Scottish Graduate School for Arts & Humanities

Host organisation: Scottish Government

Project title: How history can support better policy making in the Scottish Government

Project description

Whilst the Civil Service benefits from the expertise of its professional communities in economics, research, analysis and science, history is not a distinct profession in the Civil Service.

A focus on the history of policy making could help support an understanding of the broader context for, and effectiveness of, government policy. Additionally, the use of historical information could help enable improved policy development and narrative shaping in the Scottish Government. Drawing on historical methods and expertise could support improved policy making through better understanding and analysis of the relevant historical policy context.

Through desk-based research and discussions with relevant policy teams, the intern would aim to produce one exemplar output, in the form of a narrative account of the history of a single, well-defined policy. This would serve as a pilot to demonstrate how such work could be done. The policy topic will be decided through discussion between the intern and the host team, taking account of the intern's expertise and interests.

Outputs

The key output will be a narrative account of the history of a single, well-defined policy. The intern would also document the process and lessons learned throughout the project, to help inform learning on how such work could be undertaken by officials for other policy topics.

In person/remote/hybrid

Hybrid.

Benefits to the researcher

The researcher will broaden and deepen their understanding of how policy has developed in Scotland since devolution. They will gain unique insights into the policy development process in the Civil Service, and the work of teams both in specific policy areas and in the strategic centre of government.

Key relationships

The research intern will work across a range of internal and external stakeholders. Internally they will liaise with a range of policy colleagues as part of the policy profession division. The programme will also involve developing engagement with external history experts.

Additional information - please read

All Scottish Government internships must last for 3 months FTE. Interns working in the Scottish Government will need to pass the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). This process takes around six weeks and must be completed before the intern can access Scottish Government systems. Part of this entails verifying that the intern meets the Civil Service Nationality Rules - see the Annex C flowchart to check eligibility for non-reserved posts. By applying for this internship, you are affirming that you have understood these requirements and expect to be able to pass BPSS.

Subject areas

This opportunity would be relevant to the following subject areas:

History; Cultural History; Political History; History of Science/Medicine/Technology; Economic and Social History; Scottish Studies.

Person specification

A1. Knowledge Base
  • Essential: Research methods – Practical application.
  • Desirable: Research methods – theoretical knowledge.
A2. Cognitive Abilities
  • Essential: Analysing; Evaluating.
  • Desirable: Critical thinking. 
B1. Personal qualities
  • Desirable: Responsibility.
B2. Self management
  • Essential: Commitment to research; Time management.
B3. Professional & career development
  • Essential: Networking.
C1. Professional conduct
  • Desirable: Attribution and co-authorship.
C2. Research management
  • Essential: Research Strategy; Project planning and delivery.
D1. Working with others
  • Essential: Influence and leadership; Collaboration.
D2. Communication & dissemination
  • Desirable: Communication methods.
D3. Engagement & impact
  • Essential: Teaching.
  • Desirable: Public Engagement.

First published: 28 September 2026

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