The Digital Fellowship Programme brings high impact specialists with key skills into the civil service to lead on key programmes of work. Bringing external skills and insight to share with Scottish Government.
The First Minister’s Digital Fellowship Programme brings the principles, values, and practices of the innovation economy into government through the most effective agents of change we know: our people.
This programme seeks talented, diverse technologists and innovators. Fellows work with top civil servants and change makers at the highest levels of the government to tackle some of our nation’s biggest challenges.
The Digital Fellowship aims to leverage outside industry expertise to work within government, to provide opportunities for industry to deliver key programmes whilst sharing their expertise and insights with existing civil servants.
The programme
Launched in 2018 the First Minister’s Digital Fellowship Programme is based on the US Government’s Presidential Innovation Programme. It is aimed at bringing in affordable commercial and technology expertise from industry to generate shared learning.
Fellowships are temporary postings within the Scottish Government or agencies.
Postings last between six and 23 months, depending on the role being undertaken and agreements between organisations.
Placements are facilitated through secondment agreements where the fellow remains an employee of their own organisation. Whilst on the programme they retain their current salary and benefits, paid by their employer.
Postings are identified and advertised across various networks. Roles available are senior digital posts with specific skill requirements where we have a critical requirement for someone with the expertise and industry insight.
Fellows are fully embedded within programmes and are responsible for delivery and leadership of their business area. They are provided with the resources and support required to deliver. Fellows are expected to share insight and skills with permanent civil servants. In return they are provided with access to new connections and a chance to lead on critical programmes of work.
Building our links with industry
Joining as a Fellow gives you a unique opportunity to develop links with the public sector in Scotland, and to build your awareness of the networks and programmes of work that are in the public sector.
Learn more about the Digital Fellowship Programme or look for vacancies here.