Business Support Officer
Scottish GovernmentJobsCloseBy Editorial Insights
Food Standards Scotland is seeking a proactive Business Support Officer to join the Audit and Assurance team, delivering support, coordinating meetings, and driving audit milestones. You will manage information across Connect, SharePoint and EDRM, act as Information Management Support Officer, and provide support. The role offers broad exposure to FSS work. To apply, submit a CV and a supporting statement (up to 1000 words) addressing the Success Profile criteria, especially Data and Insight and Delivery at Speed, and showing how you communicate, influence and collaborate, with truthful examples. Assessments include interview and In‑Tray in w/c 17 Aug 2026; BPSS checks required; internal candidates and Common Citizenship Organisations eligible; external candidates not eligible. Hybrid working; deadline 3 August 2026 23:59.
Are you looking for a challenging, fast-paced, and rewarding role as part of a small and supportive team?
Food Standards Scotland (FSS) has a small Audit and Assurance team responsible for providing assurance that the delivery of food and feed controls in Scotland meets legal requirements and official guidance. The team is also responsible for coordinating and facilitating audits conducted by third countries.
This role provides business and executive support to the team and is integral to the delivery of audit programmes and other assurance-related work. There will be opportunities to be involved in all stages of the audit programme, from planning through to reporting, with a particular emphasis on maintaining the digital aspects of the work. As the team works remotely, it relies on digital solutions to support delivery within a fast-changing and complex work area.
This role offers experience across the full portfolio of work delivered by FSS, as well as broader exposure to the audit profession.
- Ensuring the efficient delivery of back-office services across the Division.
- Providing efficient, effective, and proactive support to the team as required.
- Organising and preparing meetings and events, prioritising tasks, and coordinating activities.
- Ensuring audit timescales and milestones are met.
- Assisting and supporting auditors at all stages of the audit cycle, including planning, evidence compilation and analysis, fieldwork, reporting, and follow-up.
- Maintaining process templates and content.
- Managing and sharing information across digital platforms, including Connect, SharePoint, and EDRM.
- Undertaking the role of Information Management Support Officer within the Division.
- Liaising and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders as the Divisional point of contact.
Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of behaviours, experience and technical criteria (if applicable) that candidates will be assessed on.
- Data and Insight – Demonstrates awareness of organisational and legal protocols for managing information, including the Data Protection Act, Declaration of Confidentiality, Official Secrets Act, Freedom of Information Act, and Electronic Media Policy. Understands procedures for managing customer information and data, including how to collect, retrieve, supply, retain, record, and dispose of information appropriately. Identifies and takes appropriate action when gaps, errors, or irregularities in information and data management occur.
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Delivery and Decision-Making at Speed – Works flexibly and at pace, and is able to advise customers on how to efficiently navigate and complete processes. Understands how to process financial transactions with customers, including receiving payments, calculating payments, and making payments. Understands their level of authority to make and confirm decisions, and when issues should be escalated, referred to others, or reported as risks.
- Solid experience in Operational Delivery, with a strong background in Help, Advice and Support roles.
- Communicating and Influencing - Level 2
- Working Together - Level 2
Recruitment Principles
As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.
Food Standard Scotland (FSS) was established by the Food (Scotland) Act 2015 as a non-ministerial office, part of the Scottish Administration, alongside, but separate from, the Scottish Government. Our primary concern is consumer protection – making sure that the food is safe to eat, ensuring consumers know what they are eating and improving nutrition.
Food Standards Scotland (FSS) has a wide and diverse remit which covers all aspects of the food chain which can impact on public health – aiming to protect consumers from food safety risks and promote healthy eating. Our mission is to be Scotland’s leading authority on food safety, standards and healthy eatting.
Our standard working hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the post. This role is hybrid compatible. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.
FSS employees currently work in a hybrid fashion. FSS’s Head Office is based in Pilgrim House in Aberdeen, and travel to meetings at this office would be expected on occasion. We do invite applications from outside this area, and there would be opportunities to work from an alternative Scottish Government building.