Project Support Officer

Job Description

Are you organised, creative and enjoy working on learning and support projects that help to share knowledge, best practice, upskill, and build capacity in Scotland? Perhaps you have an interest in the built environment, climate change and renewable energy?

The Improvement Service (IS) are recruiting a full-time Project Support Officer to provide programme and project support for the National Planning Improvement team (NPI).

The National Planning Improvement team is responsible for monitoring the performance of planning authorities and providing advice to them (and others) on what steps might be taken to improve their performance through the National Planning Improvement Framework and supporting the delivery of the National Planning Hub.

The Project Support Officer will be an important part of a small and agile team delivering this exciting and ground-breaking work and support the delivery of the National Planning Hub (NPH).

Key Skills and Experience

• Ability to provide project support for the delivery of training and support programmes to share knowledge and best practice, upskill, build capacity, and support changes in partner organisations.
• Ability to support communications relating to the National Planning Hub to ensure that its ambitions and work are understood across the planning sector through a range of channels including the NPH website, MS Teams, Knowledge Hub, social media, reports, blogs, and newsletters.
• Ability to organise, setup, facilitate/present and follow up on learning events (online and offline), workshops and meetings.
• Ability to organise and prioritise workload, multi-task, and work to deadlines.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re seeking someone who is passionate about using their project support skills across a wide variety of learning and support programmes in areas such as renewable energy (hydrogen, onshore wind, and battery energy storage), housing and local development plans, public service reform and emerging digital and data such areas as AI and Datacentres. You will be confident in organising, setting up, facilitating/presenting, and following up on learning events, workshops, and meeting.

We would welcome applications from candidates from a range of backgrounds who are interesting in gaining new knowledge, skills and experience.

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to join a small team driving improvement in planning authorities. You’ll work in a highly collaborative environment with supportive colleagues and meaningful partnerships. You’ll be part of a dynamic, forward-thinking organisation and enjoy a progressive, flexible working culture.

• A generous annual leave entitlement of 41 days per year.
• Flexible working arrangements
• Opportunities for professional development.
• A supportive and inclusive work environment.

Information

Location: West Lothian Council Civic Centre, Howden South Road, Livingston, West Lothian, EH54 6FF with some travel throughout Scotland as required. 

It is anticipated that the role will involve a hybrid model of office and home working. This flexible approach will be agreed between employee and line manager.

Duration: Until 31^st March 2027, with possibility of extension

Hours of contract: Standard working week is 36 hours Monday to Friday. 

Advert closing date: 19th July 2026

Interview Date

A competence based in-person interview will take place on Friday 31st July 2026 (shortlisted candidates will be advised by email a week in advance of the interview).

For more information about competency-based interviews, see our 'Guide to Competency-based Interviews'.

Additionally, you may also find it beneficial to watch our Working at the Improvement Service Video. and read our current Business Plan 2025-26.

Background

The Improvement Service (IS) is a publicly funded company limited by guarantee, with a total annual budget in the region of £12 Million. We exist to support councils and their partners to improve the health, quality of life and opportunities of all Scottish people through community leadership, strong local governance and the delivery of high quality, efficient local services. 

Working for the IS means joining a team of professionals, who work together to strive for continuous improvement in the public sector and ultimately, better outcomes for Scotland’s communities. 

Our company headquarters are based in West Lothian, located conveniently for commuters between Edinburgh and Glasgow. Pay is only one of the benefits of working for the IS, our terms and conditions are progressive and flexible and employees are rewarded with a generous annual leave entitlement of forty one days per year as well as a flexible working policy. 

The IS is committed to promoting equality and diversity in all its activities to promote inclusive processes, practices and culture.

The IS is a Disability Confidence Committed Employer. We are committed to interviewing anyone with a disability who meets the essential criteria.