Senior Work Psychologist

Job summary

We are seeking to welcome a new Senior Work Psychologist to our DWP Work Psychology Service team. You’ll be joining an engaged, highly supportive senior leadership team that genuinely cares about overseeing delivery of our services for customers across England, Scotland and Wales. You’ll become part of a great professional community. Indeed, we’re the largest group of Occupational Psychology colleagues within the Civil Service with 85 members in DWP Work Psychology Service.

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.

Building on the foundation of skills that you developed in your Master's degree and subsequent training to achieve Chartership, 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. Upon joining the Civil Service, you are encouraged to sign up to the profession.

Job description

We are looking for both an experienced Occupational Psychologist (or within 6-months of completing the qualifications required to secure this professional title; see Qualifications section below for more information) and a senior leader.

This is a vital and rewarding job, where you’ll be leading and developing a team of Work Psychologists. We’re seeking someone who leads with energy, integrity, and curiosity — someone who can inspire others, champion best practice, and drive forward a culture of continuous improvement. Your ability to model inclusive, values-based behaviour will help ensure DWP remains a place where colleagues feel supported, empowered, and able to thrive.

In this role, you will:

• Lead and develop a team of Work Psychologists across a geographical area, creating an environment where expertise and innovation flourish.
• Apply sound judgement and psychological insight to inform decisions, shape service delivery, and uphold professional standards.
• Drive performance and service excellence, ensuring our work consistently delivers high-quality outcomes for customers and colleagues.
• Provide professional supervision, guidance and line management to a team of Work Psychologists so we can deliver the high level of service our customers expect.
• Collaborate across teams, influencing stakeholders and enhancing the impact of psychology across the organisation and beyond.

If you’d like to learn more about the talented professionals you’ll be leading, please view the following video to understand more around the Work Psychologist role.

To apply, it is important you hold the correct qualifications, memberships and licence. In summary, applicants should be Chartered Psychologists with the British Psychological Society (BPS) through a qualification that gives eligibility to be a Full Member of the Division of Occupational Psychology. You must be willing and eligible to apply for Full Membership of the Division of Occupational Psychology.You will also be a Registered Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) or willing and eligible to apply for registration. More detailed information on this can be found further down the advert.

We will consider applications from candidates within a maximum of 6-months from completing their Qualification in Occupational Psychology Stage 2 (QOPS2).Successfully completing this qualification within the 6-month timeframe is a requirement for retaining your employment with us. Failure to complete the qualification may result in termination of employment.

Location

Please note the senior leadership role will be within a regional team that covers the following areas:

• South East England - covering Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Kent, Surrey and Sussex.

You can be based in a Jobcentre office anywhere within the business area you’re allocated to, in discussion with your line manager and where capacity exists within a chosen site. The role is peripatetic, involving regular travel to Jobcentre offices across the area your team serves. Your duties include regular supervision of your team’s practice at locations they deliver their work. The ability to travel to various offices across the South East of England is therefore necessary. As a result, it would be preferrable for a candidate to hold a full UK driving licence. Please contact the vacancy holder if you’ve any questions regarding the travel requirements (quoting the vacancy reference): david.thompson4@dwp.gov.uk

Additionally, there will be a minimum of quarterly travel nationally to attend face-to-face senior leadership team meetings.

This job 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.

If a hybrid working arrangement is suitable for the role and for you, you will normally be required to spend a minimum of 60% of your contracted working hours from your DWP office.

The number of days that anyone will be able to work at home will be determined primarily by business need, but personal and other relevant circumstances will also be considered. If you are successful, any opportunities for hybrid working will be discussed with you prior to you taking up your post.

Key Responsibilities

The key responsibilities for the Senior Work Psychologist role are as follows:

• Manage a geographically dispersed team of Work Psychologists to ensure the successful delivery of the regional service.
• Communicate regularly and effectively with team members, ensuring an awareness of current work priorities, encourage reflective practice, peer support and monitoring of employee wellbeing.
• Engage, develop and maintain relationships with Group Directors and Senior Leaders within the operational area to promote the Work Psychology Service and benefits of Occupational Psychology to the business.
• Develop and coach the team through observations, constructive feedback and procuring developmental opportunities; ensuring Work Psychologists are adhering to evidence-based practice, BPS and DWP guidelines and HCPC Standards.
• Implement operational policies to maximise the contribution of psychology and psychologists to the business as directed by the Executive Leadership Team and Head of Profession.
• Ensure and challenge where appropriate, the professional and performance standards of team members to meet current and future skills need.
• Contribute to the development of the Work Psychology Service by leading on a priority business area, developing strategy and coordinating appropriate evidence-based interventions.
• Chartered Psychologists and Registered Occupational Psychologists are required to supervise Trainee Occupational Psychologists on the qualification to achieve Registered Occupational Psychologist status. If not already registered on the Register of Applied Practice Psychology Supervisors (RAPPS), work towards RAPPS eligibility within a reasonable timescale.

Person specification

Key Criteria

Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate:

• The Qualification, Licence and Membership requirements as listed in the Qualifications,Licences and Memberships sections of this advert. You must ensure you state the qualifications, licence and membership you hold in the first paragraph of the Personal Statement. More information is stated below.
• Strong and effective leadership behaviours to build and maintain trusting relationships with senior leaders, customers, broader key stakeholders and those within the Work Psychology Service (Lead Key Criteria).
• Experience of coaching and mentoring individuals to attain their developmental goals to enhance performance in respect of organisational objectives.
• An understanding of how to apply psychological approaches to support customers, who are significantly disadvantaged in the labour market, move towards work.
• Experience of navigating complex and fast-paced environments, recognising issues and sharing best practice and learning.
• Experience of utilising the consultancy cycle to recognise the needs and issues of the business, work with others to implement evidence-based solutions and evaluate interventions.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to convey psychological concepts into an accessible format for our internal and external partners.
• Sound analytical skills, with the ability to effectively use information to deliver against business objectives.
• Experience of managing a team or leading others.

Licences

Registered Occupational Psychologist with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) with no sanctions or restrictions on your registration (or immediately eligible to join).

Qualifications

* BSc Psychology (or equivalent) that confers Graduate Basis for Chartership.
* MSc Occupational Psychology (or equivalent titled course) approved as Stage 1 by the British Psychological Society.
* 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).
* Qualification in Test Use – Occupational Ability (or willing to work towards this within a reasonable timescale).

If you are within 6-months of successfully completing either qualification listed in the Qualifications above, please discuss your eligibility to apply with the vacancy holder via david.thompson4@dwp.gov.uk who will seek advice from the Head of the Government Occupational Psychology Profession. Please state the vacancy reference in your email. 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 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 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 (or immediately eligible to join).

Behaviours

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

• Leadership
• Making Effective Decisions
• Managing a Quality Service
• Changing and Improving
• Communicating and Influencing

Technical skills

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

• Ambassador (Behaviour)
• Knowledge Base (Professional Skill)

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.
• Contributing to strategic decision making as part of a collaborative leadership team.
• Part of an active community of psychology specialists that will give you opportunities to develop your professional practice in occupational psychology and maintain your continuing professional development.
• A culture encouraging contribution to DWP objectives, within an inclusive and diverse community of Work Psychologists.

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.

Some need-to-know information

• How to Apply, Civil Service Careers (civil-service-careers.gov.uk) provides advice and tips on applying for roles in the Civil Service.

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

To apply, you should complete a personal statementofno more than 1250 words addressing how you meet the Person Specification / Key Criteria stated above. Please also 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. Please use the following wording (to the extent it applies to you). It is your responsibility to check whether the wording applies to you, and to edit the wording accordingly:

I confirm I’ve completed a BSc Psychology or equivalent [insert correct degree title, institution and date of enrolment] that confers Graduate Basis for Chartership; a BPS accredited MSc in Occupational Psychology [insert correct degree title, institution and date of enrolment] conferring Stage 1, and completed the Stage 2 Qualification in Occupational Psychology. I’m a Chartered member of the BPS with Full Membership of the Division of Occupational Psychology. I’m a Registered Occupational Psychologist with HCPC with no sanctions or restrictions on my registration.

Prior to the interview you will need to provide documentary evidence of qualifications when requested. You may be asked to provide evidence of the BPS accredited status of your degrees (Undergraduate/Post Graduate Conversion and Masters). If you do not have this evidence, details of how to obtain this are in the attached document. Please note that it can take the BPS an extended period of time to verify overseas qualifications, so we strongly suggest you contact the BPS as soon as possible, so that you have this available by Friday 15th May 2026.

Applicants are advised to check the accuracy of their entry on the British Psychological Society's List of Chartered Members (BPS > Psychologist search > Chartered Member List) and the Health & Care Profession Council's Register (Check the Register and find a registered health and care professional , The HCPC) before applying. We will use these websites to verify your BPS Chartered membership and HCPC Occupational Psychologist registration. Please note, the BPS website does not confirm you hold Full Membership of the Division of Occupational Psychology - we will request separate confirmation of this, e.g. from your membership renewal receipt.

• Share with us what makes you suited to this role and why, what you can do and the skills you have that are transferable to the role responsibilities, and the life experience or passion you have that are linked to this role.
• The layout you use 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.
• 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 and must be stated in your first paragraph.

Written Sift

Proposed sift dates: week commencing 20th April 2026.

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

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.

In the event of a large number of applications we may use the Lead Key Criteria to initially assess your application at the sift stage. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift of all the Key Criteria.

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.

If high application volumes are received, the benchmark for candidates to proceed to the next stage may be raised.

Interview

Proposed interview dates: week commencing 18th May 2026.

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

We will use a blended interview which will be conducted via a live video call using Microsoft Teams lasting approximately 75 minutes.

We will assess you using Behaviours and Technical.

Interview: The Behaviour questions will explore what you can and have done, but also your potential. The Behaviours of Leadership, Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service, and Changing and Improving will be used.

Presentation: Within your interview time slot, you’ll 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 aids. Your presentation will be assessed against the Behaviour Communicating and Influencing along with the Technical Behaviour (Ambassador) and Technical Skill (Knowledge Base) specified in the Technical section above. Please view the “Government Occupational Psychology Profession: Professional Skills and Standards” (Senior Psychologist level) for more information on Technical.

Further details regarding the topic for the presentation will be included in your invitation to your interview. If the presentation topic has not been received prior to your interview, or you have queries about applying for this role please contact the vacancy holder via david.thompson4@dwp.gov.uk

Please note, interview questions will not be provided ahead of your interview.

Please note that interviews will be via a live video call 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.

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.

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 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.

To find out more about how we do this search:

Equality and diversity - Department for Work and Pensions - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Important

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.

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 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