Graduate Development Programme: candidate guide 2026

About the role

Duties

The duties and responsibilities of the role will vary, as each work placement is different. 

As a graduate on the programme, you will be given details about each placement before starting in post, including the role description, location, and the duties required.

Placements are designed to help you develop leadership capability and professional skills across three specialist areas: Policy, Operational Delivery and Programme and Project Management.  

What to expect in your role

The types of work you will be undertaking include:

• developing new policies to help shape vital public services
• working with ministers, providing updates on key priorities
• undertaking research and planning communications with stakeholders
• managing complex projects and programmes of work
• supporting teams at the front line of public sector delivery

As a general guide, we expect graduates on the programme to:

• take responsibility, make decisions and deal positively with challenges
• show promise as a leader by working hard to fulfil your potential and show desire to develop leadership skills
• demonstrate leadership potential by embracing challenges and actively seeking opportunities to grow and develop your leadership skills.
• prioritise your workload, communicate well, be resilient, and support others
• be flexible and adapt to working in a variety of roles
• learn quickly, balance different interests, engage with colleagues and live our values

Placements will be based with Policy, Operational Delivery or Programme and Project Management teams. Examples of past placements include:

• Covid Inquiry Information Governance
• Mental Health and Crisis Support 
• International Development
• Violence Against Woman and Girls
• Climate Change – Blue Carbon
• Security and Business Continuity
• The First Minister’s Policy Unit

Working pattern

The standard working week on the programme is 35 hours over five days. We offer a range of flexible working options including flexitime, compressed hours and part-time working patterns.

We are happy to consider any applications for flexible working, if you would like to discuss this in advance of submitting an application, you can contact us at: ScottishGovernmentrecruitment@gov.scot

Location

Work location will vary depending on each placement. Graduates are typically based across the Central Belt, with travel to our Edinburgh or Glasgow offices required. 

While the specific location of each placement may vary, graduates should expect to spend most of their time working in an office-based environment. This provides valuable opportunities for collaboration, networking, and on-the-job learning. Some hybrid working is available. 

The split between locations varies based on individual circumstances and team requirements. Staff members who want to be office-based full-time also have the option to do so.

Probationary period

As with all Scottish Government roles, you will be required to complete a probationary period on joining the organisation. The probationary period for the Graduate Programme is nine months.