Susan Lovatt
Project Manager

"In the short time that I have worked for Audit Scotland, I have been quickly made to feel a valued member of the team."

I joined Audit Scotland as a project manager in June 2007. I previously worked in a special health board so was aware of Audit Scotland and the important role it plays in holding public bodies to account and helping them to improve. During the recruitment process, I had the opportunity to meet with Audit Scotland staff and find out more about the work of the organisation. This further convinced me that I had made the right decision to apply for the role!

During my first few weeks in post, I was introduced to colleagues and attended a number of induction meetings which helped me quickly settle into the organisation. I also participated in a small number of key training courses which I found really useful, particularly as they directly applied to the role of project manager and the work which I would be responsible for carrying out.

I am currently working on a project to assess how well the public sector is promoting and improving energy efficiency. Whilst it has been a challenge, I have really enjoyed the opportunity to develop knowledge and expertise in a new area through meeting with key stakeholders and carrying out background research. I have also had input and support from a number of colleagues which has been really helpful in guiding me through the early stages of the project development. As project manager, it is my responsibility to manage the project through to publication. This involves developing methods to obtain the information we require, conducting interviews, analysing findings, preparing a report and providing information to the Scottish Parliament’s Audit Committee.

In the short time that I have worked for Audit Scotland, I have been quickly made to feel a valued member of the team. I have joined a number of cross-organisational groups and have participated in key discussions to look at issues such as our potential forward study programme. I think for me, one of the key benefits of the role is the opportunity to work on a range of high profile topics. This will allow me to gain a fuller understanding of Scotland’s policy landscape but also help me in further developing my skills and experience.