About the Scottish Parliament

Tom joined the Parliament as an apprentice and now works in the Digital Communications and Content team. He shares his experience of progressing into a permanent role.

What do you do and what’s your favourite part of it?

I’m a Systems and Performance Officer which means I’m responsible for maintaining the website and the systems which make it up. I love my job for loads of reasons, but I think the fact that there's never a boring day has to be the main reason I keep coming back. On any given day I could be analysing statistics, updating the website, attending meetings, training colleagues, researching new ways to do things, and designing new content for our users – I certainly don't have a boring job that's for sure!

What’s your favourite memory of working at the Scottish Parliament?

My favourite memory of working at the Scottish Parliament has to be day that I completed my Modern Apprenticeship and accepted a full-time post. It’s my favourite because it felt like a vindication of the decision, I had made the decision to pause my studies and pursue the apprenticeship. There were quite a few drinks and laughs with the other Apprentices that night.

What advice would you give someone thinking of applying for a role at the Scottish Parliament?

I would say to them to trust their experience. Just because the Parliament is a well known, national organisation doesn’t mean that it’s inaccessible. If you think you have the right experience but are worried that you don’t, trust that you are good enough. 

Lisanne is a member of our ParliAble staff network. ParliAble raises awareness and advocates for disability issues for everyone who works, visits or engages with the Parliament.

What do you do and what’s your favourite part of it?

I’m the Resilience and Sustainability Engagement Manager for the Scottish Parliament. I’m responsible for ensuring that areas such as sustainable development, health and safety, organisational resilience and business continuity are embedded within the organisation, linking in with our values. This means I get to work with a variety of people in a variety of ways – which is my favourite part of the role.

What’s your favourite memory of working at the Scottish Parliament?

In my previous role as Facilities Manager, I worked on a wide range of exciting projects from renovations to high profile events. One of my favourite memories is when I was acting as compere for our 20th anniversary celebrations in 2019. It was great being able to celebrate the Parliament whilst talking to people from across Scotland who attended the event. It was a great day.

What advice would you give someone thinking of applying for a role at the Scottish Parliament?

For anyone thinking about applying for a role, I would say go for it! Working for a high profile, political institution may feel daunting, but the Parliament offers so many opportunities to get involved in a wide range of areas which help you to grow and develop.

Mark, who works as a British Sign Language (BSL) Development Officer, remembers his first day at Parliament.

What do you do and what’s your favourite part of it?

In my role, I’m responsible for the implementation of the BSL plan and can advise with all matters relating to BSL including sourcing interpreting and translations, and learning BSL. I also maintain the Parliament’s BSL Facebook group.

My favourite part of the job is increasing the visibility of BSL in the work that the Scottish Parliament do – especially when parliamentary business is being broadcast.

What’s your favourite memory of working at the Scottish Parliament?

Unfortunately due to the pandemic, I only worked in Holyrood for 9 months before having to switch to working from home so I haven’t had that much time there. However I do have a lovely recollection from my first day – I had to check in at security at the main entrance and was greeted by a security staff member.

I quickly informed her of being Deaf, expecting communication barriers to arise – but I was so surprised when she responded by signing in BSL what procedures I had to follow. Having this unexpected access to communication was such a big confidence boost.

What advice would you give someone thinking of applying for a role at the Scottish Parliament?

Go for it, as opportunities like this might not come around often – and it’s such an incredible and supportive environment to work in. Just be prepared to be slightly overwhelmed by the number of teams and staff you will likely meet, but I think the term “fake it till you make it” applies well – you’ll eventually get there!

Edna works in our Business IT office as an Analyst Developer.

What do you do and what’s your favourite part of it?

I work on projects as a software developer and my role also includes supporting the Parliament’s current applications. What I enjoy the most about my role is that I get to help develop very interesting applications that enable Parliamentary business.

What’s your favourite memory of working at the Scottish Parliament?

Working at the Parliament gives you opportunities that you wouldn’t otherwise have access to. One of my favourite memories was attending the Queen’s Garden party with a family member. It was such an amazing experience!

What advice would you give someone thinking of applying for a role at the Scottish Parliament?

The Parliament is a prestigious organisation to join and be a part of. I would encourage anyone considering applying for a role to do so. The learning and opportunities that are presented to you can give you a massive platform for future success.

Ewan is part of our Participation and Communities Team and he helps the Scottish public share their views.

What do you do and what’s your favourite part of it?

I’m a Community Participation Specialist. I work with communities around Scotland to ensure that people can have their voices and opinions heard in Parliament in order to make sure that the decisions taken here are better informed.

What’s your favourite memory of working at the Scottish Parliament?

My favourite memory doesn’t actually involve being in the Parliament at all but rather being out and about in different parts of the country meeting local groups to help involve them in the work of the Parliament.

I’m much more comfortable in a community centre than a committee room and I can’t wait for the opportunity to get back out again. Online sessions have had their advantages and will continue in certain situations but the value of face to face can’t be understated.

What advice would you give someone thinking of applying for a role at the Scottish Parliament?

Go for it. I think maybe sometimes people can have a certain impression of big institutions like the Scottish Parliament and think that it isn’t for them. I was a bit like that when I started but people are friendly and supportive and you very quickly realise where you can add value. You’ll bring a fresh experience to the Parliament and that’s always a good thing.

Tom is a Communications Manager in the Parliament Communications Office and he works closely with MSPs.

What do you do and what’s your favourite part of it?

Every day is different, but on a typical day I might be:

• writing communications strategies for committee inquiries
• fielding inquiries from journalists
• producing written content for the Parliament’s website and social media platforms
• working with a team to develop an engaging digital consultation
• recording video or audio clips with MSPs or Parliament staff

My favourite part of the role is knowing that I am working to help with elected MSPs from across Scotland to make the country a better place.

What’s your favourite memory of working at the Scottish Parliament?

Working in the Parliament immediately after an election was a real highlight. It was fascinating to witness the new government come together and hear about the ambitions of new MSPs. I helped ensure that MSPs were briefed on the support our office could provide and produced content to explain the procedures and the purpose of new committees. I also had the opportunity to work on the official opening ceremony, which was attended by the Queen. MSPs were able to invite local heroes to attend and I was privileged to be able to help communicate their stories with the media.

What advice would you give someone thinking of applying for a role at the Scottish Parliament?

I would encourage anybody thinking of applying to do it. The Parliament employs people from a range of backgrounds and is a fantastic place to work. There are real opportunities to develop your skills and people value suggestions of new or different ways to do things.

Sameerah previously worked as a Committee Assistant, but she recently moved into a new administrative role.

What do you do and what’s your favourite part of it?

I’ve changed jobs and now I’m an Administrator within the Legal Services and Solicitor’s Team. I’ve been in the team for 2 months now. I’m part of a small administrative team that deals with the Solicitor’s duties. I also deal with legislation and processing it.

My favourite part of my current role is that the administrative work is really productive and also I like being a part of this process. The role keeps me on my toes as it challenges me to always do better.

What’s your favourite memory of working at the Scottish Parliament?

My favourite memory of working at the Scottish Parliament is when the BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) Network held a Ramadan event in 2019. The event aimed to spread awareness about Ramadan and fasting.

This event was a massive success. It was great to see that not only did our Parliamentary colleagues attend, but MSPs were there too. I did my part by giving a speech to say what my experience was, like fasting while working too. The feedback was positive and great. Overall, it was an amazing experience.

What advice would you give someone thinking of applying for a role at the Scottish Parliament?

Be ambitious, focused and outgoing when you apply for a role at the Scottish Parliament. Just be yourself and be a hardworking individual who wants to achieve their best.