Bail and Release Act Data Analyst

Vacancy Type Temporary/Fixed Term Duration 12 Months Location Headquarters/Hybrid Pay Band E Salary E Band (£45,567 - £48,930) Closing Date 11/12/2025, 12:00 Hours of work Normal Office Hours Full or Part Time Full-Time Weekly Hours 35 Job Purpose This is a temporary 12 month post. The Jobholder will sit within SPS’s small Data and Analysis team (reporting to the Head of D&A) but will support the work of the Bail and Release Act Project Team in the Policy Directorate . The position holder will support with the implementation of the Bail and Release Act They will be a key contributor to SPS’s Data Strategy project that has been created to deliver a wide ranging and systematic programme of work aimed at enabling SPS to become a more data mature organisation in line with wider public service reform expectations. Acting as a single point of contact for data related to the implementation of the Bail and Release Act, they will contribute to building capacity and capability in relation to performance reporting across the business, and ensure that all local and functional data-related processes and tools align with the work ongoing corporately to improve data quality, accessibility and completeness. Having good quality data for SO3 is particularly important at a time when a rise in population is significant across the estate and impacts on the implementation of the Bail and Release Act and the potential for Emergency Release process delivery. The person in this post will also be a critical enabler for SPS in terms of responding to changes in the Law, Partnership Working Commitments, Legal Challenges, reporting requirements and Judicial Reviews. Responsibilities Quality assuring a range of ad hoc data requests related to prisoner numbers, population planning and movement, particular parliamentary data requests / policy briefings (including stronger quality assurance for FOI responses and Parliamentary Questions) and requests on sensitive topics (e.g. Early Release), with support from the Head of Function. Providing Policy contributions to existing strategic data products i.e. PowerBI dashboards internally, and SPS’s external-facing ‘Public Information Page’ (PiP). Documenting existing data collection processes for SO3 (particularly as they relate to Release/Return to Custody and Significant Incident Reporting) and develop ops-friendly guidance and training to improve data quality and provide analytical assurance across the estate. Design and support operationalisation of new bail and release products, case management products for SO3 as appropriate – to understand service delivery in the broadest sense, and enable robust performance arrangements for the forthcoming changes in Bail and Release and Case Management. Supporting a range of internal and externally - led scoping, research and data linkage initiatives Develop, coordinate, deliver and maintain new systems and processes – including national Management Information metrics and dashboards, and new bespoke databases created for the delivery of specific elements of the project. Person Specification SPS recruitment and selection practice is based on the fundamentals of our Competencies for Success Framework. This identifies behaviours and standards required both of applicants seeking to join us, and our staff in their respective roles. Assessment of specific behaviours, of which there are eight, will be determined by the role you are applying for. Whilst it is unlikely you will be assessed on all of them, you will be assessed on those identified as key to role. Qualification Requirements The Jobholder must be educated to at least Highers Standard or have relevant experience. ESSENTIAL Knowledge, Skills and Experience Requirements Be proficient in the use of Business Objects, PR2, Excel, SharePoint and Office 365, including Power BI. ESSENTIAL Knowledge of the prison service, particularly the elements that sit within the Bail and Release (Scotland) Act 2023. DESIRABLE Have to have significant analytical skills and be able to interpret a wide range of data sources. ESSENTIAL Have strong administrative skills, including numeracy and technical skills. ESSENTIAL Behaviour Requirements Listen & Communicate Accountability & Initiative Plan & Organise Change & Improve Selection method 1 Interview