Policy Advisors Salary: National from £28,122 London from £31,837

Grade: Grade HEO

Reference: 58291

Closing date: 3rd August 2020 (23.55pm)

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Success Profiles

Contact Us The Profession

Why join the Policy Profession? Jonathan Slater, to the & Head of the Civil Service Policy Profession

Thank you for your interest in this role. This is an exciting opportunity to join the Policy Profession as part

Jonathan Slater of the Civil Service. Permanent Secretary to the Department for Education & Head of the Civil Service Policy Profession

Contact Us The Profession

Why join the Policy Profession? Jonathan Slater, Permanent Secretary to the Department for Education & Head of the Civil Service Policy Profession

Our country faces immense challenges. The EU We need people from all Exit transition period is due to end this year and walks of life and from diverse the Covid-19 pandemic has placed tremendous pressure upon the NHS and other public services. backgrounds Both these national priorities have posed Thank you for considering a move into a Policy role fundamental questions about the ways government within the Civil Service. You will be joining a community and society work; there has rarely been a time of around 20,000 policy professionals working at where fresh new thinking and insights have been the heart of government to shape the UK’s future more valuable to the Civil Service. Your work as a direction and change people’s lives for the better. policy professional will involve managing complex systems, demonstrating accountability for achieving Our vision is one of policymakers like you delivering tangible, real-world improvements for our citizens. outcomes, and being part of multi-disciplinary teams The work we do should be informed by their views with partners from across the public, private and and we want to be relentlessly focused on their voluntary sectors, to meet these challenges. needs. In keeping with that openness, working in If you have the skills and drive we are looking for, policy won’t be a matter of who you know or whether and feel ready to stretch yourself, this could be you went to a particular university, or whether you the job for you. We look forward to receiving your have extensive experience of working in the Civil application. Service. We need people from all walks of life and from diverse backgrounds, who can bring real diversity of thought and experience into our work.

Contact Us Diversity & Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed What’s in it for me? environment for all employees that is welcoming, respectful, engaging, We want to maximise the potential and enriched with opportunities to becoming the most inclusive of everyone who chooses to work for personal and professional for us - regardless of background. employer in the UK. development. If you’re interested in becoming We are committed to understanding, respecting and a world class leader, developing What’s next? representing as broad a range of views and backgrounds as we have in UK society. We know that diverse your career with us – starting with You’ve taken the first step and perspectives and experiences are critical to an effective, this interesting and challenging looked through this job pack modern Civil Service. role – or doing things differently and to understand the skills and inspiring colleagues, then the Civil Our vision is to ensure the Civil Service represents modern experience needed to perform Service is the place for you. Britain and is a truly inclusive employer - an example to this role. Now join us in achieving other employers. We will create an organisation where Our passion for diversity and our ambitions and let us help you diversity is not only respected and valued - but celebrated. equality means creating a work achieve yours. Apply now.

Contact Us The Role

Opportunities with Policy Profession

The work of the policy policy professionals. In addition to your departmental policy team, there profession is central to is a network of policy working level contacts throughout the Civil Service, the work of government. and a central Policy Profession Unit, who work on strategic issues for the Policy is about implementing the policy profession. programme of our democratically- elected government in a way that best Currently, the profession has vacancies serves the needs of our citizens, to in a number of specific Departments, help them enjoy better public services with vacancies in other Departments and a higher quality of life. potentially also becoming available in future. Policy people work within all government departments designing, Further information about the delivering and communicating policy, departments currently involved in and working across organisational this campaign, please refer to the Department Overview section of boundaries and professional this pack. disciplines to deliver results. We are a profession organised around our Candidates should note that future professional standards which set out opportunities may be available with the core skills we expect from our other Departments.

Contact Us The Role

About the Role

As a Policy Adviser you will: • at times work independently on day-to- day issues. This may include providing • be researching, organising and analysing technical or expert advice to feed into perspectives, facts and data. Judgement policy development. and interpretative ability will be required where the issues are complex or • develop expertise in the policy area and conflicting. be the representative on the issue at • be expected to weigh up a number of internal and external meetings factors to produce constructive ideas and • draft policy submissions and speeches solutions, exercising discretion to make and engage with Parliamentary activity decisions • support legislative development • have a good understanding of diversity and consider the impact of diversity • develop good working relationships with and inclusion in all aspects of policy a variety of government departments and development/work senior stakeholders

Contact Us Person Specification

Person Specification

To be successful in this communicating policy, and working across organisational boundaries and professional role you will need to have disciplines to deliver results. strong interpersonal skills, Essential Experience: the ability to research • Researching and interpretive skills; problems, and the passion • Effective problem solving; to solve them • Self-motivation and innovation. • Leadership and communication; Policy is about implementing the programme • An interest in the current political of our democratically elected government landscape. in a way that best serves the needs of our citizens, to help them enjoy better public Successful candidates will have excellent services and a higher quality of life. Policy communication skills, and use these to professionals work within all government make a corporate contribution to the departments designing, delivering and directorate and wider department.

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Salary and Benefits

Salary Relocation expenses are not available. excellent leisure and retail discounts, season ticket loans, bicycle loans, and much more From £28,122 (National) Available Working Pattern(s) to support an inclusive working environment From £31,837 (London) The role is available for full-time, part-time or and a healthy work/life balance. Exact salaries will be advised upon flexible working arrangements. Home working Development opportunities matching of successful candidates to may be available for all or some of the week, Departments. this would need to be discussed with your The Civil Service is committed to the hiring manager upon being offered a role. Existing Civil Servants are subject to usual development of staff. All employees are encouraged to undertake a minimum of 5 pay on transfer rules. Eligibility New entrants to the Civil Service are usually days learning per year. Applicants must be a British Citizens, expected to start on the minimum of the citizens of the British Commonwealth, EC pay band, however exact pay ranges vary Which Department will I be placed in? nationals or nationals of specified Member slightly between Departments. When prompted in your application form, States of the European Free Trade Area. please advise us if you have a preference Refer to FAQs for more information. Where will I be based? for which Department you are placed in. We Currently, roles are available in London, Benefits will endeavour to place successful internal Leeds, Sheffield, Glasgow and Edinburgh candidates in their home Department, if they Although Department offers vary, the Civil with potential for home working also. Roles wish to remain in that Department. in other locations may become available. You Service offers a wide range of fantastic will be prompted as part of your application family friendly benefits, such as generous Whilst candidate preferences will be to give a regional location preference. Please annual leave, attractive pension options, taken into consideration where possible, note that you will only be considered for roles Tax Free Childcare, flexible working, diverse candidates will be placed according to in areas you state on your application form. Learning and Development opportunities, business needs.

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Success Profiles

As part of the selection How we will assess experience: with examples process you will be We will be looking at your experience at • Your experience of effectively problem application stage and how it is relevant to solving and how you have done this, with the essential criteria/person specification for assessed against examples this post. You are asked to cover within your Success Profiles. personal statement: Candidates are advised to focus on 1-2 • Why you want to join the Civil Service as a in depth examples for each point, and to What are Success Profiles? Policy Professional explain what you have done as well as how The Success Profiles Framework has been • Your experience of effectively you did it, and the outcomes of your actions. introduced to attract and retain people of talent communicating new ideas or information Some of the assessment methods which and experience from a range of sectors and in a team setting, with examples all walks of life, in line with the commitment will be used to understand your experience • Your experience of effectively using a in the Civil Service Workforce Plan. include: range of different information or data to For this role you will be assessed against research issues or problems, and how you 1. Application form Experience, Ability, Strengths and Behaviours. interpret these to form recommendations, 2. Interview

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Success Profiles

How we will assess behaviours How we will assess Ability We will be assessing a number of Ability will be assessed using two online behaviours at the interview stage of the tests as part of your application. The tests process. used are the Civil Service Judgement Test and Verbal Reasoning Test. The behaviours that we will assess are: 1. Seeing the Big Picture How we will assess Strengths 2. Making Effective Decisions The interview will be a blended interview of 3. Delivering at Pace both strength and behavioral questions, the strength based questions will be introduced As part of your interview, you will be asked and explained on the interview day. to deliver a 5 minute presentation which will assess behaviour and your motivational fit For more information about Success for the role. Profiles, please follow the link: The topic will be provided in advance to https://www.gov.uk/government/ shortlisted candidates. publications/success-profiles

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Application Process

To apply for any of these posts, you will need to Regional preference(s) from those listed below, complete the online application form and online stating all that are applicable to you: Greater Application tests no later than 3rd August 2020. We recommend London; South East; South West; West Midlands; candidates take their tests at the earliest opportunity North West; North East; Yorkshire and the Humber; and be aware that out of hours technical support is East Midlands; Scotland; Wales.Please note that not available. The application will include: you will only be considered for roles in areas you 1. Completing some initial personal details. state on your application form. Please only name your chosen regions in this field. 2. You will then be invited to complete the Civil ShortlistOffer Service Judgement Test. If you successfully pass 5. You will also be asked to state a preference for this, you will then be invited to complete a Verbal a Departmental placement, if you have one. Reasoning Test. If you successfully pass both Please only use this box to state your preferred tests, you will be invited to the next stage of your department and provide a very brief explanation as application. to your reason why (e.g. experience in relevant area etc). 3. A Statement of Suitability ( Assessment no longer than 1000 words) explaining how you meet the essential Failure to complete both sections of the form (CV criteria for this role, as set out in the Success and Statement of Suitability) will mean the panel only Profiles section of this pack. You will also be asked have limited information on which to assess your to complete a CV which may be used to match application. successful candidates later in the process. Candidate applications will be assessed immediately, 4. As part of your application you will be asked to with interviews and offers made on a rolling basis. We Offer state your location preference. Please state your therefore encourage early application.

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Application Process

Please note that we are unable to provide feedback to those candidates who are not shortlisted for interview. Should you encounter any issues with your online application please get in touch with us via: Application [email protected] A panel, including a senior policy professional, will assess your application to select those demonstrating the best fit with the role by considering the evidence you have provided against the criteria set out in the experience section of the Success Profile for this role. Failure to address any or all of these may affect your application Offer The timeline later in this pack indicates the date by which decision is expected to be made, and all shortlisted candidates will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible thereafter.

Assessment

Offer

Contact Us App. Process Dept. Overview

Application Process

If you are shortlisted, you will then be asked to attend an interview in order to have a more in-depth discussion of how you meet the Behaviour, Strength and motivational requirements for this role, as set out in the Success Application Profile page and the person specification. The Success Profile Framework will be used to assess and recruit the most suitable candidate. The following behaviours will be used at the interview stage:

1. Seeing the Big Picture

2. Making Effective Decisions Shortlist 3. Delivering at Pace You will also be asked to give a 5 minute presentation at interview. Full details of the assessment process will be made available to shortlisted candidates. • Virtual interviews are currently planned to take place w/c 13th July onwards. Assessment

Offer

Contact Us App. Process Dept. Overview

Application Process

• Regardless of the outcome, we will notify all candidates as soon as possible.

Application

Shortlist

Assessment

Offer

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Indicative Timeline

Both online tests and application to be completed by 23:55 on 3rd August 2020

Application shortlisting to begin on a rolling basis from w/c 6th July.

Interviews to begin on a rolling basis from w/c 13th July. June 2019 July 2019

Offers to be made as soon as possible, throughout campaign.

Candidate onboarding expected from Mid August onwards.

All interviews are expected to take place virtually.

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Department Overview- DCMS

Department of Health We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where difference is valued, diversity is harnessed, & Social Care and everyone has opportunity to achieve their potential. At the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) we support ministers in leading the nation’s health Our Values and Behaviours are: and social care system to help people live more • We celebrate difference and independent, healthier lives for longer and reduce Fair and inclusive - health inequalities. the value it brings. We create an environment where everyone can achieve their potential. The importance of the health and social care system is a clear reality for everyone who lives in the United • Respectful and confident - We respect everyone Kingdom and almost all of us have direct experience, we work with while being confident in our ability to either personally or through friends and family. challenge, lead and hold others to account.

We are a key player in supporting the Government’s • Open and engaged - We are open to new work on getting the country safely through the ideas, challenge and feedback. We build trusting COVID-19 health crisis. Our policies are paramount relationships and are proactive and constructive in to the functioning of the country - and we want you all that we do. to be a part of it! You can find out more about what it’s like to work The policy profession is at the heart of our role and at the Department of Health and Social Care on purpose: advising ministers, setting direction, ensuring the Civil Service careers website. accountability, overseeing the health and care framework and resolving crucial and complex issues. Find out more on gov.uk

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Departmental Overview- Scottish Government

About Us we need a Civil Service that is capable of meeting these ever changing needs. One that truly reflects the people it serves and provides Find out more on gov.uk opportunities for everyone to fulfil their potential, The Scottish Government’s work impacts on regardless of their background. every aspect of society and our organisation is built on a culture where people genuinely What We Do matter. We cover areas like health, education, As Civil Servants our job is to put the Scottish the economy, social security, national investment Government’s purpose into action; to create a bank, culture, rural affairs and transport. This more successful country with opportunities for puts us at the heart of Scotland’s public services all to flourish through increasing wellbeing, and and institutions. sustainable and inclusive economic growth. The Scottish Government is a devolved Our focus is set out in Scotland’s National administration of the UK Government. Civil Servants Performance Framework, which incorporates the serving the governments of the UK, Scotland UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. and Wales are part of the same Civil Service We support our National Performance Framework organisation and share the same culture and values. by delivering on an annual programme set by The world is changing rapidly. And the pace of Scottish Ministers, called the Programme for change is only going to get faster. As a result, Government.

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Departmental Overview- Scottish Government

Our Values Supporting our people to be at their best – Our staff are our most important resource, and we As Civil Servants we’re politically impartial and are committed to supporting them to fulfil their serve the government of the day in line with the potential. civil service code. Our core values are: By working with the Integrity – putting the obligations of public Collaborating with others – service above personal interests. individuals and communities we serve, we can achieve more than we could alone. Honesty – being truthful and open. Aiming high and continually improving – Objectivity – basing advice and decisions on Being ambitious for Scotland and ensuring we rigorous analysis of the evidence. are making a real difference by measuring our Impartiality – acting solely according to the progress. merits of the case and serving governments of Understanding the power of diversity and different political parties equally well. inclusion – Allows us to positively challenge How We Work ourselves and develop new and innovative solutions. We support the Ministers who lead Scotland, and we aim to lead by example in the way we work. Being a great place to work – Creating a truly inclusive environment, in modern workplaces, This includes: with the technology to get the job done.

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Departmental Overview- BEIS

Department for Business, Energy As a department we draw on the best available evidence to develop policy solutions from investment in innovative and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) companies, to reducing energy bills for households. We create the conditions for companies and consumers to Our mission is to build a stronger, greener United Kingdom. flourish in a green, open, productive economy - which is vital for the future success of our country. BEIS has one of the widest remits in Whitehall and a key role to play in making markets work well for Through our network of partner organisations we deliver business, consumers and workers. services to thousands of businesses, and customers every day – delivering weather reports by the Met Office, Our priorities are: registering new businesses at Companies House and • Leading the world in tackling climate change. protecting intellectual property at the Intellectual Property Office. The UKAEA carries out leading edge fusion research • Solving the Grand Challenges facing our society and the Coal Authority and Nuclear Decommissioning • Making the UK the best place in the world to work, Authority (NDA) restores and protects our environment. and grow a business. We support innovative and flexible working in BEIS. Our work will ensure that the economy grows strongly The department is underpinned by our shared values of in all parts of the country, based on a robust industrial working together to be stronger and more supportive. strategy and that the UK has secure energy supplies Further information on BEIS can be found at: that are reliable, affordable and clean. It will encourage investment and innovation that fully uses the UK science https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ base; and enable a whole economy approach to deliver department-for-business-energy-and-industrial- our climate change ambitions. We feel the department strategy has an exciting remit, and we hope you agree. Find out more on gov.uk

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Departmental Overview- DCMS

The Department for Digital, enjoy our national culture, play sport, make the most of new technologies and have access to effective Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) is communications. at the heart of the government’s Our sectors are critical to ensuring we have a strong economic and social agendas. place in the world - creating a global UK whose cultural, technological, creative, community and A quarter of UK businesses are in our sectors and are sporting assets mark us out as an essential partner for among the most exciting and fastest growing of the trade and investment. And making places that people whole economy. They provide 5.2 million jobs and want to live in, work in, invest in and visit. deliver £38bn worth of exports. Our mission is to drive Our set out how we deliver our growth, enrich lives and promote Britain to the world. strategic objectives vision of driving growth, enriching lives and promoting Our work, over more than 25 years, has become Britain to the world. woven into the fabric of the nation - its great sporting triumphs, moments of national remembrance We are a Department that values its staff. In a recent and celebration and unforgettable arts and media People Survey we achieved 69% staff engagement events. We provide the infrastructure, like superfast score making us one of the top performing Government broadband and 5G, that boost economies and Departments. We work hard to create an environment increases competitiveness. We connect individuals and in which people enjoy working. We encourage people communities to each other and support them to play to collaborate, as well as having the space and time to their part in strengthening communities, through our reflect, through the physical layout of our workspace and work to combat loneliness and boost civil society. the culture we promote. Our values and behaviors keep DCMS a great place to work, attracting the best people. Working in conjunction with our 45 Arms Length Bodies we strive to create the conditions for everyone to Find out more on gov.uk

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Departmental Overview- MOD

What does the Ministry of What does Security Policy and Defence do? Operations do?

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is the UK government The MOD’s key responsibility is to protect the security, department responsible for implementation of defence independence, and interests of the UK, at home and policy and for the British Armed forces. The MOD abroad. Security Policy and Operations (SPO) is an manages the day-to-day running of the Armed Forces, organisation of around 500 military and civil service contingency planning and defence procurement. As staff and is central to delivering this. a nation we are facing a changing and increasingly SPO officials work directly with Ministers to define uncertain international security context in which Defence the objectives and context for military operations must operate. The National Security Risk Assessment by the UK’s Armed Forces. SPO shapes Defence concluded that the risks and threats faced by the UK relations with other nations and international security have increased in scale, diversity and complexity; the organisations. It leads the MOD’s counter-terrorism increasing threat posed by terrorism, the resurgence policy and Defence’s contribution to UK security policy, of state-based threats, the impact of technology and working with Government colleagues to implement it. the erosion of the rules-based international order are If you enjoy: approaching tasks flexibly; working on diverse particular challenges for the UK. The MOD is one of the and high-profile projects; a fast-paced environment; departments that manages these risks. demonstrating your persistence; collaborating with others; and are at your best when working as part of energetic, creative and supportive teams, then you may well have the attributes needed to succeed in SPO.

Find out more on gov.uk

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Departmental Overview- DWP

About DWP We know that by doing so, we can make better policy to support people across the country. Our department works on some of the most important When Covid-19 struck, DWP immediately took a critical and exciting policies in government. We are proud of role in ensuring people received vital financial support, our achievements and want to offer you the opportunity and that work will continue for as long as they need to get involved in our ambitious agenda to improve us. We are now a key player in working with other outcomes for millions of citizens in the UK; throughout departments and external organisations to tackle the their lives, in the work place, and in retirement. challenges of economic recovery. As the UK’s biggest public service department it Read our DWP Departmental Plan 2018 to 2022 administers the State Pension and a range of working age, disability and ill health benefits to millions of What’s in it for you? people. At the same time, it is engaged in delivering a once in a generation programme of welfare reform. We are committed to investing in our staff and offer a range of work-based training and qualifications, We have a range of exciting and challenging roles coaching and mentoring opportunities Roles can offer available for skilled, adaptable people and effective, great job satisfaction and there are many opportunities inspiring leaders. We are looking for individuals who to develop and progress both within the Department can demonstrate that they have the passion, values and across the wider Civil Service. and ability to make a real difference. Wherever possible, we offer flexible and variable We are committed to promoting an inclusive working hours to help our staff achieve a healthy work/ culture throughout our business, and are looking life balance. for candidates who come from a wide range of backgrounds that reflect the customers that we serve. Find out more on gov.uk

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Departmental Overview-

The Cabinet Office supports the • Treating everyone with Respect Prime Minister and ensures the • Actively Collaborate • Build smooth running of government Trust We pride ourselves in our ambition to become the - from developing policy, to most inclusive government department employer and modernising public services. we have a number of staff benefits, including flexible working to ensure we meet this. We welcome talented The Cabinet Office purpose is:- people from all backgrounds with the skills and the commitment to build a career in the Civil Service. To maintain the integrity of the Union, coordinate the security of the realm and sustain a flourishing democracy; There has never been a more exciting time to work in To support the design and implementation of HM the Cabinet Office. It is more important than ever that Government’s policies and the Prime Minister’s we seek high calibre candidates that can demonstrate priorities; and that they have the passion, values and ability to make a To ensure the delivery of the finest public services by real difference. In return, we can offer you the challenge attracting and developing the best public servants and and stretch you need to develop your career and reach improving the efficiency of government. your full potential. The work the Cabinet Office delivers is vast and therefore “The Cabinet Office sits at the very centre of Government, presents opportunities to develop your skills and with responsibility for driving and co-ordinating delivery experience in a variety of critical government agendas. An organisation of approximately 8,000 employees, the across Government’s key priorities. Being a policy Cabinet Office is a vibrant, modern and exciting place to advisor is a huge challenge, an enormous privilege, and work, attracting a diverse workforce which represents the a unique opportunity to make a real difference.” people we serve. We have staff based around the UK. Pedro Wrobel - Cabinet Office Head of Policy profession To deliver our Purpose and make Cabinet Office a great place to work, we all commit to our values: Find out more on gov.uk

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Departmental Overview- HM Treasury

HM Treasury and sustainable economic growth. It means we influence every policy across government; Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to our work makes headlines on a daily basis contribute to how the Government deals with and shapes our nation’s future. This has never the biggest issues of the day? been clearer than in recent months. Our policy teams have worked at pace to create an We are looking for people who have a strong interest in public policy making, a high level unprecedented package of support for people, of political awareness and an understanding jobs and businesses across the United Kingdom of the challenges and opportunities facing during coronavirus. government. You don’t need a background in Economics to work with us, and our work isn’t Our specific priorities are: all about numbers. • Reducing the deficit and rebalancing the HM Treasury is the government’s economic and economy finance ministry. A career with us puts you at the • Spending taxpayers’ money responsibly heart of government, maintaining control over and ensuring value for money public spending, deciding how money is raised from taxpayers, setting the direction of the UK’s • Creating a simpler, fairer tax system – economic policy and working to achieve strong alongside a well-functioning welfare system

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Departmental Overview- HM Treasury

• Creating stronger and safer banks Our aim is to be a department which is open and accessible, recruiting and retaining diverse, • Making corporate taxes more competitive talented and high-performing people who • Making it easier for people to access and support and develop one another. We have a use financial services range of active diversity networks which play • Improving regulation of the financial sector an important role in raising awareness and to protect customers and the economy changing attitudes. At HM Treasury we have an incredibly broad They’re involved in implementing initiatives remit; our work touches every citizen of the and providing a communication channel within country. So it’s important our employees the department – helping us to build a more come from the widest possible range of inclusive culture where everyone can thrive and backgrounds, bringing us the widest possible be themselves at work. range of perspectives and ways of thinking. HM Roles are available on a full time, part time or job Treasury has a strong commitment to equality share basis, and flexible working hours can be and diversity. We are proud to be an accredited accommodated. Disability Confident Leader and a Top 50 Social Mobility Employer. Find out more on gov.uk

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Case Study Tasweena, HEO Policy Advisor in MOD

I joined Security Policy & Operations (SPO) of Information (FOI) requests and House of in Ministry of Defence in 2019 and prior Commons Committees. Highlights during this to this, spent six years in Cabinet Office, time include organising and compering the in a variety of roles. In my current SPO SPO Townhalls, working on SPO Committees role, I lead on secretariat coordination and with colleagues at all levels and supporting the internal communications, while supporting internal SPO COVID-19 response. the governance processes for senior level management committees (SPO Management In 2019 I was selected for secondment to the Board, People Committee, Transformation Foreign & Commonwealth Office unit. This Committee). opportunity included collaborating with cross government teams to support the No 10 My day-to-day responsibilities include Reception event for NATO Leaders, leading collating briefing packs for the Secretary of on the gifting process and teaming up with State/ Permanent Secretary and also working on documents, such as the SPO business a diverse range of key internal and external plan and the Annual Report and Accounts. stakeholders to produce the ‘Faces of NATO’ I am also the lead for collating information publication. I was also fortunate to attend from wider SPO colleagues to inform the the NATO Leaders’ Meeting, which involved quarterly Defence Performance Report and welcoming and escorting senior leaders such the Executive Committee/Defence Board. My as the NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg, role also includes managing internal processes US President Trump, Canadian Prime Minister to track and monitor correspondence such Trudeau and Germany’s Chancellor Merkel at as Parliamentary Questions (PQs), Freedom designated exhibitions.

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FAQs

1. Can I apply if I am not currently 4. Will the role involve travel? • The United Kingdom a civil servant? Some travel may be required for these • The Republic of Ireland Yes. These roles are open to suitably roles but will be dependant on your • The Commonwealth* qualified people in the external market Departmental placement. • A European Economic Area (EEA) and to existing civil servants and those in 5. Where will the role be based? accredited Non Departmental Bodies. Member State If successful your home office will be 2. Is this role permanent? based in one of the advertised locations, • Switzerland These roles are being offered on a 2 but you may be able to work from home • Turkey year FTA basis, with the possibility of for some of the time. Unfortunately Certain family members of EEA, permanency in some Departments. relocation costs will not be reimbursed. Switzerland and Turkish nationals are Existing permanent Civil Servants 6. Can I claim back any expenses also eligible to apply regardless of their successful in these posts will transfer on incurred during the recruitment nationality. loan, on a time bound basis, subject to process? (*Commonwealth citizens not yet in the agreement. No. Unfortunately we will not be able UK, who have no right of abode in the 3. Is this role suitable for part- to reimburse you, except in exceptional UK and who do not have leave to enter time working? circumstances and only when agreed in the UK are ineligible to apply.) advance. These roles are available for full- For further information on whether you 7. What nationality do I need to time, part-time or flexible working are eligible to apply, please visit Gov.UK. arrangements (including job share hold in order to apply? 8. Is security clearance required? partnerships) but you should discuss To be eligible for employment to this role your needs with the hiring manager if you you must be a national from the following Yes. Due to the variety of roles, and are successful. countries: number of Departments, different levels

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FAQs

of security clearances will be necessary, Non-Reserved posts 10 years for DV. from basic upwards. If successful, but Most posts are open to UK Nationals, A valid passport (or EU identification you fail or are unwilling to apply for British Nationals (Overseas), British card) must be provided before an offer of a higher level of clearance than that Protected Persons, Commonwealth employment can be made. required for a role you are matched Citizens, EEA Nationals of other member with, this will not affect your successful states and certain non-EEA family Reserved Posts status and we will seek to match you members and Swiss nationals under the In some Departments, some roles will with an alternative role. https://www. Swiss EU agreement. Candidates with only be open to UK Nationals i.e. British gov.uk/guidance/security-vetting-and- dual nationality are in principle eligible citizens, British subjects under Part IV of clearance for employment in the Civil Service the British Nationality Act 1981 having provided that they meet the requirements the right of abode in the UK and British Nationality statement in relation to one of their nationalities. Dependent Territories citizens acquiring Candidates will be subject to UK Candidates should note the need to be citizenship from connection with immigration requirements as well as eligible under the Civil Service Nationality Gibraltar. If a UK passport is not being Civil Service nationality rules. Rules. More information can be found presented, then candidates will need on Gov.UK https://www.gov.uk/ to provide alternative evidence of UK If you're applying for a role requiring government/publications/nationality- nationality in line with the Civil Service security clearance please be aware rules Nationality Rules that foreign or dual nationality is not an automatic bar. However certain posts There must be no employment restriction 9. What reasonable adjustments may have restrictions which could or time limit on your permitted stay in the can be made if I have a disability? affect those who do not have sole UK. You should normally have been British nationality or who have personal resident in the United Kingdom for the We are committed to making reasonable connections with certain countries last 3 years if the role requires CTC adjustments in order to support disabled outside the UK. clearance, 5 years for SC clearance and job applicants and ensure that you are

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not disadvantaged in the recruitment for appointment to the Civil Service is been treated in accordance with the and assessment process. Reasonable on merit on the basis of fair and open recruitment principles and wish to make adjustments could include; allowing extra competition as outlined in the Civil a complaint then you should contact time during selection tests; ensuring that Service Commission’s Recruitment policyprofession.grs@cabinetoffice. information is provided in an accessible Principles. For the most senior posts gov.uk in the first instance. format or; by providing training. in the Civil Service, the Commission If you are not satisfied with the response discharges its responsibilities directly If you feel that you may need a you receive from the Government by overseeing the recruitment process reasonable adjustment to be made, Recruitment Service, you can contact and by a Commissioner chairing the please make this clear as part of your the Civil Service Commission: selection panel application when prompted. If you need Click here to visit Civil Service to discuss this prior to application please • To hear and determine appeals made Commission. contact us in the first instance. by civil servants under the Civil Service Code which sets out the Civil Service 13. What should I do if I think that I If you wish to receive a hard copy of the values – Honesty, Integrity Impartiality have a conflict of interest? information, or in an alternative format and Objectivity e.g. Audio, Braille or large font then Candidates must note the requirement please contact: Policyprofession.grs@ 11. Will this role be overseen by to declare any interests that might cabinetoffice.gov.uk the Civil Service Commission? cause questions to be raised about their approach to the business of the 10. What is the role of the Civil No. However, the recruitment process Department. Service Commission in relation to will still be governed by the Civil Service recruitment into the Civil Service? Commission’s Recruitment Principles. If you believe that you may have a conflict of interest please contact The Civil Service has two primary 12. What do I do if I want to make a policyprofession.grs@cabinetoffice. functions: complaint? gov.uk in the first instance before • To provide assurance that selection If you feel that your application has not submitting your application.

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For assistance with the recruitment/ application process please contact Government Recruitment Service via [email protected] quoting the reference number of the vacancy you are applying for.

This campaign is being run on behalf of the department by the Government Recruitment Service. The Government Recruitment Service is part of Civil Service HR, and is a central government expert service specialising in the attraction, search, selection and recruitment. The team is regularly commissioned by departments and other government organisations to deliver end-to-end recruitment for a variety of jobs in the Civil Service. Our work is regulated by the Civil Service Commission where necessary and supported by the equality campaign group Stonewall. Cabinet Office is a Disability Confident employer.