HEO – Welsh Language Unit Team Leader

Job summary

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is responsible for welfare, pensions and child maintenance policy and is responsible for helping people move into employment, supporting pensioners and protecting some of the most vulnerable in our society.

DWP has a legal responsibility to comply fully with the Welsh Language Act 1993 and has made a commitment to treat the Welsh and English equally for the public in Wales. These commitments are outlined in the Department’s Welsh Language Scheme.

The DWP Welsh Language Unit is a unique team within DWP responsible for enabling the delivery of a quality and effective Welsh Language service for the whole of DWP – both to customers and to staff delivering the service. It supports all areas of DWP by undertaking Welsh language translations, providing policy advice and guidance on essential development of Welsh language services across DWP, monitoring and ensuring compliance with the commitments made, as well as liaison with the Welsh Language Commissioner on behalf of the Department.

We are currently looking to recruit an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual, passionate about delivering an excellent Welsh customer service, with excellent Welsh language translation abilities and people skills to lead a team responsible for the production of high quality translations.

You will need to have strong leadership skills, be customer focussed, with the right skills, commitment and capability to deliver an excellent public service. You will require excellent Welsh and English communication skills (written and verbal), be a competent translator, be able to work at pace, often working towards challenging deadlines, be able to work collaboratively with colleagues in a range of disciplines, across all arms of the business and at all grades, be forward thinking and have a positive attitude to working flexibly and pro-actively to meet the demands of the business.

This is a crucial role in enabling DWP, Arm’s Length Bodies and other government departments to fulfil the obligations of their respective Welsh Language Schemes.

The DWP Welsh Language Unit has a presence in multiple DWP sites in Wales. The unit operates a flexible working model and therefore it is likely these posts will involve a combination of site-based and home-based working. Please note candidates will require a suitable home based workspace with Wi-Fi access.

Applicants will be expected to travel as part of the role to other DWP sites across Wales.

Job description

What are my responsibilities?

The successful candidate can expect to be involved in a range of the following:

• Leading and overseeing the management of the DWP Welsh Language Unit, in relation to translation and proof-reading and Welsh language compliance; providing advice and guidance on when and how to provide Welsh Language services in DWP
• The Welsh Language Unit Team Leader, will be responsible for the overall management and leadership of 12 staff on the unit.
• Lead by example and provide inspiration, direction and support to colleagues by communicating key messages, business priorities and corporate changes with clarity and purpose. Ensure the department’s HR policies and procedures are effectively applied.
• Setting sound priorities, negotiate translation deadlines, delegating work appropriately in order to manage situations to meet the needs of the customer and the business, whilst demonstrating flexibility and producing translations in the most cost effective way, ensuring the required high standards of quality are maintained throughout. Acting as an escalation route for any issues.
• Ensure the requirements of the Welsh Language Act are fully embedded across all operational delivery arms of the business, building capability and understanding of Welsh language legislation and policies and impact across all DWP areas; raising awareness of the official status of the Welsh Language in Wales and promoting the Welsh Language Scheme throughout the department through attendance at meetings/workshops/participation in telekits etc. to ensure the best results for DWP and our customers.
• Supporting and providing direction and assistance to senior managers in all DWP areas with service delivery, recruitment needs, training and retention of Welsh speaking staff. Overseeing the data collection and analysis of Welsh speaking staff across the business in Wales, using available information to make evidence-based decisions on Welsh Language provision and working closely with operational delivery teams to design business processes that achieve policy goals.
• As part of the team, lead our CM Welsh hub colleagues (with appropriate training), with the operational priorities of keeping the telephone line appropriately staffed. Address telephone queries or complaints escalated to you by them. These calls can be challenging and require sensitive handling in a positive, professional manner.
• Supporting with reviewing and impacting all change initiatives and documentation for new projects and services from Change Portfolio Management Office (CPMO) to establish whether there is a Welsh language requirement that needs to be considered, making comments and identifying any risks regarding the need to comply with the DWP Welsh Language Scheme.
• Use every opportunity, both internally and externally to promote the work, professionalism and visibility of DWP and the Welsh Language and take personal responsibility for contributing to the success of the Department's Welsh Language Scheme, ensuring that all activities are undertaken to an excellent standard. Strive to improve the quality of our services by reinforcing the importance of the customer experience of the DWP Welsh language services.
• Working closely and sharing good practices with other Government Departments and organisations. Providing support as and when required.

Person specification

Key criteria include:

• Excellent Welsh language communication skills, both verbally and in writing, with the ability to translate from English to Welsh and Welsh to English to a very high standard. The successful candidate should be able to communicate effectively in Welsh to Level 5 – Proficient.
• Strong leadership and management skills to develop and motivate staff on the unit, drive continuous improvement by empowering, motivating and inspiring the team to deliver timely results, recognising good performance and promoting personal and professional development. (Lead Criteria)
• Excellent and effective influencing and negotiating skills to influence and persuade customers and stakeholders of the necessity to comply with the Department’s Welsh Language Scheme and the Welsh Language Act.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to create positive relationships and work collaboratively with colleagues throughout the department, at all grades.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, able to work at pace, prioritise and re-prioritise complex workloads for self and team and work reliably and efficiently on own initiative and as part of a team to meet the Welsh language support needs of a large, fast paced and diverse organisation.
• Expert working knowledge of the DWP Welsh Language Scheme and a sound understanding of Welsh language customers’ requirements and legislation.

Desirable criteria:

• Knowledge and experience of translation processes
• Knowledge and experience of specialist translation software e.g. translation memory and tools, Welsh spell-checker and dictionary software available
• Strong understanding of Welsh language customer needs

The successful applicant will report to the Senior Welsh Language Lead who is Head of the Welsh Language Unit

Languages

Excellent Welsh language communication skills, both verbally and in writing, with the ability to translate from English to Welsh and Welsh to English to a very high standard. The successful candidate should be able to communicate effectively in Welsh to Level 5 – Proficient.

Behaviours

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

• Leadership
• Managing a Quality Service
• Working Together
• Communicating and Influencing

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £38,772, Department for Work and Pensions contributes £11,232 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

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.

Written Sift

The written sift will be conducted using evidence from your Personal Statement of 1250 words. This will be assessed against the Key Criteria within the advert.

In the event of a large number of applications we will use the Lead Key Criteria to initially assess your application at the sift stage

Personal Statement

When completing your Personal Statement, please read and understand the Key Criteria thoroughly, as this is what your written evidence will assessed against.

Your layout is entirely your preference; you may choose narrative, bullets, etc. You may choose to address each criteria separately, however, one narrative example may cover and evidence several Key Criteria. You may not be able to meet all the Key Criteria, but please ensure you provide as much evidence as you can to allow us to assess your skills, knowledge and experience.
Share with us what makes you suited to this role. We would like to find out what you can do, the skills you hold and the life experience or passion that you have that could be aligned to the Key Criteria.

The personal statement must be completed in Welsh, and will be sifted out if it is not.

The interview

The interview will be conducted in person in Welsh and take approximately 45 minutes. It will consist of behaviour and strength-based questions. A blended interview aims to be more of a conversation offering a more inclusive approach. The questioning explores what you, the candidate, can and have done, but also your potential.

As part of the interview process, you may be asked to undertake a test to verify your written skills and understanding of Welsh. This is because the role requiresquality assuringtranslation work of translators in the Unit to ensure it is an accurate translation of the original, correct in respect of grammar and syntax, is consistent with DWP terminology, and is clear and easy to understand, as well as proofreading complex and high profile English/Welsh material to a high standard.

Successful candidates will be informed what form this test will take, if applicable, at least 5 days before the interview.

Interviews will take place in person between 15/7/26 – 16/7/26 in Ty William Morgan, Cardiff CF10 1EP.

Due to time constraints interviews will only be undertaken on the above dates unless advised otherwise.

Communications will be electronic and/or by telephone therefore it is vitally important that you check your Civil Service Jobs account regularly, as well as your spam/junk email folder. Telephone calls may show as a withheld number, it is important that you answer so that your interview can be confirmed.

Further information:

Sift and interview dates:

Sift - Week commencing 1st July 2026

Interviews - Will take place 15th to 16th July 2026

The above dates may change depending on the numbers involved; however, candidates invited to interview will be given at least three working days’ notice.

Working Pattern

The full-time working week in DWP is 37 hours. You may be required to work at any time between the hours of:

• 7:45am and 8:00pm on any day between Monday to Friday, and
• 8:45am to 5:00pm on Saturday

DWP is a family-friendly employer and we try to accommodate the widest range of working patterns, including part-time and job-sharing, but we cannot guarantee doing so because our ability to deliver our business locally must always be taken into account.

Visa Sponsorship

For these vacancies, we strongly recommend that applicants consult with an immigration specialist or qualified advisor to assess their eligibility for Visa Sponsorship before deciding to apply. Please note that while we consider sponsorship requests in accordance with current DWP guidance and Home Office policy, sponsorship cannot be guaranteed.

Training Requirements

You may be required to undertake training which is necessary for you to perform your role. This will be provided by the Department for Work and Pensions at no cost to you. Every effort will be made to arrange for training to be held during your agreed normal working hours.

Exceptionally, where this is not possible, you will need to be prepared to adjust your normal hours to attend for training and pay will be adjusted accordingly. In these circumstances you will be given details of your revised times of attendance for the period of the training event by management. Time off in lieu may be taken as an alternative to payment at the discretion of your manager and subject to the needs of the work where appropriate.

DWP takes development seriously. Our aim is for our colleagues in these roles to be appropriately skilled and qualified – as determined by the business. To support this aim you may be required to undertake a work based qualification, which may be in the form of an apprenticeship, which will support you in further developing your professional knowledge and skills for this role and your future career development. The qualification can be undertaken in work time, you agree to take this job on the basis that you may be required to undertake a work based qualification; a candidate’s failure to participate fully in the professional programme, once appointed, may be a breach of their employment contract.

Important

If you hold a level 3 qualification (2 A levels or equivalent) then please bring your certificates with you to the interview if you have them.

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 3 months from which further appointments can be made.

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

In order 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 may 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 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 will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a 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 : Alison Dods
• Email : alison.dods@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

Pecyn Ymgeisydd 464991 Opens in new window (pdf, 661kB)DWP Terms and Conditions January 2024 Opens in new window (docx, 17kB)Success-Profiles-Candidate-Overview Opens in new window (pdf, 635kB)Candidate pack - WLU HEO - 464991 Opens in new window (pdf, 668kB)