Historic Environment Scotland
Published: 28 September 2026
Building Capacity for Change: Scoping a Net Zero Self-Reflection Tool for Heritage Organisations
Host organisation: Historic Environment Scotland
Project title: Building Capacity for Change: Scoping a Net Zero Self-Reflection Tool for Heritage Organisations
Project description
The project sits within the delivery of the Skills Investment Plan (SIP) for Scotland's historic environment sector, which identifies the transition to net zero as a major priority. Key areas in the transition to net zero as defined by the SIP are: energy and carbon management, impacts, risk, and adaptation, circular economy, sustainable travel, sustainable procurement, retrofit and energy efficiency, biodiversity and nature-based solutions, and sustainable tourism.
Consultation with sector organisations revealed several challenges, including inconsistent training quality, poor alignment of available provision, limited organisational understanding of net zero competencies, and low awareness of existing training opportunities.
To address these issues, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is exploring the development of an organisational self-reflection tool that would enable organisations to assess their current level of net zero knowledge and capability, identify areas for improvement, and signpost them to relevant training and support. We have already completed mapping existing provision but research is required to scope what a self reflection tool could look like. Existing models, such as Adaptation Scotland's capability framework, provide a potential starting point for this work.
Evidence from the 2025 sector employers survey suggests that most organisations are still in the early stages of their net zero journey, with relatively few reporting that climate adaptation and sustainability are fully embedded within their operations. This highlights a significant need for support to help organisations develop skills and progress through different levels of maturity.
The research project will therefore investigate what an effective self-reflection tool might look like . It will involve interviewing stakeholders across the heritage and net zero sectors to understand organisational needs for such a tool, assess existing frameworks, and exploring opportunities for future development.
Outputs
Produce a short report, including methodology, findings and recommendations.
Present your findings to HES and key stakeholders.
In person/remote/hybrid
This opportunity is flexible and could be in-person in The Engine Shed, Stirling, Longmore House, Edinburgh, or home working or hybrid depending on the researcher's preference.
Benefits to the researcher
The research intern will benefit from the project by actively helping to understand and shape delivery of a programme to support organisational development in a net zero transition, and by learning to apply their research skills within this applied situation. They will gain insight into the work of both HES, the wider historic environment sector and those sectors working in the net zero space. For applicants without previous experience of conducting interviews, the project also offers a chance to develop that skill, and to broaden their networks. Depending on the skills and experience of the intern, interns with a digital background may have the opportunity to explore a digital solution for the self-reflection tool. However, this is not the main purpose of this project and candidates without a digital background will not be disadvantaged.
Key relationships
The researcher will work within the Strategy and Policy team, in the External Relations and Partnerships Directorate at HES, and work principally with the teams co-ordinating delivery of the Skills Investment Plan and the national strategy. They will also work with HES colleagues working in their areas of interest particularly the economic development and climate teams. There will also be opportunities to build relationships with a wide range of sector organisations particularly smaller community organisations, sector support bodies and organisation working in the climate space.
Subject areas
This opportunity would be relevant to the following subject areas:
Archaeology and Classics; Architecture; Cultural and Museum Studies; Archives; Information and Knowledge Management; Computational Studies; History; Linguistics; Media, Comms, Film & TV; Philosophy.
Person specification
A1. Knowledge Base
- Essential: Research methods – theoretical knowledge; Information Seeking.
- Desirable: Research methods – Practical application; Information literacy and management.
A2. Cognitive Abilities
- Essential: Analysing; Synthesising; Critical thinking; Problem Solving; Evaluating.
A3. Creativity
- Essential: Inquiring minds; Argument construction.
B1. Personal qualities
- Essential: Enthusiasm; Perseverance; Integrity; Responsibility.
B2. Self management
- Essential: Preparation and prioritisation; Commitment to research; Time management; Work-life balance.
C1. Professional conduct
- Essential: Health and Safety; Ethics, principles and sustainability; Respect and confidentiality; Appropriate practice.
C2. Research management
- Essential: Project planning and delivery.
D1. Working with others
- Essential: Collaboration.
First published: 28 September 2026