Independent Assurance Reviewer

Job summary

Do you have the credibility and judgement to provide independent, strategic oversight of a high‑profile public review?

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is seeking to appoint an Independent Assurance Reviewer on a Direct Ministerial Appointment (DMA) basis.

The Reviewer will lead an Independent Assurance Review to evaluate the thoroughness and effectiveness of the efforts made by DWP to gather and review evidence related toDWP prosecutions of Post Office staff during the period 1996–2012.

Job description

DWP is responsible for delivering benefit payments, and prior to 2006 benefits were paid through orderbooks and giro cheques via the Post Office. Where benefits were identified as having been potentially accessed fraudulently, DWP investigated and took forward prosecutions of some Post Office staff, including sub-postmasters/sub-postmistresses, for offences such as benefit fraud and theft.

In light of what has been identified with the Horizon system that was in operation at the Post Office between 1996-2012, DWP has been reviewing remaining information in relation to these prosecutions to assess the role of the Horizon system.

Although many DWP historic records have been destroyed in line with GDPR due to their age, the Department has conducted extensive archival searches and reviewed the documents that were available. To date, the information available indicates that DWP cases differed materially, specifically that they did not rely on Horizon evidence to prove the case. However, the Department wishes to further assure itself and is therefore seeking an independent expert to examine the Department’s approach and review any further materials that may be provided by individuals or organisations.

Key Responsibilities

The appointed Independent Assurance Reviewer will:

• Thoroughly assess the steps taken by DWP since the launch of the Horizon Inquiry to gather and review evidence related to DWP prosecutions during the Horizon period.
• Establish a process to engage with individuals and organisations to obtain any other relevant information.
• Produce a report for the Permanent Secretary (and DWP Ministers if appropriate) setting out any recommendations for DWP to consider.
• Act with appropriate sensitivity, confidentiality, and discretion in the handling of all information and engagements.

A dedicated secretariat is already in place and will support the Reviewer in their task, including by providing the Reviewer access to all relevant materials and information necessary for the review.

This is a part time role, expected commitment is approximately 30 days over a 6 month period.

Person specification

Candidates must demonstrate:

• Proven ability to assess factual evidence objectively and critically and the ability to design and deliver an impartial review methodology.
• Experience operating at board or equivalent senior level, providing strategic oversight, governance, and independent judgement in a public body or comparable context. Examples include, but are not limited to:

1. 1. 1. Senior judicial, legal, or regulatory roles with independent decision-making authority.
      2. Non-executive director, chair, or board member of a public body, sitting on an executive board, management board, or equivalent senior committee, providing independent advice or challenge to Ministers, accounting officers, or senior executives on public policy matters.
      3. Leading or chairing independent reviews, inquiries, panels, or commissions.

• Integrity, credibility, and sound judgement when handling complex and sensitive materials.
• Experience leading teams and producing detailed, evidence driven reports.
• Resilience, calm decision making, and the ability to operate effectively under pressure.
• Confidence and professionalism when operating in politically sensitive and potentially high-profile environments, including situations involving media interest

Desirable Criteria

• A senior barrister, solicitor, retired judge, or legal academic.
• A good understanding of criminal law and procedure.

Benefits

£500 per day, (plus VAT and reasonable expenses)

Conflicts of Interest:

Candidates must not have:

• Any previous involvement with the Horizon IT system, the Horizon IT Inquiry, or any connection—personal or professional—to the Post Office or anyone affected by Horizon related issues.
• Current or prior roles within Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or any other Government Department that would compromise independence.
• If successful, a full declaration of interests will be required. You must comply with the measures agreed between yourself and the Department to manage any actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest.

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

​To apply for this post, you will need to complete the online application process outlined below no later than 13th April 2026 @ 10:00am

• A curriculum vitae (no more than two pages), and

• A Statement answering the pre-defined question below: (up to 500 words)

Q. Describe how your experience of assessing factual evidence objectively and critically places you well to design and deliver an impartial review.

Your statement should provide specific examples from your professional experience that evidence your expertise, judgement, integrity, and ability to lead an impartial review.

Applications without both a CV and personal statement will be rejected as invalid.

Depending on the volume of applications received, a longlisting process may be conducted. If this is the case, candidates may be invited to an informal interview with an independent panel, this will take place virtually via MS Teams.

If shortlisted and before being appointed to the role you may be invited to a face to face interview with a DWP Minister in London.

You will undergo due diligence checks, including social media screening, and may be asked to provide further evidence in support of their application.

Terms of Appointment:

A formal engagement letter will outline full duties, terms of engagement, confidentiality obligations, information handling requirements, and relevant conditions tied to public records, Freedom of Information, and termination provisions.

The successful candidate will be responsible for submitting an invoice to the Department each month detailing the work undertaken, including any expenses incurred where applicable. This payment will be subject to PAYE income tax rates alongside any other income you receive. Members will be responsible for disclosing this payment to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and the relevant benefit office if they are claiming a benefit. Applicants can choose not to receive payment and are advised to consult with their benefits or financial advisor.

The Department will reimburse all reasonably incurred expenses (including accessibility-related costs, travel, subsistence and other expenses) in line with the Department’s reasonable adjustments policy and travel and subsistence policy.

As this is a Ministerial appointment, you will not become and employee of the DWP, You will not be subject to the provisions of employment law.

This Code of Conduct sets out the conduct expected of all who work for the Inspectorate in whatever capacity, including Non-Executive Chair/Director (All non-executive board members of UK public bodies must also abide by the principles set out in the Cabinet Office’s Code of Conduct), and non-salaried inspector, in connection with the performance of their functions. Code of Conduct - GOV.UK

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

Please note this Post is NOT regulated by the Civil Service Commission.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

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 : Senior Resourcing Team
• Email : senior.recruitment@dwp.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : senior.recruitment@dwp.gov.uk