As the senior official in the Scottish Labour Party I was responsible for the effective and efficient organisation of the Labour Party in Scotland, including the 2019 General election and a number of local by-elections. This has meant leading large teams and delivering results in a complex, deadline driven political environment which is constantly changing. challenges. Additionally it was my role to effectively manage and liaise with multiple stakeholders across Scotland, co-ordinate political campaigns with the Trade Union movement and deal with a myriad of challenges across the political spectrum, including Local Government.

Providing longterm and day-to-day management, leadership and strategic direction to Scottish Labour’s research and policy team and advice to their communications team. As a senior advisor to Leader of the Scottish Labour Party, I provided advice on speeches, motions and amendments for parliamentary debates. And as the most senior policy advisor routinely had to take the final decisions on important matters, in a fast-paced and highly pressured environment.My work as Director of Policy for Scottish Labour required regular liaison with the UK Labour Party’s Executive Director of Policy.It was a key responsibility to ensure that all research, policy and briefing materials for Scottish Labour’s politicians and campaigns were accurate and communicated effectively often explaining highly complex policy and political proposals to the members of the Scottish media.As the Director of Policy I maintained excellent relationships with national and international external organisations and stakeholders to assist in the formulation, development and promotion of our policy proposals.

As policy and research officer for the Scottish Labour Party in the Scottish Parliament I maintain a constant review of Government policy and performance. As part of that analysis my work includes preparing materials for manifestos, debates, speeches, political briefings, motions, and written and oral questions. I also have responsibilities for drafting amendments to legislation and working on the development of policy offers.

Responsibilities included:Speech preparation for parliamentary debates. Drafting of political documents for MSP such as parliamentary motions and questions.Review, analysis, and amendment drafting of legislation. Organising events both in constituency and parliament. Liaising with Trade Union and third sector groups on political/parliamentary issues.

My main responsibility was to conduct and write a report in to the convictions of Scottish Mineworkers during the 1984/85 Miners' Strike.The report was built on qualitative research methods and analysis which was compiled to form a report calling for a review of convictions received by striking miners.I also performed a number of parliamentary duties including: Speech preparation for parliamentary debates. Drafting of political documents for MSP such as parliamentary motions and questions.Review, analysis, and amendment drafting of legislation. Organising events both in constituency and parliament. Liaising with Trade Union and third sector groups on political/parliamentary issues.

Responsibilities included:Speech preparation for parliamentary debates. Drafting of political documents for MSP such as parliamentary motions and questions.Review, analysis, and amendment drafting of legislation. Organising events both in constituency and parliament. Liaising with Trade Union and third sector groups on political/parliamentary issues.

In August 2012 I left the UK for an extended period of travel. Overland train journeys from my start in Russia to Mongolia and then China and throughout Vietnam Cambodia and Thailand - with stops in Japan and Hong Kong in-between. All before visiting Australia and finishing off by travelling across the USA heading from West Coast California to East Coast New York via the Deep South.

Responsibilities included:Speech writing for parliamentary debates. Drafting of political documents for MSP such as parliamentary motions and questions.Responsibility for all press and communications - writing press releases, briefing journalists as well as creating content for publications such as leaflets. Review, analysis, and amendment drafting of legislation. Organising events both in constituency and parliament. Liaising with Trade Union and third sector groups on political/parliamentary issues. Responsibility for Website content.

Responsibilities included:Drafting of political documents for MSP such as parliamentary motions and questions and weekly 'eBrief' newsletter. Assisting in the research of materials for local campaigns and speeches. Responsibility for Website content.