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Job summary

Working towards sustainable futures. Championing diversity in the workplace. At the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), it’s all in a day’s work. From HR to Finance, Policy to Communications, this is work that sustains and supports, where everyone’s voice is heard, and our customers are at the heart of everything we do. For a career packed with possibility, a comprehensive benefits package, where we live by our values and have the opportunity to improve the lives of people across the UK, look no further. Supporting people who need it most. That’s our purpose. Start your own career today.

DWP is one of the largest Whitehall departments, supporting around 20 million people and delivering over £320bn in benefits each year, alongside a c£15bn DEL budget.

The Planning Fiscal Events and Reports Team (PFER) sits at the centre of the Department, leading medium-term financial strategy, Spending Reviews, and fiscal events. It plays a critical role in securing funding, setting priorities, and ensuring the Department lives within its means while maximising impact.

This is a high-profile, fast-paced area, regularly advising Ministers, the Executive Team, and HM Treasury on key financial decisions.

You’ll join a high-performing, supportive team with a strong track record of delivery and progression, working with talented colleagues across a wide range of backgrounds.

Job description

Role Overview:

The role sits within the Delegated Expenditure Limit (DEL) Spending Team, leading the Department’s medium-term financial and Spending Review strategy. You will shape how DWP prioritises, allocates, and secures funding, ensuring a sustainable financial position while maximising delivery of departmental priorities. This is an exciting opportunity to help influence the future of the Department for Work and Pensions, through Spending Review 2027 and surrounding fiscal events.

You will provide strategic financial advice on impact, performance, and risk, influencing senior decision-making across the Executive Team, Secretary of State, and HM Treasury (HMT).

Key responsibilities include:

• Own the DELtabase, scorecards and data visualisation to track through the Department’s overall financial (DEL) position for Spending Reviews, budget allocations, ad-hoc Treasury commissions, Strategic Plan, and the Annual Report & Accounts. Ensure that complex financial information is easily understandable for all audiences.
• Lead on the development of a systems-based solution for activity-based allocations, through the cross-departmental Synergy programme, enabling the Department to move away from excel based models.
• Support DWPs Spending Review strategy. Develop a compelling, evidence-based Spending Review bid and align priorities with long-term affordability.
• Work closely with Finance colleagues to enable the Department to track its funding from Spending Review bids to final outturn.
• Account manager for Director General areas. Build cross-cutting relationships and own engagement with 1-2 Director General areas, acting as their single point of contact for the PFER team, supporting and constructively challenging them through key activities.
• Lead or support delivery of high-profile HMT or X-Whitehall commissions (e.g. savings reviews, workforce controls).
• Lead and develop people. Line manage and support 1–2 staff, building a high-performing team.

Locations:

You will be asked for your preferences for up to three locations, these will tell us where you would prefer to work if you are successful. Please do not select a location unless you are prepared to accept a role in that location.

Please note that for candidates requesting to work in Newcastle and Sheffield, these locations will be changing:

Newcastle Benton Park View will move to Newcastle Pilgrim Place in Autumn 2027.

Sheffield Hartshead Square will move to Sheffield 1 West Bar Hub in 2028.

Selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit, on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles here. Selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit, on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles here.

Successful candidates will be posted in merit order based on your location preferences, where appropriate, and the geographical requirements of the business.

Dependent on your position on the merit list, if none of your location preferences remain at the point we make a job offer, DWP may offer you a role at an alternative advertised location. If we are unable to offer you a role in any of your preferred locations, and you are unable to accept a role at an alternative advertised location, we will add you to the reserve list if one is being held.

Some travel may be required.

Hybrid Working

These roles 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.

Working Pattern

DWP are committed to flexible working patterns, and keen to support alternative working patterns where business needs allow. The working hours we can support will depend on which role you are offered (if there is more than one role now or in the future) and if there is capacity to operate the role part-time or job share.

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.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

A strong candidate for this role should be able to demonstrate the following Essential Criteria.

• (Lead Criteria) A strong track record of delivering challenging projects at pace, prioritising longer-term work alongside shorter-term asks. The ability to deliver through others and maintain professional standards in the face of pressure.
• Excellent inter-personal, communication, relationship-building and influencing skills. The professional and personal credibility to operate as a leader and adviser, generating confidence in senior stakeholders.
• Highly effective analytical and reasoning skills. Sound working knowledge of the key principles of financial management. Strong strategic thinking skills, particularly in a financial and budget setting environment.
• Proven ability to communicate complex information in an accessible way, including through the production of high-quality reports and briefings.

Behaviours

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

• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Making Effective Decisions

Technical skills

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

• (Lead Criteria) A strong track record of delivering challenging projects at pace, prioritising longer-term work alongside shorter-term asks. The ability to deliver through others and maintain professional standards in the face of pressure.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £57,946, Department for Work and Pensions contributes £16,786 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).

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, Experience and Technical skills.

Sift stage:

Initial sift – Lead Criteria.

As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide evidence of no more than 250 words against the Lead Essential Criteria “A strong track record of delivering challenging projects at pace, prioritising longer-term work alongside shorter-term asks. The ability to deliver through others and maintain professional standards in the face of pressure.” We are interested in what you did and how you did it, and what was the outcome, as part of your example.

Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.

Only candidates who pass the initial sift on the Lead Criteria will be progressed to full sift of personal statement.

Personal Statement

As part of the application process, you will be required to provide an up‑to‑date CV clearly outlining your employment history.

You will also need to complete a Personal Statement of up to 750 words, addressing the remaining Essential Criteria. Please note that references to the Lead Criteria should not be included in this section. Further guidance on what is expected is available within the application form.

The sift panel will assess your suitability based on the information provided in your CV and Personal Statement. Each element will be individually scored; however, a score will only be applied if you successfully pass the initial sift stage.

Interview stage:

If you have been successful in the sift stage, you will be invited to an online interview via Teams. You will need to produce evidence of ID at the video interview.

The interview will take a blended approach, and you will be assessed against the behaviours outlined in the job advert, as well as strength based questions.

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

Timeline

Application sift is planned to be carried out W/C: 3rd August.

Interviews are planned to be carried out from the W/C: 17th August.

Please be advised that the above dates are indicative only and are subject to change.

DWP may consider increasing the overall pass mark at sift or interview stage in order to manage applications and outcomes.

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 6 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

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 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 : Martijn Breden
• Email : martijn.breden1@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

470155 Candidate Pack Opens in new window (pdf, 734kB)DWP Terms and Conditions January 2024 Opens in new window (docx, 17kB)Success-Profiles-Candidate-Overview Opens in new window (pdf, 635kB)