Principal Analyst - Population Insights

Temporary, 12 months The Scottish Prison Service is currently experiencing unprecedented population pressures, with a number of significant emergency initiatives being developed and delivered in response. In addition, a range of a range of data requirements are emerging from emergency resilience measures in place around Operation Anchor. This will create additional data analysis requirements around joint working with justice partners at rapid pace in response to contingency measures.

Recognising the challenges (and opportunities) presented by this context, there is an urgent requirement for this Principal Analyst post to enhance our capacity to generate insights related to the prison population and enable close analytical working with justice partners. Sitting within the Office of the Chief Executive, the postholder will work alongside the corporate Data & Analysis team to lead data assurance, analysis and reporting related to these emergency initiatives – thus helping SPS to meet its obligations as an effective prison service, as an Executive Agency of Scottish Government, and as a public body. Collaboration and partnership working will be a critical feature in this role, as the postholder will be working with legacy systems and constantly changing operational data.

The postholder will need to work with closely with SPS colleagues across directorates – as well as with a range of justice partner agencies – as part of governance groups created to oversee the emergency population response. The relationship and coordination with Justice Analytical Services and SG Policy colleagues will be particularly important given the need for robust modelling and analysis in support of Ministerial decision-making and Parliamentary scrutiny. This is a 12-month fixed term post based within SPS Headquarters (Edinburgh), however this role is open to hybrid working.

What you will lead: Data assurance, analysis and reporting related to emergency initiatives and working jointly with justice partners in doing so to address population pressures across the SPS estate. Line manage one Analyst, with the collective aim of ensuring that data collected across a variety of systems is accurate, fit for purpose and reportable. Development and implementation of performance and benefits frameworks that evidence impact.

Liaison, coordination and collaboration with Justice Analytical Services (JAS) to ensure delivery of actions agreed by key of governance groups, including modelling and analysis in support of Ministerial decision-making and Parliamentary scrutiny. What you will bring: Professional qualification to degree level or have significant relevant leadership experience with an understanding of data and analysis in support of business improvement. Experience of working as a senior manager within an analytical or business improvement role/function.

Experience of carrying out critical analysis of complex information derived from a variety of different qualitative and quantitative sources Experience communicating technical, complex information to non-technical colleagues In return, we offer a package that aims to look after your health and wellbeing (employee assistance programme and lifestyle screenings), work-life balance (flexible/hybrid working) and professional development. Not to mention a whole host of other benefits including 37 days’ annual leave (pro-rata), generous Civil Service Pension and access to our employee discounts and savings scheme. For further information on this opportunity, including the full job description/person specification and applicant pack, please visit our Careers page on the Scottish Prison Service website.

Closing date: 20 July 2026.41bf1e1f-b16b-4260-a40a-17c77a06fd15