 hours per week
Join us and make a difference – for you, for everyone
It’s our job to ensure care for everyone, everywhere in Scotland is as good as it can be. If you are as passionate about high-quality care as we are, and you’re keen to learn, we’d love to hear from you. We are looking for talented Care Experienced people to join us in making a difference.
About us
As a Corporate Parent organisation, we understand the importance of supporting Care Experienced individuals as they transition into the workforce. We believe in providing opportunities for those who have been in care to empower them to reach their full potential.
Our commitment to employing Care Experienced people stems from our belief in creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that values the unique perspectives and contributions of every individual.
About you
We’re looking to attract two modern apprentices aged 16 - up to the age of 29 for completion of the qualification, who would like to pursue a career in business administration. These opportunities are ringfenced for Care Experienced people as we understand the unique barriers you face.
We are different because of our great benefits, our investment in learning and development, and giving you the opportunity to help shape care in Scotland. We will provide a tailored programme for the year including help to find your next steps and support your job search. There will also be plenty of support – you’ll have a mentor, a buddy, a training provider, and team members who are all keen to help you achieve.
What you will be doing as modern apprentice
You will undertake a range of administrative duties to support team delivery. Building your skillset, improving your knowledge, and understanding of the work of the Human Resources (HR) and Organisation Workforce Development (OWD) teams or the Participation and Equalities team.
The skills you’ll need
Whilst it is important to have the basics, we will support you in developing your skillset throughout your journey with us. You must be a keen learner, have a positive attitude, be well presented, and have a good knowledge of computers, particularly Microsoft Office suite packages.
You will have on the job training and support and gain invaluable paid work experience whilst working towards a recognised qualification. The Scottish vocational qualification will be from the business and administration framework.
All new entrants will start on the first point of the grade for the role. We have a generous benefits package which is highlighted below. For more information on our benefits please see our Total rewards package that can be found on our website.
This job may require some travel and may involve some overnight stays and costs for this will be covered.
In addition to our excellent benefits package, we also pride ourselves on the values we hold, person-centred; fairness; respect; efficiency and integrity - all supported with a culture of care and kindness. We’re proud to be a progressive, supportive employer, and equality, diversity and inclusion are important to us.
Our desire is to achieve an effective and balanced way of working, which enables us to meet organisational needs and achieve a work-life balance that promotes wellbeing and collaboration opportunities. We are moving towards an expectation that all staff will work collaboratively, within and across teams, in person, for approximately 40% of their working week.
What next?
You’ll find more information in the job profile and person specification.
To find information about our Care Experienced guarantee interview scheme, follow this link to our recruitment webpages .
For an informal chat, please contact the recruitment team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The recruitment team can also provide support to help you decide to apply, how to complete our application form and how to prepare for an interview for either post.
If you’re ready to apply now, please send your completed application form to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. no later than 08.00 on Monday 12 August 2024.
The Care Inspectorate is committed to recruiting, keeping, and developing a workforce that reflects the diverse communities that we serve. It is vital that we check and analyse diversity information so that we can identify how we can improve the way we meet the needs of our applicants and staff. To aid us to monitor the effectiveness of our equality and diversity practices, we would encourage you to complete and send in the equalities monitoring form by email with your completed application form.
We expect to hold an in person selection process at our Dundee office no earlier than 26 August 2024. The selection process will include a group exercise followed by a short informal interview. There will also be information on how to gain the relevant SVQ qualification and the support that can be provided.
Person specification
Job title - Modern apprentice
Attributes
Experience
Essential
Care Experienced - aged 16 up to the age of 29 for completion of the MA qualification.
Desirable
Experience of planning, organising and problem solving (in a non-work context).
Education, qualifications and training
Essential
- Willingness to undertake and complete an SVQ (Scottish Vocational Qualification) that matches with the job role/funding criteria.
- Commitment to undertake further training and development in the role (particularly if needed for desirable skills).
Skills and knowledge
Essential
- Good working knowledge of Outlook and Word.
- Comfortable with using numbers.
- Communication skills – includes reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Desirable
- Use of Excel, PowerPoint, Aha Slides (or similar) and Microsoft Forms.
- Attention to detail.
- Enjoys working in a focused way.
Key Performance Outcomes
Effective communication
Essential
- Shows a positive image when communicating both inside and outside the organisation.
- Listens actively to people, questions and checks understanding.
Desirable
Chooses right communication style depending on people’s needs.
Planning and organising
Essential
- Uses a focused approach to make best use of time.
- Able to be flexible to meet changing priorities.
Desirable
Prioritises work effectively to meet aims.
Flexibility
Essential
- Listens to feedback and ideas from people and takes right action.
- Understands where a flexible approach is needed.
Desirable
Adapts well to change, adjusting priorities as needed.
Team working
Essential
- Shows respect and fairness towards others, values diversity and is non-discriminatory in their actions.
- Values and makes use of the skills, knowledge, and experience of others.
Desirable
Works together as part of a team and is supportive of others.
Personal Accountability and Responsibility
Essential
Contributes positively and finds how tasks can be improved.
Takes ownership for own development and willing to accept help and guidance.
Desirable
Demonstrates initiative within their own area of work.
Please note – these are key performance outcomes to be used to recruit into the role. Successful applicants will be assessed against all the performance indicators used in the Performance Development Review System once set up in the role.
Job profile
Job Title: Modern Apprenticeship
Responsible to: Line manager
Principal working contacts
Line manager
Mentor
Buddy
Training provider
Other modern apprentices
Managers and employees
Members of the public
Job purpose
To create a structured pathway for Care Experienced young people (aged 16 – up to the age of 29 for completion of the qualification), to gain practical work experience while pursuing a qualification, we aim to bridge the gap between education and employment. Our programmes offer apprentices the opportunity to earn a salary while acquiring job-specific skills and theoretical knowledge essential for success. This apprenticeship serves as a foundation for mastering office administration, including document handling, communication techniques, and organisational procedures. It combines on the job training with learning, providing a comprehensive understanding of the administrative functions that enhance team efficiency.
Key Accountabilities
- Operational Management
- Obtain a recognised qualification and maintain connections with those who encourage learning.
- Acquire knowledge and gain insight into the organisation and the tasks performed by each team.
- Handle both incoming and outgoing communication, which includes emails, phone calls and postal mail.
- Manage routine inquiries and either prioritise or escalate difficult requests.
- Schedule and book meeting rooms.
- Keep records up to date and generate data as needed.
- Assist in maintaining filing systems according to file management policies and procedures.
- Provide administrative assistance to the team as needed.
- Maintain standards while collaborating with both staff and members of the public.
- Make suggestions to improve administrative processes.
- Carry out your duties in accordance with our Health and Safety policies, procedures, guidance, practices, and legislative requirements, taking reasonable care for your safety and that of others who may be affected by what you do or fail to do while at work.
Relationship Management
- Provide excellent customer service.
- Present a professional manner when interacting with staff and members of the public.
- Adhere to the policies of the organisation and follow team working practices.
- Engage in team meetings and participate in training activities to improve skills and knowledge.
- Show dedication to the organisations goals, vision, and values, with the overarching aim of improving social care in Scotland.
Other Duties
This job description is a broad picture of the post at the date of preparation. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, and it is recognised that jobs change and evolve over time. Consequently, the post holder will be required to carry out any other duties to the equivalent level that are necessary to fulfil the purpose of the job, and to respond positively to changing business needs.
Person specification
Job title: Information Governance Lead
Attributes
Experience
Essential
- Demonstrate a successful track record within a similar role.
- Experience of developing, implementing and maintaining information governance tools and standards, for example, business and security classifications, metadata schemes, life-cycle retention schedules and information asset registers
- Experience of writing policies, procedures and guidance
- Experience of working with and influencing stakeholders and partners
- Experience of undertaking information and process surveys, current state assessments and compliance audits
- Developing and/or delivering training programmes
- Experience of designing, developing and maintaining information management systems
- Line management experience
- Experience of working with the ICO and other regulatory bodies
Desirable
- Experience of working within the social care sector
- Experience of working with IT and business colleagues to integrate IG into technology platforms and business systems
Education, qualifications and training
Essential
Educated to degree level unless has proven experience in senior information governance role in a similar public body
Desirable
- Graduate or post graduate degree, or other qualification in IG-related discipline e.g. Records Management, Data Protection, Freedom of
- Information, Information Security and Assurance
- Legal qualification
Skills and knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge and understanding of the relevant legislation in the context within which the Care Inspectorate works e.g. UK GDPR, DPA 2018
- The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, Public services reform (Scotland) Act 2010, Public Records (Scotland) Act 2011 and associated legislation.
- Knowledge and understanding of the importance of confidentiality and information governance and security principles
- Ability to interpret and present information governance concepts and terminology legal information in lay terms
- Excellent all-round IT skills, including familiarity with the Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Explorer) and Adobe Writer.
- Proven analytical and problem solving skills
Desirable
Good working knowledge of project planning and process tools such as MS Project, Visio, and data analysis and productivity tools such as DROID and TreeSize
Key performance outcomes
Effective commmunication
Essential
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to explain specialist/complex issues to non-specialist staff at a variety of levels and to draft clear and concise written reports.
- The ability to foster good working relationships with a range of colleagues, providing expert or professional advice, both internally and externally.
- Portrays a positive image of the Care Inspectorate when communicating both inside the organisation and externally.
- Selects appropriate communication, style and methods depending on the needs and abilities of the audience.
- Listens actively to people, questions and checks understanding.
- Possesses and displays self-confidence, enthusiasm, motivation, tact and diplomacy when communicating both inside the organisation and externally.
- Focus on representing the work area or function with the main emphasis on advising, guiding, and persuasion; to be instrumental in resolving tensions and difficulties.
- Senior representative in their area of expertise with external contacts.
Planning and organising
Essential
- Uses a systematic approach to make efficient use of time and manage workload.
- Recognises the need to be flexible in order to meet changing priorities.
- Prioritises work effectively to meet deadlines and objectives.
- Ability to multi-task, deal with work within tight/conflicting deadlines and prioritise work appropriately.
- Excellent planning and project management skills and ability to deliver work to specified timescales.
- Responsible for a discrete area of the Care Inspectorate’s work, policy, functional or operational area of activity and for managing projects and associated resources.
- People management responsibilities in terms of planning, leading, organising and controlling the work of others.
- Plan, having an impact across the organisation or affecting the sector, externally.
Flexibility
Essential
- Demonstrates a flexible, positive approach to work and in all duties performed.
- Listens to feedback and ideas from people and will take appropriate and considered action.
- Adapts well to change, adjusting priorities as required.
- Understands where a flexible approach is required.
- Adopting creative approaches and flexibility in the use of judgement which will be influenced by a number of variables requiring significant levels of discretion.
Team working
Essential
- Remains tolerant and fair towards others, values diversity and is nondiscriminatory in their actions.
- Values and makes use of the skills, knowledge and experience of others.
- Works co-operatively and supportively with others.
- Will develop ideas and contribute directly to parts of the Corporate Plan, having an impact across the organisation or affecting the sector, externally.
Personal accountability and responsibility
Essential
- Ability to work on own initiative and exercise own judgment with discretion.
- Takes responsibility for decisions and actions taken keeping line management informed of developments or issues as they arise.
- Maintains a high standard of work and actively seeks out continuous improvement.
- Demonstrates initiative within own area of expertise with limited line management experience.
- Takes responsibility for identifying and addressing areas of personal and professional development.
- To work independently on particular aspects of projects, reporting progress and liaising as necessary.
- Provide information which typically influence decision makers and will take the lead on organisation wide projects reporting directly to a member of the ET.
Please note – these are key performance outcomes to be used to recruit into the role. Successful applicants will be assessed against all the performance indicators used in the Performance Development Review System once established in the role.
Job profile
Job title: Information Governance Lead
Responsible to: Head of Intelligence
Principal working contacts
Internal
- Senior Information Risk Owner (SIRO)
- Deputy SIRO
- Executive Directors and senior managers
- Information Asset Owners and Administrators
- Internal subject matter experts in related disciplines
- Head of IT Service Delivery, Organisation and Workforce Development, Legal
- Services and Customer Services
- Information Governance Team
- Managers and employees of the Care Inspectorate
External
- UK Information Commissioner
- Scottish Information Commissioner (SIC)
- National Records of Scotland
- Care Inspectorate strategic partners
- Care service providers and people experiencing care
- Members of the public
Job purpose
The post holder will provide the Care Inspectorate with leadership in information governance and assurance, internally & externally. They will be the prime source of expert advice and policy development, to create and maintain high level awareness, profile and understanding of the strategic and operational importance of information governance. They will also assure the Care Inspectorate that it is meeting its statutory and legal obligations and be capable of acting as Data Protection Officer as defined under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2018 and Data Protection Act 2018.
The post holder will lead on delivering information governance support across the Care Inspectorate, supported by the Deputy SIRO and the Information Governance team, and will bear responsibility for performance and/or service delivery. The post holder will be responsible for managing their own and their team’s workload ensuring that work is completed to the required high standard in a timely fashion. The post holder must possess highly developed specialist knowledge, underpinned by theory and experience.
Key responsibilities/accountabilities
Operational management
- Develop and implement corporate strategy, policies and procedures to support IG and effective use of information, in line with business and legal requirements and ensure that they are kept up to date and in line with changes to the Care Inspectorate’s internal and external operating environment.
- Coordinate the identification, assessment, reporting and management of risk in relation to all aspects of information governance (IG) within the Care Inspectorate, including regular review of the Information Risk Register and reporting to the Senior Information Risk Owner (SIRO) and Senior Management Team.
- Monitor and report on compliance and performance as required by Care Inspectorate governance arrangements and lead on creating and implementing improvement plans.
- Be capable of acting as Data Protection Officer for the Care Inspectorate and acting as key contact with the supervisory authority and leading on preparations for and on-going compliance with the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation and revised UK Data Protection Act.
- Support the proportionate, lawful and secure use and sharing of personal data, implementing, monitoring, auditing and reviewing the Data Processing Contracts, Information Sharing Protocols, Privacy notices, Data Protection Impact Assessments and Compliance Checks.
- Develop, oversee and monitor IG training for staff, implement clear and robust information and data handling standards and procedures, raise awareness of IG responsibilities, and promote awareness and best practice.
- Coordinate and manage the organisation’s response to information security vulnerabilities and incidents.
- Coordinate and manage responses to all statutory requests for information received by the organisation, including Subject Access Requests and Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act requests.
- Develop and maintain corporate information governance tools and standards, for example, business and security classifications, metadata schemes, lifecycle retention schedules and information asset registers and ensure local implementation and compliance.
- Manage delivery of the Care Inspectorate’s Records Management.
- Improvement Plan and act as the statutory contact for Records Management, as required under the Public Records (Scotland) Act 2011.
- Support improvement of current record creation and record keeping standards to ensure that the Care Inspectorate is holding adequate records of business activity and decision making to meet statutory and legal requirements and as evidence of its accountability and transparency.
- Ensure that information governance requirements are integrated into business processes, standard operating procedures and organisational change.
- Advance the “digital by default” agenda and exploit opportunities to automate information governance through technology solutions and tools electronic record-keeping within Care Inspectorate systems.
- Observe the provisions of and adhere to all Care Inspectorate policies and procedures.
- Carry out your duties in accordance with our Health and Safety policies, procedures, guidance, practices and legislative requirements, taking reasonable care for your safety and that of others who may be affected by what you do or fail to do while at work.
Relationship management
- Demonstrate a commitment to Care Inspectorate’s aims, vision, values and overall objective of improving care in Scotland.
- Prepare and deliver briefings, reports and presentations on IG to colleagues within and outside the Care Inspectorate in a manner that is informative, contextual and easily understood.
- Provide advice and guidance to staff on IG issues, including statutory and regulatory compliance.
- Act as a subject matter expert and staff mentor on all aspects of information governance.
- Liaise with and build professional working relationships with partner organisations on IG matters.
- Monitor individual and service performance.
- Line manage and motivates staff.
- Conduct staff appraisals.
- Ensuring that the team deliver the information governance service to the required high standard.
Other duties
This job description is a broad picture of the post at the date of preparation. It is not an exhaustive list of all possible duties, and it is recognised that jobs change and evolve over time. Consequently, the post holder will be required to carry out any other duties to the equivalent level that are necessary to fulfil the purpose of the job, and to respond positively to changing business needs.
Person specification
Job title: Transactions Assistant
Attributes
Experience
Essential
- Previous administrative experience.
- Operating within a busy environment.
- Experience of communicating with the general public by telephone, letter and email.
- Experience of working effectively to meet deadlines and achieve objectives.
- Experience of managing and prioritising own workload.
Desirable
- Experience of working with finance software.
- Experience of working with internal and external contacts at all levels.
- Demonstrate a successful track record within a similar role.
- Advanced knowledge of all Microsoft Office applications.
Education, qualifications and training
Essential
- Educated to Standard Grade level or equivalent (SCQF level 4/5).
Skills and knowledge
Essential
- Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word.
- Understanding of financial controls and financial environment.
- Use of office systems and procedures.
- Concise and clear oral and written skills.
- Excellent customer services skills.
- Demonstrate an appreciation of the importance of attention to detail.
- Effective organisational skills and time management, able to meet deadlines.
- Effective administrative skills.
- Excellent numeracy and communication skills.
- Prioritise own workload under broad guidance.
Desirable
- Ability to understand the limits of their knowledge and experience and when decisions need to be referred to others.
- Database administration.
- Advanced knowledge of all Microsoft Office applications.
Key performance outcomes
Effective communication
Essential
- Portrays a positive image of the Care Inspectorate/SSSC when communicating both inside the organisation and externally.
- Selects appropriate communication, style and methods depending on the needs and abilities of the audience.
- Listens actively to people, questions and checks understanding.
Planning and organisation
Essential
- Uses a systematic approach to make efficient use of time and manage workload.
- Recognises the need to be flexible in order to meet changing priorities.
- Prioritises work effectively to meet deadlines and objectives.
Flexibility
Essential
- Demonstrates a flexible, positive approach to work.
- Listens to feedback and ideas from people and will take appropriate and considered action.
- Adapts well to change, adjusting priorities as required.
- Understands where a flexible approach is required.
Team working
Essential
- Remains tolerant and fair towards others, values diversity and is non-discriminatory in their actions.
- Values and makes use of the skills, knowledge and experience of others.
- Works co-operatively and supportively with others.
Personal accountability and responsibility
Essential
- Takes responsibility for decisions and actions taken.
- Maintains a high standard of work and actively seeks out continuous improvement.
- Demonstrates initiative within own area of expertise.
- Takes responsibility for identifying and addressing areas of personal and professional development.
Please note – these are key performance outcomes to be used to recruit into the role. Successful applicants will be assessed against all the performance indicators used in the Performance Development Review System once established in the role.
Job profile
Job title: Transactions Assistant
Job location: HQ, Dundee
Responsible to: Transactions Manager
Principal working contacts
- Head of Finance & Corporate Governance (Care Inspectorate)
- Finance and Procurement Manager (Care Inspectorate)
- Transactions Manager
- Care Inspectorate and SSSC finance staff
- Care Inspectorate and SSSC departmental staff
- External stakeholders
- General public
Job purpose
To carry out a range of general administrative and clerical tasks which support the transactions section within the finance team, in line with the Care Inspectorate and SSSC policies and procedures.
Operational management
- Input and issue sales invoices.
- Input purchase invoices.
- Respond to regular purchase and sales invoice queries.
- Ensure ledger codes attached to purchase and sales invoices are consistent and accurate.
- Assist with processing payments and making sure all income is properly banked and receipted.
- Ensure receipting of good and services is carried out timeously.
- Reconcile supplier statements to the financial system.
- Review and ensure the accuracy of scheduled payments.
- Collate and reconcile income returns.
- Work with departmental staff on reconciling our internal systems.
- Follow established transaction control procedures and provide suggestions for improvement.
- Respond to sales invoice and purchase invoice queries by phone, email, letter and face to face.
- Assist with year end procedures within the timescales agreed with the Transactions Manager.
- Provide day to day guidance to end users on the use of the transactions systems.
- Assist with developing and implanting improvements to the transaction systems.
- Provide training to new users of the purchasing system.
- Maintain a purchasing and payment tracking system to ensure the proper control of cheques.
- Preparation of journals.
- Assist with reconciliation of income received to information recorded on our internal systems.
- Create and maintain debtor and creditor records within the financial system.
- Communicate with Care Inspectorate and SSSC staff, and customers in the pursuit of debt recovery, logging all correspondence in the relevant customer account.
- Responding to purchase invoice queries while providing excellent customer service.
- Carry out any appropriate work to assist within the department as and when required Complete ad hoc reconciliations as required.
- Assist the finance team with ad hoc administration tasks as required.
Relationship management
- Ensure effective communication of the Care Inspectorate’s work with people who use care services, carers, relatives and advocates.
- Ensure effective working protocols in accordance with the Care Inspectorate’s Organisational Development, Finance & Corporate Governance, ICT and Operations function.
- Demonstrate a commitment to the Care Inspectorate’s aims, vision and values and to the Care Inspectorate’s overall objective of improving care in Scotland.
- Carry out your duties in accordance with our Health and Safety policies, procedures, guidance, practices and legislative requirements, taking reasonable care for your safety and that of others who may be affected by what you do or fail to do while at work.
Other duties
This job description is a broad picture of the post at the date of preparation. It is not an exhaustive list of all possible duties, and it is recognised that jobs change and evolve over time.
Consequently, this is not a contractual document and post holder will be required to carry out any other duties to the equivalent level that are necessary to fulfil the purpose of the job, and to respond positively to changing business needs.
Improvement Support Officer – Quality Improvement Support Team
Job Title: Improvement Support Officer – Quality Improvement Support Team
Salary: £30,495 - £31,740
Hours: 35 hours per week
Location: Flexible (Any Care Inspectorate office)
Contract: Temporary to 17 March 2026
About us
We are the independent scrutiny and improvement support body for social care and social work services in Scotland. We provide assurance for people who experience care services, their families, carers and the wider public, as well as supporting delivery partners to improve the quality of care for people in Scotland. Our vision is for world-class social care and social work in Scotland, where everyone in every community experience high-quality care, support, and learning, tailored to their rights, needs, and wishes.
We inspect individual care services, and we also work with other scrutiny bodies to inspect the social care and social work services people are experiencing in their local areas.
Our desire is to achieve an effective and balanced way of working, which enables us to meet organisational needs and achieve a work-life balance that promotes wellbeing and collaboration opportunities. We are moving towards the expectation that all staff will work collaboratively, within and across teams, in person, for approximately 40% of their working week.
About the role
To backfill a secondment, we are looking for an Improvement Support Officer to join the Quality Improvement Support Team (QIST).
The QIST team provides specialist quality improvement knowledge and skills to the social care workforce, provider groups and Care Inspectorate colleagues. We support, educate, and enable others to improve how they help people who experience care in Scotland. Working collaboratively is key to how we work, whether that work is universal, targeted or specialist.
Our wide-ranging experience of quality improvement helps us to have meaningful conversations with all partners. Using the Model for Improvement, including PDSA cycles, we enable services to develop, implement and reflect on their change projects.
We work collaboratively with our Scrutiny and Assurance colleagues to ensure that improvements are made alongside existing inspection frameworks and services’ own self-evaluation processes.
This role requires a high level of engagement with the Health and Social Care Improvement team and other associated improvement projects, our inspectors, service providers, external partners as well as stakeholders from across the organisation.
The purpose of the role is to provide effective high-quality projects and business support to the QIST team. The role supports the implementation of improvement approaches to support the Care Inspectorate’s improvement strategy, which is aligned to the Corporate Plan. Also, to support the delivery and implementation of QIST improvement work, ensuring the needs of all customers are met in a consistent, efficient, and effective manner.
About you
The successful candidate will be educated to SCQF level 5 (for example, credit standard grade, national 5, skills for work national 5, national certificate, national progression award, modern apprenticeship or SVQ) or have relevant skills and experience in administration or business support. The ideal candidate will have a suitable qualification in administration and business studies at SCQF level 6 or greater.
You’ll be an excellent communicator, highly organised and able to plan and manage your time and work streams efficiently and effectively. In addition, you’ll understand that priorities and deadlines can change quickly, and you’ll respond flexibly and effectively. You’ll be confident in using your own initiative and keen to support the QIST team to continually improve. Your attention to detail is meticulous and you’ll have a clear commitment to maintaining high standards.
The preferred candidate will be a great team worker and nurture good working relationships. Excellent word processing and IT skills with experience of Microsoft applications are needed as well as diary management and minute taking.
This post will give the opportunity for the post holder to learn more about quality improvement methodology and support the wider quality improvement activities of the team, such as improvement workshops, webinars, and projects. There will also be the opportunity to undertake a quality improvement qualification appropriate to the role.
Next steps
You’ll find more information in the job profile and person specification.
If you would like more information or an informal chat about the role, please contact: Louise Kelly Senior Improvement Adviser on 078 258 42156 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
If you believe that your skills, experience and motivation make you a suitable candidate for this post, please complete an application form and return it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 08.00 on Monday 24 June 2024. Potential candidates must also fill in this equal opportunities monitoring survey.
The selection for this post will include an interview and a skills exercise. It will be held online using Teams on Thursday 11 July 2024.
Person specification
Job title: Improvement Support Officer – Quality Improvement Support Team (QIST)
Attributes
Experience
Essential
• Experience of providing high quality business and customer support.
• Experience of servicing meetings, including scheduling and minute taking.
• Experience of working autonomously.
• Co-ordinating and supporting multiple projects.
Desirable
ICT technical support/ organising and facilitating webinars.
Education, training and qualifications
Essential
The successful candidate will be educated to SCQF level 5 (for example, credit standard grade, national 5, skills for work national 5, national certificate, national progression award, modern apprenticeship or SVQ) or have relevant skills and experience in administration or business support.
Desirable
Qualifications or skills and experience at SCQF 6 in administration or business studies.
Skills and knowledge
Essential
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Good working knowledge of IT packages, including spreadsheets, Microsoft Applications, and database input.
• Experience of developing processes and procedures. § Ability to manage conflicting priorities and work to tight deadlines/plan and prioritise workloads.
• Ability to translate plans into action.
Key Performance Outcomes
Effective communication
Essential
• Ability to prepare reports and other written communication to a high standard.
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely and to adapt communication to suit different audiences.
• Ability to form constructive working relationships with people at all levels in the organisation.
Desirable
Experience communicating/ liaising with senior members of the organisation.
Objective decision making
Essential
• Demonstrates analytical and systematic approach to problem solving.
• Considers Care Inspectorate values in relation to the impact of their decisions.
• Considers the wider context in which the Care Inspectorate operates.
• Understands the limits of their knowledge and experience and when decisions need to be referred to others.
Desirable
Ability to express and present complex information.
Planning and organisation
Essential
• Ability to react to changing priorities and to prioritise conflicting demands.
• Ability to plan workload effectively in the short, medium, and long term in conjunction with their line manager and work to strict deadlines.
• Demonstrates attention to detail for both numerate and literate work.
• Ability to show initiative and work without close supervision.
Flexibility
Essential
• Encourages a flexible, positive approach to work in their team.
• Applies rules and procedures sensibly and understands where flexibility is required.
Improvement focus
Essential
• Contributes to the development of operational processes and systems.
• Ability to use knowledge and experience to gather and consolidate information to make appropriate improvements.
• Demonstrate initiative, drive and determination to complete tasks and achieve objectives.
Team working
Essential
• Ability to contribute to and support the work and decisions of the team.
• Ability to work co-operatively and supportively with others.
About Us
Inspector - Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) (0)
The early learning and childcare expansion…
Role: Inspector - Early Learning and Childcare (ELC)
Location: Forth Valley, Borders, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, Edinburgh & Glasgow
Salary: £31,083 - £39,069 plus excellent benefits
Hours: 140 hours to be worked over a 4-week period
Contract: Permanent or 2-year secondment (would be considered)
Join us and make a difference – for you, for everyone
It’s our job to ensure care for everyone, everywhere in Scotland is as good as it can be. If you are as passionate about high-quality care as we are, and you’re experienced in your field, we’d love to hear from you.
About us
As a national scrutiny body that supports improvement. We inspect care services and partnerships across Scotland, report on the quality of care people experience, and support improvements in services to facilitate improvements in outcomes for people.
We inspect care services individually. We also work with other scrutiny bodies to inspect the social care and social work services people are experiencing in local areas.
We champion high-quality care whenever we encounter it across the thousands of inspections, we carry out each year, and we work closely with all care providers to support them to improve all the time. We collaborate with other organisations too, supporting improvement across public services. Our work plays a big role in reducing health and social inequalities between people and communities.
We are looking for talented people to join us in making a difference - specialists who understand how to put people’s needs, rights and choices at the heart of delivering social services – and how to lead improvement too. Our 600 staff work with services across the public, voluntary and private sectors. We have offices across Scotland and many of our staff work from home.
About you
Whether early or established in your career, you will share our determination that care, social work and justice services should work well for people – every time. You’ll be confident about what good-quality care looks like and how to deliver it. You’ll be good at analysing information and evidence. You will have excellent writing skills for narrative inspection reports that are clear, concise and focused on outcomes. You will be confident in working with a wide range of people and at supporting and advising on improvement.
You’ll currently be working, or have significant experience in, social care, social work, health, children’s services, early learning, child protection, or community learning and development. You will be registered or eligible to register with a professional body like the SSSC, NMC or GTC.
About the role
Our care inspectors work with care services: childminders, nurseries, care homes, care at home, housing support and a host of other specialist services. A specialist in your field, you may have helped lead a service and have a strong track record in delivering quality. You’ll be adept at leading improvement and influencing others. You will work with people experiencing care, and care service providers, managers and staff.
Why join us?
We strive to be a great employer, knowing that competitive salary, leave and pension schemes are only part of that. We pride ourselves on the values we hold, person-centred; fairness; respect; efficiency and integrity - all supported with a culture of care and kindness.
We believe in collective leadership and innovation. You’ll have a lot of autonomy to manage your own work and use the professional skills you’ve honed during your career – but in new ways. Starting on day one, our learning and development support will help you become confident in the craft of scrutiny and in supporting improvement. Because a lot of your role is about sharing effective practice across Scotland, the impact you can have on experiences and outcomes for people is significant. You will draw on management and leadership skills you’ve developed in the past.
We’re proud to be a progressive, supportive employer – we’re happy to talk about flexible working with you and we’re members of the Disability Confident Scheme, aiming to make the most of the talents disabled people can bring to the workplace.
New appointments will normally be placed on the minimum grade for the role; a higher starting salary may be offered in exceptional circumstances only.
ELC expansion
The Scottish Government is committed to expanding the provision of funded Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) from 600 hours to 1140 hours per year by 2020. The expansion of ELC is aimed to support the reduction in the poverty-related attainment gap and improve long term outcomes for children and families.
Due to the ELC expansion programme we are looking for 7 further ELC Inspectors in addition to the “business as usual” Inspector campaign launched recently.
Principles and aims
The priority for the expansion to 1140 hours is to improve children's outcomes and close the poverty-related attainment gap. In addition, the expansion aims to support parents into work, study or training. The Scottish Government's four principles of the ELC expansion are: quality, flexibility, affordability, and accessibility.
The Scottish Government has stated that quality is 'at the heart' of the expansion and that achieving a high-quality ELC experience for children is a key objective.
Use and provision
A 2018 survey found that the main reason why parents use funded ELC is that they consider it beneficial for their child's learning and development. In addition, parents reported using the funded hours to either work, increase the number of hours they work, or look for work.
Funded ELC in Scotland is delivered by a wide range of providers including nurseries, crèches and playgroups, from across the public, private and third sectors. A small number of childminders also deliver funded ELC, but the Scottish Government hopes this number will increase under the expansion to 1140 hours.
Criteria to apply
- We require you to hold a relevant qualification (minimum SCQF Level 9), register with either the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) or any other relevant professional body and undertake PVG checks.
- You must also be prepared to do a Professional Development Award in Scrutiny and Improvement (Social Services) at SCQF level 10 with appropriate support from the organisation.
- You will have a minimum of three years recent and demonstrable management experience in a relevant field. You must also be willing to travel with overnight stays as required.
Before you apply
- Please contact the relevant body directly to resolve any queries you have regarding registration or eligible qualifications for registration (SSSC, NMC and so on) before submitting your application.
- For an informal chat about the job role, please contact (Who?) You or Kim Connolly, Team Manager on 07766133161
- For all other queries, please contact Human Resources at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
To apply
- If you are interested, please see the minimum criteria to apply as an Inspector and the specific guidance and directions to apply. Thereafter, click on the gateway questions link to apply.
- Your completed application form (campaign number C39 only forms) and equal opportunities form should be returned to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.no later than Monday, 14 October 2019 at 8.00am.
- We anticipate that selection days will take place in the week commencing Monday, 18 November 2019.