Vantaggi
What Link does is a good thing, and there is satisfaction in knowing you're helping people. Depending on who your direct manager is, and what your role is, it's possible to put the case forward to receive good training - I received excellent training opportunities. Holidays and flex time are good, as is pension. Healthy working lives and bicycle to work scheme. Good HR Director. Salary is good for public sector. There's potentially lots of opportunities to socialise with colleagues if you fit in with the culture.
Svantaggi
Highly political environment. Link is trying to instil values like a forward-thinking private sector company, but I found these aspirations can be held back by cronyism and politics. Some employees have worked there since the inception of the group and if you don't get on with those people, it's unlikely you'll progress within the organisation, or have a good profile. There is a social hierarchy and old friends network which is common in the Scottish public sector. If you play golf with the right people it will be to your advantage. There were no real career opportunities (in the area I worked in) as to move up the ladder generally means waiting for someone who's been there longer to leave so there'll be a vacancy to fill. Lots of people who have worked there for a long time are on the 'gravy train' waiting to retire, and it can be a frustration if one of these individuals ends up as your manager - as they'll just be drifting along always looking for easy path for them and will not have your best interests in mind.