Trainee Data Analyst

Overview

South Lanarkshire Council is seeking an enthusiastic Information Technology Graduate to join its Planning and Regulatory Service as a Trainee Data Analyst. The role supports the Council’s statutory planning work by gathering, analysing and presenting qualitative and quantitative information that informs the Local Development Plan and Open Space Strategy, as well as links between data insights and place-based spatial strategy and policy.

Location and Working Pattern

This position is based at the Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton, ML3 0AA. The role is 35 hours per week, with working hours from Monday to Thursday, 8:45am to 4:45pm, and Friday, 8:45am to 4:15pm.

Pay

The annual salary is £31,242 to £38,779.

Key Responsibilities

• Gather, interpret and organise both qualitative and quantitative information using structured, consistent and methodical approaches to support planning duties.
• Identify how data findings connect with the development of place-based spatial strategy and policy.
• Take part in and assist with engagement sessions involving local communities, partners and stakeholders to collect qualitative evidence for the Local Development Plan and Open Space Strategy.
• Handle, explain and present data in a clear, open and user-friendly way that works for service customers and internal users.
• Look into and recommend improvements to information systems, data-handling methods, processes, organisational arrangements and equipment, and help build platforms for spatial data management and presentation.
• Support digital enhancement activity within the Planning and Building Standards Service.
• Use available standards, methods and tools effectively, and prepare technical and descriptive reports and supporting documentation.

Application Notes

Applications must be submitted by Thursday 25 June 2026 at 11:55pm. A CV should not be uploaded, as it will not be considered in the council’s application process. If you need to add supporting information, upload it under supporting documents. Internal applicants are required to apply through Opportunity Marketplace. All communication will be sent to the email address provided.

Selection and Checks

Shortlisted candidates may be asked to assist the recruitment team to help complete recruitment checks promptly. If those checks are not finalised within a reasonable period, the candidate may be withdrawn from consideration. Any attempt to influence elected members or council employees directly or indirectly in relation to the appointment will disqualify the applicant.

Overseas Criminal Records Check

If you were born outside the UK (Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland) or have lived or worked outside the UK continuously for three months at any point in the last 10 years, you must provide an Overseas Criminal Records Check. The document must be translated into English and issued by the relevant police, judicial authority, government department or home embassy. It must include an official statement confirming that there is no criminal record history or pending proceedings, and the council may verify the documents provided.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The council welcomes applicants from all parts of the community, including groups currently under-represented in its workforce. This includes people with disabilities, those with care-experienced backgrounds, people from black, Asian or minority ethnic communities, those with military backgrounds and new Scots. As a Disability Confident employer, the council guarantees an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. In addition, under the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award, service leavers, close family members of service leavers, veterans and reservists who meet the essential criteria will also be guaranteed an interview.

Employee Benefits

• Membership of an award-winning local government pension scheme.
• Option to join a Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost AVC scheme to increase pension savings.
• Up to 33 days of annual leave.
• Up to 10 days of public holiday entitlement.
• Occupational sick pay.
• Family-friendly policies, including flexible working, leave, and enhanced maternity/paternity leave.
• Employee discounts, including cinema savings.
• Support benefits such as Cycle to Work, physiotherapy and an Employee Assistance Program offering practical and emotional support.

Candidate Questions

As part of the application, candidates must upload responses covering experience with Power BI, Excel, SQL, Python or similar analysis tools; experience using GIS software such as ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Hub Premium; experience creating dashboards, maps, reports or other visual outputs; experience working with large datasets from multiple sources; and experience collecting, cleaning, analysing and reporting data.