Senior Occupational Psychologist

Job summary

From the design and development of policies to the delivery of services supporting work, welfare, pensions and child maintenance, DWP is the largest government department. DWP’s Strategic Relationships Team is looking for a Senior Occupational Psychologist to partner with and support employers across the UK.

The Strategic Relationships Team is at the heart of building DWP’s relationships with national employers across all sectors and of all sizes. This includes delivering cross-sector networking and events, promoting vacancies and agreeing bespoke recruitment activities, and giving information and advice about Jobcentre Plus initiatives and programmes. With this role we will expand our support to employers.

As a qualified Occupational Psychologist*, you know getting people into good work is built on the foundations of strong job evaluation, design, assessment, and workplace adjustment. You will bring your expertise in these areas to support UK employers of all sizes, who do not have access to in-house or external sources of expertise.

*We are happy to consider applications from candidates within 6-months of completing the qualifications required to secure the Occupational Psychologist professional title; see ‘Qualifications – Essential’ section.

You will build strong relationships and coordinate activity effectively with colleagues in SRT and beyond. You will meet with employers to gain an understanding of their needs and deliver solutions that reduce barriers to employment, for some of the most vulnerable people in the UK. You will leave a legacy of evidence-based outputs that can be used by others in their continued work with employers.

To maintain your connection with the profession, you will be professionally led and supervised by the DWP’s Chief Psychologist, Dr Antonia Dietmann, and will be warmly welcomed into the profession in DWP. You will line manage one Higher Psychologist (Occupational Psychology) in the Strategic Relationships Team.

This post is part of the wider Government Occupational Psychology Profession (a recognised government specialist profession). The profession comprises over 250 members across all the major government departments and many agencies and arms-length bodies – which makes us the largest Occupational Psychology community in the U.K. We are a vibrant community with a long history in government going as far back as, at least, World War II, as shown in the Fifty Years of Occupational Psychology in Britain. The Head of the Government Occupational Psychology Profession is Dr Antonia Dietmann.

Job description

We are looking for an experienced Occupational Psychologist* with strong organisational leadership experience. You will be an inspiring and inclusive leader, who can deliver at pace and successfully influence senior stakeholders.

*We are happy to consider applications from candidates within 6-months of completing the qualifications required to secure the Occupational Psychologist professional title; see ‘Qualifications – Essential’ section.

This is a rare opportunity in the Civil Service to apply our science to a new area, for which funding has been extended due to the value demonstrated You will bring your expertise in assessment, learning, and work design into the Strategic Relationships Team to support employers across the UK. Your input will help employers create good jobs that are appropriate and accessible for DWP’s customers.

Building on the foundation of skills that you developed in your MSc and beyond, your career in the Government Occupational Psychology Profession will develop both your technical and consultancy capabilities. We welcome people from a range of different backgrounds as this helps to increase the diversity of thought and perspectives when developing solutions. Collaborating across departments and sharing learning is key to how we work. Throughout the year there will be many opportunities to connect with other members of the profession and build the relationships that will make the most rewarding occupational psychology career.

Successful candidates can be based in a Jobcentre office anywhere within the business area they are allocated to, in discussion with their Line Manager and where capacity exits within a chosen site. This post will involve some travel to other DWP offices and employer organisations.

This role 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.

Person specification

1. You must meet the Qualification, Licences and Membership requirements as listed in the ‘Qualifications – Essential’ and ‘Licences – Essential’ and ‘Memberships – Essential’ sections.
2. Significant past experience of delivering evidence-based occupational psychology services and projects relating to job evaluation, design, assessment, and workplace adjustment. (Lead Key Criteria.)
3. Strong theoretical and practical understanding of occupational psychology evidence-base and concepts in 1) psychological assessment at work, 2) learning, training & development, and 3) work design, organisational change and development.
4. Ability to work autonomously and at pace to deliver a high-quality programme of work from negotiating access, scoping to delivery stages in a way that meets project aims, costs and timescales.
5. Significant past experience of using consultancy skills to deliver customer-centric occupational psychology solutions for a wide range of clients from different sectors and of different sizes.
6. Strong past experience of influencing others and credibly showing the positive impact of occupational psychology, acting as an ambassador for the occupational psychology profession, identifying novel opportunities for application.
7. Evidence of delivering a safe, ethical, and legally compliant occupational psychology services in line with British Psychological Society and Health & Care Professions Council requirements.

Licences

Registered Occupational Psychologist with the Health & Care Professions Council with no sanctions or restrictions on your registration or willing and eligible to apply for registration.

Qualifications

1.MSc Occupational Psychology (or equivalent titled course) approved as Stage 1 by the British Psychological Society.
2.British Psychological Society Qualification in Occupational Psychology Stage 2 (QOPS2) or have completed Part 1 and Part 2 of a professional doctorate in occupational psychology, which confers Chartered Member with the BPS (see Memberships) and Full Member of the Division of Occupational Psychology (see Memberships) and Registered Occupational Psychologist with the HCPC (see Licences).
3.Desirable: Qualification in Test Use – Occupational Ability.
4.Desirable: Qualification in Test Use – Occupational Personality.

If you are within 6-months of successfully completing either qualification listed in the second bullet point above (which directly links to Memberships and Licences sections), please discuss your eligibility to apply by contacting the vacancy holder via nem.grouprecruitment@dwp.gov.uk. Queries must be raised in good time to allow us to respond before the closing date, as deadlines cannot be extended.

For the QOPS2 ‘within 6-months’ is broadly defined as: having made your final submission on the QOPS2 and you are waiting to hear if it has passed OR you have passed your final submission and are waiting for your viva to take place. Please note, once in role the Department for Work and Pensions will not cover the costs incurred for you to complete the QOPS2.

For a professional doctorate ‘within 6-months’ is broadly defined as: having submitted your final thesis and are waiting for your viva to take place. Please note, once in role the Department for Work and Pensions will not cover the costs incurred for you to complete the professional doctorate.

Memberships

•Chartered Member of the British Psychological Society.
•Full Member of the Division of Occupational Psychology, British Psychological Society.
•Desirable: Register of Applied Practice Psychology Supervisors.

Behaviours

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

• Leadership
• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing
• Changing and Improving

Technical skills

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

• Behaviours: Ambassador
• Professional Skill: Knowledge Base
• Professional Skill: Consultancy

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £46,673, Department for Work and Pensions contributes £13,521 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, Experience and Technical skills.

This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours and Technical skills. To assist with your preparation candidates may wish to read the How to Apply, Civil Service Careers (civil-service-careers.gov.uk)

All prospective applicants should fully consider the candidate pack before applying.

To apply, you should complete a personal statement of no more than 1,250 words addressing how you meet the Key Criteria stated above. Please ensure you consider the following points:

• Within the first paragraph it is imperative that you state the specific qualifications, membership and licences that you hold. These MUST meet the minimum standards specified in the Qualification, Membership and Licences sections above.

• Explain how your previous experience enables you to meet the key criteria. Your application will be assessed against the key criteria. You may not be able to meet all the key criteria, but please ensure you address any gaps and how your experience might be relevant. Please note, this does not apply to the essential qualifications, memberships and licence requirements which are mandatory.

The layout is entirely your preference; you may choose narrative, bullets, etc. You may choose to address the criteria separately; however, one narrative example may cover and evidence several key criteria. You don’t have to explain the whole process, just what you have done and the skills and experience you have used.

Sift

The sift will likely take place after 24th February 2026

For those candidates who meet the essential qualification requirements which you must include in your personal statement, we will sift your personal statement and award a score based on how closely it demonstrates the key criteria for the role. On conclusion of the sift stage, those candidates who have met the standard as set by the Sift Panel will be invited to an interview.

Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the Lead Key Criteria "Significant past experience of delivering evidence-based occupational psychology services and projects relating to job evaluation, design, assessment, and workplace adjustment" to initially assess your application during the Sift stage. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.

Interview

The interviews for this role will likely take place after 2nd March 2026

We will use a blended interview which will be conducted live via an online interview (using Microsoft Teams) lasting approximately 75-minutes. We will assess you using Behaviours and Technical. Please view the Government Occupational Psychology Professional Skills and Standards document (Senior Psychologist level) for more information on Technical.

During the interview the Behaviour questions will explore what the candidate can and has done, but also their potential. The interview will also include questions on the Technical area of Behaviours – Ambassador and Professional Skills - Consultancy.

Presentation

Within your interview time slot, you will be asked to deliver a presentation lasting 10 minutes, followed by questions for a further 5 minutes. The presentation is verbal only without the use of visual aides. Further details regarding the topic for the presentation and interview arrangements will be included in the invite to interview. Your presentation will be assessed against the Technical area of Professional Skills: Knowledge Base.

Please note that interviews will be via video using Microsoft Teams and you will need to use your personal or work device to access the video link. You will receive a link to join the interview at the appointed time through the email account you provide us with on your application. Further details regarding the interview arrangements will be included in the invitation to interview.

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.

If you have queries about applying for this role please contact the recruitment team at: DWP SRT Recruitment (srt.recruitment@dwp.gov.uk)

Please note that the dates for sift and interviews are only indicative at this stage and could be subject to change.

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

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. Applications will be screened and if evidence of plagiarism or copying examples/answers from other sources is found, your application will be withdrawn. Internal DWP candidates may also face disciplinary action.

We recognise that AI may be helpful when applying for this role, but it is important to use it in the right way. Read the DWP – AI Candidate Guide to understand how you can make the best use of GenAI while ensuring your application remains authentic and effective.

Further Information​

Existing Civil Servants and applicants from accredited NDPBs are eligible to apply, but will only be considered on loan basis (Civil Servants) or secondment (accredited NDPBs). Prior agreement to be released on a loan basis must be obtained before commencing the application process. In the case of Civil Servants, the terms of the loan will be agreed between the home and host department and the Civil Servant. This includes grade on return.

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.

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

In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service/Disclosure Scotland 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.

For further information on the Disclosure Scotland confidential checking service telephone: the Disclosure Scotland Helpline on 0870 609 6006 and ask to speak to the operations manager in confidence, or email Info@disclosurescotland.co.uk

This role will be subject to an Enhanced Check. Please note there will be an on-going requirement to undergo an Enhanced Check every 3 years.

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

SRT Occ Psych SEO Job Description - 2026 Opens in new window (pdf, 208kB)DWP Candidate Pack PowerPoint version - Occupational Psychologist - SEO Opens in new window (pdf, 722kB)