Graduate Jenna excels in role 'making a difference' at Scotland Excel

SOCIAL values and making a positive difference to society have always been on Jenna Heaney’s radar so when the opportunity arose to apply for the graduate trainee programme at Scotland Excel, she jumped at the chance.

Jenna, who graduated in politics from the University of Glasgow, saw the post advertised on the MyJobScotland website. “I’ve always been interested in the public sector and third sector and felt that my politics degree would be a good fit for Scotland Excel”, she says.

“The social value aspect of the organisation appealed to me – although I didn’t really know anything about public procurement,” Jenna admits. “However, making a difference was always important to me and community is important too – this seemed like the perfect opportunity to get involved in lots of different projects.”

Describing her role at Scotland Excel as “my first big girl job” after graduating, Jenna says that structure of the Scotland Excel graduate trainee programme also appealed to her, giving her the opportunity to work in different areas of the organisation and benefit from working in several different teams.

Scotland Excel is the Centre of Procurement Expertise for the local government sector. It was established in 2008 and works in partnership with all 32 local authorities in Scotland and more than 180 public and third sector organisations, which use contracts to source the range of goods and services they need, to deliver much-needed public services for communities across the country.

It is a non-profit procurement organisation funded by councils and associate members with a remit to collaborate with them to secure the best value for money and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public sector procurement in Scotland.

While the organisation works on nationally important frameworks that can affect millions of people, it also manages smaller frameworks that help the most vulnerable in society.

But there are also roles within Scotland Excel that cover a wide range of functions including marketing and communications, IT, HR, finance, account management, commercial projects, governance, and The Academy which supports continuous professional development by delivering flexible, accredited training for professionals across procurement, leadership, and project delivery.

The two-year graduate trainee programme has been running for over 10 years now and this year Scotland Excel is seeking five graduates with the minimum honours degree from any discipline who achieved a 2:1 or above (achieved or anticipated) or a post-graduate degree.

Jenna says: “I had no hesitation in applying and I really can’t believe that my two years are coming to an end. It’s such a great place to work and I want to remain here – I am applying for a new position at the moment.

“I think what’s been so valuable for me has been the way the structure has allowed me to figure out where my passions are,” she adds. “Working in various teams with different managers is something I’ve enjoyed too – each individual will have a slightly different approach, but the goals are always the same: teamwork, collaboration, knowing what you’re doing is benefiting so many people and, ultimately, helping shape Scotland’s future.”

In her current role, Jenna is working within the adult social care team and has been placed in a sub-team that oversee the national care home contract and residential rehabilitation. “It is very varied. We are working with the Scottish Government adhering to national policies on drugs and alcohol, for example.

“One of the things that interests me is working closely with providers – it really is fascinating and I learn something new every day,” she adds. “We tend to do three to four-month rotations as part of the programme and I’ve also had experience in the strategic procurement and the policy and governance teams.”

Living in the south side of Glasgow, Jenna can easily commute to the Scotland Excel office in Paisley and enjoys being in the office with colleagues. However, the organisation’s hybrid approach allows her to work from home usually a couple of days each week. “It has been hybrid since I started and it really has its advantages,” she says. “Scotland Excel is a very flexible organisation, and I benefit from working a nine-day fortnight.

“The holidays are excellent, too, and there’s a very good pension. These are all things to consider – I think it’s important to have a good work-life balance when your job is quite fast-paced.

“Would I recommend new graduates to apply for the programme at Scotland Excel? Yes, without a doubt. I’ve had the most fantastic experience here – working with passionate people who share my social values and colleagues who want to make a positive contribution to Scottish life.

“I’ve learned so much here – you are trusted to manage your own day and take on responsibility – and I love the fact that it’s always a team effort. You react to change and you learn new skills all the time. You can see the tangible output your work is having and it’s very satisfying.

“Scotland Excel also invests in you through its learning and development Academy – you’re actively encouraged to learn.”

If you think a career that supports Scotland’s social, economic, and environmental goals is for you, then more information is available on Scotland Excel’s Graduates page at https://home.scotland-excel.org.uk/work-for-us/graduate-trainee-programme/