Programme Support Officer

Programme Support Officer
AfC Band 5 (£33,247 - £41,424) plus a High Secure Environmental Allowance of £1,750.47 per annum

Hours
– 37

Contract Duration
– Permanent

Post Details
This post will be responsible for providing a full range of programme/project support to the
Forensic Network
. The Forensic Network was established by Scottish Government in 2003 to support a pan-Scotland approach to the development of forensic mental health services, to overview processes for determining the most effective care for patients accessing forensic services, and to address issues around patient pathways

The Programme Support Officer will be required to plan, manage and co-ordinate administrative elements of all programmes of work. This will include building on, developing and maintaining a programme support infrastructure in line with a recognised Project Management methodology. The role will also involve providing support to professional groups, short life working groups and representing the Forensic Network and School of Forensic Mental Health (SoFMH) at meetings, all of which require the post holder to contribute to the formulation and adjustment of plans or strategies, and to provide key input into decision-making processes.

Experience
Degree or equivalent level of experience in business and project support, alongside a qualification in a recognised project management methodology (e.g. PRINCE2). Experience of data analysis and an in-depth knowledge of standard Microsoft365 software packages. Knowledge of the Forensic Network and experience of working with senior NHS staff is desirable.

Closing Date
– The closing date for applications is 23/11/25. For an informal discussion please contact Caroline Kelly, Forensic Network Manager )

If you have any queries or require assistance regarding the application form or recruitment process, please contact the HR Team on to discuss your requirements.

Other Important information -
NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society. It should be noted that the State Hospital is a high secure hospital and the current organisational position based on a risk assessment is that we welcome applications from people under the age of 18 for non clinical roles however to be eligible for a clinical role applicants should be 18 years and older. Should you have any questions in relation to this please contact

Right to Work –
To work in the United Kingdom, there is a legal requirement for an individual to demonstrate that they have the relevant permission to work in the country. This permission is, without exception, granted by the UK Visa and Immigrations Service.   As part of the pre-employment checks for a preferred candidate, NHS Scotland Boards will check this entitlement to work in the UK. It can be evidenced through a number of routes including specific types of visa, and settled and pre-settled status. To find out more about these routes of permission, and if you can demonstrate such cover, please refer to the GOV.UK website here.   For specific types of post, it might be possible to secure sponsorship via a UK Skilled Worker/Health & Care Worker Visa. However, this is only possible if the employer is a licenced Sponsor, and if the post does not fall below the current minimum salary threshold or 'going rate'. Further information on these criteria can be found here.  Please note that the State Hospital is NOT licensed to issue certificates of sponsorship under current UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) regulations. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship to work with us.  It is ESSENTIAL that you have checked that you have an appropriate right to work in the UK BEFORE applying.

Reduced Working Week* -
Starting from 1 April 2024, the working week for NHS Agenda for Change workers in Scotland will be reduced.  Full-time hours will be reduced from 37.5 to 37 hours, and part-time staff will get a pro-rata reduction in their working hours without losing any earnings. Although the State Hospital will implement this change, it may not be possible to transition fully from 1 April. Therefore, there may be some areas in the organisation where implementation may take longer. If the department cannot safely accommodate the reduced hours from 1st April, you may be required to work 37.5 hours per week (pro rata for part-time staff) until the department can meet the requirements without impacting patient safety. Of course, you will be remunerated accordingly. The State Hospital is committed to fully implementing the 37-hour working week across all areas as soon as it is safe to do so.