Appeal and Guidance Writer (Decision Making and Appeals Leeds)

Job summary

Are you skilled at working through complex information and reaching clear, well supported conclusions? If you can review evidence, identify the main issues and explain your reasoning clearly, this could be the role for you.

You will join DMA Leeds, a welcoming and supportive team that values collaboration, shared learning and high-quality work. Colleagues work closely together, drawing on their collective expertise to solve complex problems. The team handles all DWP appeals to the Upper Tribunal and higher courts, provides expert guidance to decision makers on complex cases, and quality assures a wide range of DWP products.

You will develop the specialist knowledge needed to assess legal risk, apply relevant social security legislation and draft comprehensive responses and persuasive written submissions. You will organise your work and respond effectively when priorities change, ensuring deadlines are met. You will communicate clearly in writing and verbally, working with colleagues across legal, policy and operational teams to explain complex issues and agree next steps.

Job description

This is a specialist, high-impact role with no line management responsibility. It offers the opportunity to use and develop your analytical, drafting, communication and decision-making skills while contributing to work that makes a real difference. We welcome applications from people who can demonstrate these skills through relevant or transferable experience gained in different roles or settings.

General role responsibilities

As part of your day-to-day role you will:

• Produce high quality, technically accurate written appeal applications and submissions to His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS).
• Utilise expertise to draft case specific legal guidance for operational colleagues
• Co-ordinate with stakeholders to quality assure a range of learning and development products
• Build positive relationships with team members and stakeholders to identify & manage litigation risk and determine the appropriate response for complex cases
• Ensure that team records, Excel spreadsheets and other reporting mechanisms are accurately maintained

Person specification

The successful candidate should be someone who has:

• Communication skills – able to communicate clearly and effectively in writing and verbally, adapting style and content for different audiences.
• Analytical skills – able to understand, interpret and summarise complex information, identify key issues and apply information appropriately.
• Judgement and attention to detail – able to assess information carefully, make well-reasoned decisions and produce accurate, high-quality work.
• Planning and organisation – able to manage competing priorities, organise work effectively and deliver to agreed timescales.
• Collaborative working – able to build positive working relationships, work effectively with others and engage constructively with a range of stakeholders.
• Learning and development – willing to build knowledge, take responsibility for personal development and respond constructively to feedback.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together
• Communicating and Influencing

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £32,137, Department for Work and Pensions contributes £9,310 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

DWP have a broad benefits package built around your work-life balance which includes:

• Working patterns to support work/life balance such as job sharing, term-time working, flexi-time and compressed hours.
• Generous annual leave – at least 23 days on entry, increasing up to 30 days over time (pro–rata for part time employees), plus 9 days public and privilege leave.
• Support for financial wellbeing, including interest-free season ticket loans for travel, a cycle to work scheme and an employee discount scheme.
• Health and wellbeing support including our Employee Assistance Programme for specialist advice and counselling and the opportunity to join HASSRA a first-class programme of competitions, activities and benefits for its members (subscription payable monthly).
• Family friendly policies including enhanced maternity and shared parental leave pay after 1 year’s continuous service.
• Funded learning and development to support progress in your role and career. This includes industry recognised qualifications and accreditations, coaching, mentoring and talent development programmes.
• An inclusive and diverse environment with opportunities to join professional and interpersonal networks including Women’s Network, National Race Network, National Disability Network (THRIVE) and many more.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.

Ensure that you read the full information about the selection process before starting your application. Please note the closing date for your full application (Application Form, Test, CV and Written Statements) is 08/10/2026.

Stage 1 – Online test

After submission of the first stage of your application you will be invited to complete a Civil Service Verbal Test. If you successfully pass the test, you will be invited to complete the final stage of the application.

Please complete the online tests as soon as possible (within 24-48 hours is recommended), the closing date for the tests is 23:55 on 08/10/2026. If you fail to complete the online test before the deadline your application will be withdrawn. Guidance for the test will be available when you are invited to take the test. The tests are administered online and accessed via the CS Jobs website.

Stage 2 – Application and Sift

As part of the application process you will be asked to complete a CV and to give examples of specific Behaviours. The CV is for reference only and will not be scored.

The sift will be assessed on the 3 Behaviours listed in the advert, for which examples of 250 words are required. Using the Situation, Task, Action and Result (STAR) method can help you give examples of relevant experience that you have. It allows you to set the scene, show what you did and how you did it and explain the overall outcome.

If there are large number of applications, we will sift based upon the Lead Behaviour Making Effective Decisions. If you do not meet the minimum requirements for this Behaviour, the rest of your application will not be considered.

Anonymisation

DWP operates an anonymised recruitment process, you should remove any personal details that could be used to identify you. Failure to do so will result in your application being withdrawn.

Examples of plagiarism can include:

• Presenting the work, ideas and experience of others as your own

• Copying content or answers from an online or published source that is not your own

The same applies to all stages of your application

Stage 3 - Interview

If you are successful at the sift you will be invited to a face to face interview. The interview will comprise a blended mix of Behaviour and Strength-Based questions. The guidance on Success Profiles explains these selection tools. The Behaviours being assessed are detailed in the job advert. Because of the nature of Strength-Based questions you will not be told which Strengths are being assessed.

Questions in Advance

To help you prepare and settle into the interview you will be sent the Behaviour questions 5 days prior to your interview. These questions should be treated as confidential and should not be shared. The interview panel will ask you Strength questions which will not be shared in advance.

You are strongly encouraged to secure your interview promptly to ensure fairness in preparation time with the questions provided in advance.

The written application sift is scheduled to start week commencing 12th October 2026.

Interview dates are scheduled to start week commencing 9th November 2026.

Please note that these dates are only indicative and could be subject to change.

Offer

Once all interviews have been completed, candidates will be notified of the outcome by email and offers will be made in merit order.

Acceptance of an offer confirms your agreement to accept appointment to a post for the location listed in this advert.

Due to the complex nature of the role and the investment in training and development, successful candidates will be expected to remain in the post for a minimum of two years.

Working Pattern

DWP is a family-friendly employer and part-time and job-sharing working patterns within standard working hours may be available subject to business needs. We will consider colleagues with existing part-time contracts providing these align with operational requirements.

Hybrid Working

Certain job roles may be suitable for hybrid working, which is where an employee works part of the week in their DWP office and part of the week from home. This is a voluntary, non-contractual arrangement and your office will be your contractual place of work. The number of days that anyone will be able to work at home will be determined primarily by business need but personal circumstances and other relevant circumstances will also be taken into account. If you are successful, any opportunities for hybrid working, including whether a hybrid working arrangement is suitable for you, will be discussed with you prior to you taking up your post.

Please note that, to support induction and training, successful candidates will be required to attend the DMA Leeds Hub, Quarry House, Leeds, LS2 7UA for the first four weeks of their training. Any hybrid working arrangements will be discussed after this initial training period and will remain subject to business need.

The Department is committed to promoting flexible ways of working, whilst enabling the business to operate at maximum efficiency and will expect colleagues to work from a blend of locations, including some time working at home, as required.

DMA Leeds Hub, Quarry House, Leeds, LS2 7UA will be the designated place of work and any remote or home working arrangement does not constitute a change to your designated place of work or contractual Terms and Conditions.

Visa Sponsorship

Please note that these vacancies are not currently eligible for new applications for Visa Sponsorship on the Skilled Worker route, for any candidates who do not currently have permission to be in the UK as a Skilled Worker where they were sponsored before 4 April 2024, even if relying on tradeable points (including the new entrant tradeable points option) as they are not included in the published Immigration Salary List. This information is offered as guidance only, and we recommend that applicants seek specialist advice on their eligibility for Visa Sponsorship (if applicable) when considering whether to apply for any role as DWP is unable to guarantee sponsorship for any role.

Further Information​

At the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) we value diversity and inclusion and actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including those that are underrepresented in our workforce.

Find out more about working for DWP on the DWP Careers Hub.

Reserve List

A reserve list may be held for a period of 6 months from which further appointments can be made.

If you are placed on a reserve list but we cannot immediately offer you a post, please note:

• If you are later offered the role you applied for, in a location you have expressed a preference for, and you decline the offer or are unable to take up the post within a reasonable timeframe you will be withdrawn from the campaign and removed from the reserve list, other than in exceptional circumstances (e.g. a contractual Part Time Working Pattern cannot be accommodated in the initial role offered or in cases of serious ill health).
• If DWP makes an offer of an alternative role or location to that which you originally applied for, and you decline that offer, you will be able to remain on the reserve list.

Disability Confident Scheme

If high application volumes are received, the benchmark for candidates to proceed to the next stage may be raised. In line with our commitment to the Disability Confident Scheme (DCS), we aim to advance all candidates applying under the DCS who meet the minimum standard. However, we may only progress those candidates who best meet the required standards.

Reasonable Adjustments

We consider visible and non-visible disabilities, neurodiversity or learning differences, chronic medical conditions, or mental ill health. Examples include dyslexia, epilepsy, autism, chronic fatigue, or schizophrenia.

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should contact the Government Recruitment Service via DWPRecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.

Complete the “Reasonable Adjustments” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.

If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.

Integrity, plagiarism and Civil Service Principles

The Civil Service values honesty and integrity and expects all candidates to abide by these principles.

Please ensure that all examples provided in your application are taken directly from your own experience and that you describe the examples in your own words.

Examples of plagiarism can include:

- Presenting the work, ideas and experience of others as your own

- Copying content or answers from an online or published source that is not your own

Disclosure and Barring Service and Internal Fraud Database Checks

To process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check will be carried out.

Important

New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.

Before applying for this vacancy, current employees of DWP should check whether a successful application would result in changes to their terms & conditions of employment, e.g. mobility, pay, allowances. If you are a current employee and are successful you must be able to be released from your current post within four weeks.

Those on protected TUPE/ COSoP terms and conditions applying on promotion or voluntary permanent level move will adopt DWP’s Terms and Conditions and this may have a different impact on pay and allowances. Please review this prior to acceptance of a role.

Civil Servants that would transfer into DWP from other government organisations, following successful application, will assume DWP's terms & conditions of employment current on the day they are posted, unless DWP has stated otherwise in writing. Accepting a post will be taken to mean acceptance of revised terms & conditions.

Civil Servants applying on promotion will usually be appointed to the salary minimum or within 10% of existing salary.

Any move to DWP from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may, however, be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at the Childcare Choices Website.

Feedback

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : DRS Recruitment Team
• Email : warbreckhousedbu.drsrelationshipandrecruitmentteam@DWP.GOV.UK

Recruitment team

• Email : dwprecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Further information

Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should in the first instance contact DWP by email: HR.BUSINESSASSURANCE@DWP.GOV.UK.
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission. Click here to visit the Civil Service Commission.

Attachments

Success-Profiles-Candidate-Overview Opens in new window (pdf, 635kB)DWP Terms and Conditions January 2024 Opens in new window (docx, 17kB)