Settlement Officer, Uist - CNS06473

Allscreens Nationwide Ltd; Kirkwall; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar seeks a Settlement Officer to assist people considering moving to Uist and Benbecula. You will guide on housing, childcare, local services, employment and community connections, acting as a welcoming first point of contact.

The role sits within the Economic & Community Regeneration Team and the Uist Repopulation Partnership, on a 37-hour week, fixed-term 12 months, with a salary of £36,430–£39,362 per year incl. Distant Islands Allowance.

Qualifications

• Experience in economic development, community development or a related field.
• Excellent communicator with strong organisational skills.
• Ability to manage a varied workload and build relationships across communities, businesses and public sector organisations.
• Motivated, adaptable and passionate about supporting thriving island communities.
• Understanding the opportunities and challenges of living and working in Uist and Benbecula.

Responsibilities

• Help people relocate by guiding them through housing, childcare and local services.
• Support employment opportunities and community connections for newcomers.
• Promote benefits of living and working in Uist and Benbecula.
• Collaborate with the Economic & Community Regeneration Team and the Uist Repopulation Partnership.
• Engage with individuals and families to overcome relocation barriers.

Skills

Community development

Economic development

Relationship building

Communication

Organisational skills

Adaptability

Motivation and passion

Job description

37 hours per week, Fixed Term for 12 Months

£36,430 - £39,362 per annum, inclusive of £2,997 Distant Islands Allowance per Annum

Help Shape the Future of Uist

Are you passionate about communities, people and place? Do you want to play a key role in tackling population decline and supporting the continued growth and sustainability of our island communities?

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is seeking an enthusiastic and proactive

Settlement Officerto support people who are considering making Uist and Benbeculatheir home.

This is a unique opportunity to make a real difference. You will work directly with individuals and families looking to relocate, helping them navigate everything from housing, childcare and local services to employment opportunities and community connections. Acting as a welcoming first point of contact, you will help people overcome barriers to relocation and settle successfully into island life.

You will also play an important role in promoting the benefits of living and working in Uist and Benbecula, supporting innovative resettlement initiatives and helping to build the evidence base that informs local and national efforts to address population challenges.

As Settlement Officer, you will be a key member of the Comhairle's Economic & Community Regeneration Team and will participate in the work of the Uist Repopulation Partnership.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Understands the opportunities and challenges of living and working in Uist and Benbecula.
• Has experience in economic development, community development or a related field.
• Enjoys working with people and building relationships across communities, businesses and public sector organisations.
• Is an excellent communicator with strong organisational skills and the ability to manage a varied workload.
• Is motivated, adaptable and passionate about supporting thriving island communities.

Why Join Us?

This role offers the chance to:

• Make a meaningful contribution to the future sustainability of Uist and Benbecula.
• Build strong partnerships across the public, private and community sectors.
• Be part of a supportive team committed to strengthening island communities.
• Enjoy a rewarding role where no two days are the same.

We recognise the importance of flexible working and welcome informal discussions about potential flexibility in working arrangements.

A full driving licence is required.

Interviews will be conducted in person, giving candidates the opportunity to meet the team and experience the working environment firsthand.

Closing Date:

Monday 7 September 2026

Salary is inclusive of Distant Islands Allowance. Appointment will normally be made at the first point of the grade with annual incremental progression.

Please note that sponsorship is not available for this post.