Climate Change Adaptation: Mapping the evidence base and developing an evidence plan to support Scotland’s National Adaptation Plan

The aim of this project is to build on research needs mapping work carried out to date for SNAP3 and support the development of a strategic research and evidence plan for adaptation. This important work will support the implementation of the SNAP3 monitoring and evaluation framework. It will play a key role in developing the evidence base for the next national adaptation plan (SNAP4) and the planned 2027 review of the current M&E framework. Ultimately, this will support better evidence planning and both production and use of research, so that the policies in place to meet our current and future adaptation outcomes are increasingly evidence based.

Data with Impact – A collaborative model for developing data driven policy solutions

The project will be based with the ADR Scotland Engagement and Impact Team in the Office of the Chief Statistician. ADR Scotland is a multi million ESRC funded initiative, with the next ADR-UK investment period running from 2026-2031. The project is intended to support preparation for the rebid by setting in place a model approach to working with our partners to develop the Strategic Research Themes as an essential part of our future operations. 

Breaking down silo working – designing a systems approach to the process of developing food policy and creating metrics to assess effectiveness.

This project provides an exciting opportunity to work in a cross-cutting and dynamic policy area. The purpose of this project is to consider how to translate this novel legislative requirement into the day to day working practice across the Scottish Government. The project will identify options for how to embed a process of collaborative and cross policy working in relation to food policy across the Scottish Government. The project will also consider how the effectiveness of this process can be measured.

A case study approach to understanding system change in local child poverty support systems

This project is at the centre of a wide evaluation package that supports the national  priority to eradicate child poverty. Findings will feed into specific and practical policy design and implementation. This includes informing delivery of the Fairer Futures Partnerships and the development of the third and final delivery plan to eradicate child poverty.

In this highly sensitive and fast paced environment, the intern will be strongly supported by the Poverty and Place-based Research Team.  The team provides social research and analytical support on poverty policies, with a primary focus on child poverty. Policies to tackle child poverty are wide ranging and sit across different government departments. As such, the intern will have the opportunity to collaborate with analytical and policy colleagues across Scottish Government.

How can evidence help governments be better at preventing negative outcomes for citizens?

The Central Analysis Division is working with the Strategy Division on a programme of work on prevention in Scotland.

The project aims to build the evidence base to support the Scottish Government as it looks to enhance approaches around prevention. In this context, prevention is focussed on how public interventions can tackle the underlying drivers of negative outcomes to prevent them from happening, or to reduce their severity. In doing so, it can play a significant role in reducing future pressures on public services.