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Job summary

Are you a dedicated person who is passionate about making a difference?

Would you like to work for the Ministry of Defence?

Defence Business Services (DBS) is one of the largest shared service organisations in Europe that provides a wide range of corporate services, to over 1.2 million end users, including serving and past military and families, as well as MoD civil servants and industry. DBS delivers large scale administration and smaller specialist services to enable the wider MOD to focus on its core aims, maintaining the UK’s Defence and Security. Services include Human Resources, Pay, Veterans, Finance and Procurement.

• Our Vision - To support UK defence customers with outstanding service every time.
• Our Mission - Together we will proudly support Defence, continuously improving and delivering flexible, timely, sustainable and value for money services that underpin the whole force and enhance operational capability.

DBS is committed to creating a great place to work for all our colleagues. We are building an inclusive culture and respectful environment that reflects the diversity of the society.

We want to maximise the potential of everyone who chooses to work for us through opportunities to develop your skills and experience. We also offer a range of flexible working patterns and support to make a fulfilling career accessible to you and offer a Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%. Where your role permits, we support a blended working approach alternatively known as hybrid working.

Come and join the DBS community today!

Job description

Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS) Assurance Officer (Executive Officer)

The AFPS Assurance Team plays a vital role in providing independent assurance over the administration of Armed Forces Pension Schemes and wider AFVS business areas. We are looking for a motivated and analytical individual with strong attention to detail who is committed to delivering high-quality assurance activity and supporting continuous improvement across Veterans UK.

This is an exciting opportunity to work within a professional assurance environment, undertaking quality reviews of complex pension and compensation casework, identifying risks, and providing evidence-based recommendations that contribute to improved service delivery and customer outcomes.

The successful candidate will work collaboratively with operational teams, policy colleagues, and external delivery partners to provide assurance that processes are operating effectively, legislation is being applied correctly, and controls are in place to safeguard public funds.

Main Responsibilities

Assurance Activities

• Conduct planned and ad-hoc assurance reviews of Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS) casework, ensuring compliance with legislation, policy and business processes.
• Review complex pension and compensation cases, assessing the accuracy of calculations, determinations and administrative decisions.
• Identify and evaluate operational, financial and reputational risks arising from casework activities and control weaknesses.
• Accurately record assurance findings and maintain supporting evidence in line with team methodologies.
• Carry out assurance activity across the wider AFVS business areas as required.

Reporting and Analysis

• Analyse assurance findings and trends to identify recurring issues, root causes and opportunities for improvement.
• Prepare clear and concise assurance reports, management information and briefing material for senior managers and stakeholders.
• Monitor the implementation of agreed actions and provide updates on progress against recommendations.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of assurance frameworks, guidance and quality standards.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain effective working relationships with operational teams, policy staff, commercial partners and other key stakeholders.
• Provide professional advice and guidance on assurance findings, quality standards and business process improvements.
• Participate in meetings and working groups, presenting findings and contributing to discussions on service improvement initiatives.

Continuous Improvement

• Support the development of assurance methodologies, sampling approaches and reporting processes.
• Contribute to business improvement activities designed to enhance efficiency, consistency and quality across Veterans UK operations.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, learning and accountability through constructive feedback and knowledge sharing.

Person specification

The successful candidate should be able to demonstrate:

Essential Criteria

• Knowledge of Armed Forces Pension Schemes
• Experience of analysing information and making evidence-based decisions.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to review complex information accurately.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work to deadlines.
• Effective stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.
• Experience of identifying issues, risks and opportunities for improvement.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of assurance, quality assurance or compliance activities.
• Experience of producing reports and presenting findings to stakeholders.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Power BI or other data analysis tools.

About the Team

The AFPS Assurance Team provides independent assurance over pension delivered by Veterans UK and its delivery partners. The team supports senior management by identifying risks, highlighting best practice, and providing assurance that legislative and policy requirements are being applied consistently and accurately.

Our mission is to support the delivery of a high-quality, customer-focused service for serving personnel, veterans and their families, while safeguarding public funds and maintaining confidence in the administration of Armed Forces Pension and Compensation Schemes.

Organisation Chart

The successful candidate will report to the AFVS Audit and Assurance Team Leader and will work closely with assurance colleagues, operational delivery teams, policy staff and external suppliers across Veterans UK.

Person specification

Previous experience with operational delivery of AFPS is essential

Knowledge of Annual Allowance, Remedy and Pensions on Divorce would be desirable

Behaviours

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

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

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Changing and Improving

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £30,740, Ministry of Defence contributes £8,905 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).

• An environment with flexible working options Monday-Friday
• 25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service (pro rata). In addition to 8 public holidays per year, you will also receive leave for His Majesty The King’s birthday
• Hybrid working where role permits
• An opportunity to be considered for Reward and Recognition
• Family-friendly policies including - parental leave and adoption leave
• Learning and development tailored to your role
• Professional and personal development of skills
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• Minimum of 15 days special leave in a rolling 12 month period for volunteer reserve commitments
• Special paid leave to volunteer up to 6 days per year
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%

The post does not offer relocation expenses.

External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.

Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.

Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.

Any move to MOD 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 https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.

MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.

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 and Experience.

Please ensure that at the application and interview stages of the campaign you review the Success Profiles Framework to assist you in the demonstration of your skills and experience.

Your suitability for the role will be assessed using the Success Profile elements that have been chosen for this campaign. Each element will be scored accordingly, and the successful candidate will be appointed on merit.

Candidates will be required to provide CV details to include job history; qualification details and previous skills and experience.

Personal Statement:

Candidates will be required to provide a statement of suitability. (750 Word Max)

At sift, Candidates will be assessed against their CV and Statement of suitability and the following:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Changing and Improving

At interview, Candidates will be assessed against the following:

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

Sift and interview timeframes

Sift start date: Mid August

Interviews are currently taking place via the following method: MS Teams

Interview start date: Late August

Applications will be sifted on all Success Profile elements, but in the event of a high number of applications, an initial sift will be conducted on the following success profile elements:

Primary: Behaviour - Making Effective Decisions

Secondary: Behaviour - Changing and Improving

Priority order - Interview

In the rare case where individuals have exact matching scores, the order of merit will be determined based on the behaviour scores at interview in the following order:

1 - Career - Previous Skills
2 - Career - Personal Statement
3 - Behaviour - Making Effective Decisions
4 - Behaviour - Changing and Improving
5 - Behaviour - Managing a Quality Service
6 - Behaviour - Communicating and Influencing
7 - Career - Job History
8 - Career - Qualification Details

Priority order - Application

If candidate scores are still exact, the merit order will then be determined on the sift score in the following order:

1 - Career - Previous Skills
2 - Career - Personal Statement
3 - Behaviour - Making Effective Decisions
4 - Behaviour - Changing and Improving
5 - Career - Job History
6 - Career - Qualification Details

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.

There may be occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to interview all DCS candidates that meet the minimum criteria for the job. For example, in certain recruitment situations such as a high volume of applications, seasonal demand, or peak periods, the employer may wish to limit the overall number of interviews offered to both DCS and non-DCS applicants.

As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came into effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points-based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category, and we will not sponsor a visa. It is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points-based system.
Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.

The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigations can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment.

The Ministry of Defence adopts a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours, which includes bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and victimisation. You will not be eligible and will not be considered for this post if you have been dismissed from a role for such unacceptable behaviours within the last five years. This will also apply if you resign or otherwise leave a role but, because of an adverse decision, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had you continued in that employment. Pre-employment checks will be carried out.

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

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).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.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 : James Barbour
• Email : james.barbour109@mod.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : DBS-EnhancedRecruitmentTeam@mod.gov.uk

Further information

Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles. If you feel a department has breached the requirement of the Recruitment Principles and would like to raise this, please contact DBS-EnhancedRecruitmentTeam@MOD.gov.uk in the first instance. If the role has been advertised externally (outside of the Civil Service) and you are not satisfied with the response, you may bring your complaint to the Commission. For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their web pages: http://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/civil-service-recruitm…

Attachments

Defence Internal Brief notice Opens in new window (docx, 43kB)Candidate Information 2025 Opens in new window (docx, 31kB)MOD Candidate Pack Opens in new window (pdf, 1562kB)