On Demand Recording: Navigating the Civil Service as a Flexible Worker with Mandy Callaghan

How do you build a meaningful, resilient career while working part‑time and balancing caring responsibilities?

In this session, Amanda—Deputy Director in the Scottish Government—shares her personal journey through the civil service, demonstrating how flexible working and progression can genuinely coexist.

Drawing on years of experience leading teams, mentoring colleagues, and sitting on interview panels, she offers an insider’s view of civil service recruitment processes, the skills that matter most, and the wide range of opportunities available across government.

This practical, candid talk includes tips for navigating applications, insights on thriving as a flexible worker, and advice for anyone considering a public‑sector career. Whether you’re returning to work, changing direction, or exploring flexible roles for the first time, you’ll leave with a clearer sense of what’s possible—and how to get started.

This is an on demand session which is available for you to watch in your own time. The recording will be available throughout 2026.

About Mandy Callaghan

Mandy began her civil service career in 2001 after completing a Politics degree and has since served every Scottish administration since devolution. A highly accomplished generalist, she has worked across an exceptional breadth of policy areas—including equalities, justice, education, health, agriculture and housing—giving her a rare, system‑wide perspective on how government works. Her experience spans legislation, parliamentary handling and direct ministerial support, making her a trusted and versatile senior leader.

In 2024, Mandy completed the prestigious Major Project Leadership Academy at the University of Oxford, subsequently taking on the Senior Responsible Officer role for a major government programme. She now brings that strategic project leadership expertise into lifelong learning and skills policy.

Working part‑time since becoming a parent in 2005, Mandy has achieved multiple promotions while balancing caring responsibilities with senior leadership roles. Her career is a testament to the power of flexible working, and she continues to champion approaches that enable people to thrive both professionally and personally.

Ticket Fee

We have introduced a minimum fee of £5 for Flexible Working Scotland webinar tickets. This small contribution recognises the time and effort in pulling together the events and helps ensure an engaged audience for our speakers, which enables us to attract expert speakers for the Flexible Working Scotland community.

If cost is a barrier, free tickets are always available on request here.