Scottish Funding Council

Business Analyst

• Conduct research and analysis of SFC operations, processes, and systems to identify areas for improvement and optimisation that align with our digital goals and strategic ambitions.
• Gather, analyse, and document business requirements from stakeholders and develop functional specifications.
• Collaborate with cross-directorate teams to develop and implement new processes and systems to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Identify and analyse trends, patterns, and insights to make informed decisions and develop actionable recommendations for process improvements that support digital and modernisation.
• Work with IT to design, develop, and implement automated workflows and reporting solutions to support business operations that align with the goals of SFC.
• Working with a project manager to support the development of project plans, timelines, and deliverables that align with the strategic goals of SFC.
• Develop and maintain project and process documentation, including requirements, design, test plans, and user manuals, that support the delivery of Digital Transformation.
• Support the development and maintenance of key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor business performance that quantifies value and return of our digital investments.

Senior Business Analyst – Grade E3

General

• Support the implementation and ongoing development of the Knowledge Exchange and Innovation Fund (KEIF), including associated knowledge exchange metrics.
• Contribute to the development of clear, accessible guidance and communications for institutions and stakeholders, supporting consistent understanding and delivery of policy.
• Support the coordination of KE data collection, returns and information requests, providing analysis and insight to inform monitoring and policy development.
• Assist in monitoring delivery, outcomes and emerging impacts at an institutional and sector level, helping to demonstrate the value of SFC investment.
• Undertake KE&I research and analysis to inform advice and guidance for internal colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively to support engagement with key stakeholders, including universities and Scottish Government officials.
• Contribute to the design and delivery of cross directorate research and innovation activity, supporting joined up working and coherence across SFC policy areas.

Policy Officer – Grade E2

Human Resources

• Partner with Directors, senior leaders and managers to deliver strategic HR solutions aligned with organisational goals and transformation priorities. Support Directors and their teams with building a positive working culture as we transform our service model and implement new ways of working.
• Provide expert HR advice to business areas on employee relations, performance management, organisational change and development, and workforce planning.
• Working as part of the team, lead on implementing and consolidating HR and OD developments within business areas across the organisation: such as resourcing, succession planning, employee engagement and culture programmes.
• Support the implementation of SFC’s equality, diversity, and inclusion strategies, contributing to a culture of inclusion and belonging.
• Working as part of the team, ensure managers are given appropriate support to handle complex casework, ensuring compliance with HR policies, employment legislation and best practice.
• Use HR metrics and trends to inform business decisions and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with the wider HR team to deliver effective learning and development interventions in business areas and across the organisation.
• Contribute to policy development and review, ensuring SFC remains compliant and well-positioned to be an employer of choice.

HR Business Partner, Grade E3

• Reporting to the Deputy Director, lead the design, implementation and ongoing delivery of a modern HR business partnering and advisory model aligned to SFC’s corporate strategy, values and objectives.
• Lead the HR business partnering team to provide a service of trusted support to Directors, senior leaders and managers: offering expert and evidence-based advice support and guidance on all aspects of people management, organisational development, performance and workforce planning.
• Lead the HR business partnering team to provide professional advice as required on employee relations matters, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment, taking account of advice and support from other HR team leads where appropriate, and ensuring consistency with SFC’s established policies and legal obligations.
• Partner with Directors and their leadership teams to drive and support systemic organisational change initiatives, in collaboration with colleagues from within the People & Transformation team and the wider Corporate Services directorate. This includes collaborating to identify talent needs, develop succession plans, and implement effective recruitment practice, workforce planning, retention, and development approaches within their business areas.
• Build effective working relationships across the organisation, representing SFC’s interests and values in all interactions.
• Role-model an adaptable approach to prioritisation to enable delivery and to support individuals and teams to find solutions in the context of shifting needs and demands.

Senior HR Business Partner – Grade M1

People Operations

• Contribute to the high-level oversight of all people aspects of SFC
• Draw on experience to provide constructive challenge through insightful questioning and provide appropriate strategic guidance and HR specialist expertise
• Development and implementation of the SFC People Strategy
• Overseeing the Transformation Programme which will deliver a redesigned funding body
• Determining and approving the framework for the remuneration of the Chief Executive
• Providing guidance and support to the Chief Executive in relation to the process for selecting and appointing Executive Directors
• Supporting the process for external appointments to Board Committees
• Make a full contribution to the work of the committee and bring relevant expertise and experience

External Committee Member, People Committee

Financial Planning and Analysis

• Provide high-quality financial analysis and insight to assess the risks to the financial health (viability and long-term financial sustainability) of colleges and universities, to support decision-making, robust financial planning and investment appraisals.
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with colleges and universities and other stakeholders through a finance business partnering approach.
• Provide advice on financial governance and risk management, and on compliance with the SFC Financial Memorandum (FM), Scottish Public Finance Manual (SPFM) and other relevant governance and financial frameworks.
• Prepare and present clear, concise internal and external financial advice, to institutions and to the Scottish Government, on specific matters within the remit of the role.
• Review and provide feedback on the financial strategies of colleges and universities to ensure that they are credible, deliver value for money and contribute to national outcomes.
• Review and consider colleges’ and universities’ requests for approvals under the SFC Financial Memorandum (FM), Scottish Public Finance Manual (SPFM)
• Represent SFC in discussions with external bodies, including Audit Scotland, UK funding bodies, and government departments.
• Ensure continuous professional development including maintaining up-to-date knowledge of technical accounting standards, public sector finance developments, and governance codes.
• Contribute to continuous improvement across the SFC, including taking the lead on developmental areas such as engaging with Universities’ Transparent Approach to Costing (TRAC) data.

Senior Business Analyst – Grade E3

Policy Officer – Grade E2

HR Business Partner, Grade E3

Senior HR Business Partner – Grade M1

External Committee Member, People Committee

Finance Business Partner – Grade E3