About the job

Job summary

We encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates

At DfE, we are proud of the commitment we make to diversity and inclusion and of the progress we have made. We have active & vibrant staff networks, special leave policies and workplace adjustments put in place for those who need them. We are continuing to build a diverse DfE, in an inclusive environment which nurtures and realises potential in all, at all levels.

Equality and Diversity - Department for Education

The Department for Education is responsible for children’s services and education, including early years, schools, higher and further education policy, apprenticeships and wider skills in England.

The DfE is supported by around 8,000 staff across 12 sites including Coventry, Darlington, London, Manchester, Nottingham and Sheffield, and it works with 18 Arm's Length Bodies. These bodies play a critical role in the administration of our funding, the delivery of services, and the provision of regulation and advice across the sector.

We are responsible for:

• teaching and learning for children in the early years and in primary schools
• teaching and learning for young people in secondary schools
• teaching, learning and training for young people and adults in apprenticeships, traineeships and further education
• teaching and learning for young people and adults in higher education
• supporting professionals who work with children, young people and adult learners
• helping disadvantaged children and young people to achieve more
• making sure that local services protect and support children

You can find out further information on our responsibilities, priorities, who we are and corporate information on GOV.UK About us - Department for Education - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Job description

The Skills Strategy & Engagement Directorate is responsible for delivering a skills system which is employer focused, high quality and fit for the future, gives learners the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their life and work, and meets the needs of business and the economy. 

We have 4 divisions working across strategy, delivery, employer engagement and analysis. Our work includes:

• Developing a delivering a clear strategy for the skills system that meets the needs of learners and of the economy and is backed up by evidence.
• Understanding what employers and sectors need, engaging with businesses directly and building relationships
• Using analysis to identify skills gaps and economic drivers, to help target our activity
• Leveraging relationships and insight to support employers to use skills in their organisations, helping us deliver meaningful activity for learners and priority industries

We provide a dynamic, inclusive and supportive work environment, with opportunities for personal and career growth within an interesting and challenging portfolio.

Person specification

The DD for the Growth & Sector Skills Division will:

• Work with other Government Departments, to develop and deliver strategies for key sectors and sub sectors, informed by industry, trade bodies and providers.
• Ensure the role of talent in growth and productivity is clearly communicated across Government, and that the strengths of the UK’s skills system are used to secure investment into the UK. 
• Lead projects to ensure a strong pipeline of talent exists in priority sectors; those relating to the priority sectors for growth (creative industries, digital, green, life sciences and advanced manufacturing), and other discrete sector-focused projects (including for nuclear, clinical health and construction). 
• Provide a sponsorship function for the Industry Training Boards (ITBs: Construction Industry Training Board and Engineering Construction Industry Training Board) to scrutinise, challenge delivery of their objectives. This will include implementing the independent review of the ITBs by Mark Farmer in early 2024.
• Provide a sponsorship function for the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) (new work that will be moving to the division in early 2024).
• Support the Directorate Support Team for Skills Strategy and Engagement Directorate (SSED), ensuring the smooth running of SSED and Directors’ offices.

The DD will be responsible for managing staff budgets, workforce forecasts, travel, reward and L&D budgets. They will be expected to contribute to  the development and transformation of both the Directorate and the whole of Skills Group

Applicants will be assessed against the following Essential Criteria. If applicant numbers are high, preliminary sifting will be done using only the first criteria.

It is important that, through your CV and Statement of Suitability, you provide evidence and examples of proven experience for each of the selection criteria detailed.

• Ability to lead high performing, diverse, passionate and effective teams; able to set direction, deliver through others, support development and manage performance, and promote inclusive team working.
• Track record of developing strategy and policy in a high profile and complex area, combining thought leadership with a strong understanding of the wider financial and political context.
• Ability to build key stakeholder relationships, including communicating with confidence and credibility with Ministers and their advisors, with teams across the department and external stakeholders.
• Ability to balance and deliver a range of complex priorities at pace.  

We also expect candidates to be able to demonstrate the following desirable criteria: 

• Experience of the wider skills context.

Desirable criteria will only be assessed in the event of a tie break situation to make an informed decision.

Benefits

Applicants currently holding a permanent post in the Civil Service should note that, if successful, their salary on appointment would be determined by the Department’s transfer / promotion policies.

As a member of the DfE, you will be entitled to join the highly competitive Civil Service Pension Scheme, which many experts agree is one of the most generous in the UK, with an average employer contribution of 27%

You will have 25 days leave, increasing by 1 day every year to a maximum of 30 days after five years’ service. In addition, all staff receive the King’s Birthday privilege holiday and 8 days’ bank and public holidays.

We offer flexible working arrangements, such as job sharing, term-time working, flexi-time and compressed hours. 

Most DfE employees will be working a hybrid pattern, spending at least 60% of their time in an office or work setting. Changes to these working arrangements are available in exceptional circumstances, but must be agreed with the line manager and in line with the requirements of the role.

Travel to your primary office location will not be paid for by DfE, but costs for travel to an office which is not your main location will be covered.

As an organisation, which exists to support education and lifelong learning, we offer our staff excellent professional development opportunities.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

Application

To apply for this role, you need to complete an online application via the Civil Service Jobs portal.  Applications will be accepted until 23:55 on Tuesday 19 December. You will be asked to provide:

1. A CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Please ensure you have provided reasons for any gaps within the last two years
2. A Statement of Suitability (no longer than 2 sides or 1,000 words) detailing ‘why should we consider you for this role’, considering the listed essential criteria in the person specification section above and on slide 7 of the attached candidate pack.

Failure to submit both documents will mean the panel only have limited information on which to assess your application against the criteria in the person specification. 

If you are unable to apply online please contact scs.recruitment@education.gov.uk in the first instance. Please visit our career site for further information on the Civil Service application process.

Please note the following:

• We cannot accept applications submitted after the closing date;
• Applications will be assessed solely on the documentation provided;
• Please refer to the advert and checklist above to ensure you have provided everything requested;
• Applications will be acknowledged upon receipt;
• Feedback will only be given to candidates unsuccessful following interview

Interview Process

Shortlisted candidates will:

1. Take part in a Staff Engagement Panel (which typically takes up to 1 hour to complete), to be held on Tuesday 16th January.
2. Be invited to a formal panel interview on 31st January, which will take place in person at our office in London. You will be asked to prepare a presentation for the interview (further information will be shared with shortlisted candidates) and you will be asked questions to further assess your Experience using the Civil Service Strengths Dictionary. 

Please note that at interview stage we may ask if you have any conflicts of interest to declare.

For an accessible version of the candidate pack, please contact scs.recruitment@education.gov.uk

Candidates with disabilities

As an employer we are committed to promoting and protecting the physical and mental health and wellbeing of all our colleagues and applicants. The Department for Education uses the Disability Confident scheme (formerly the Guaranteed Interview scheme) to help widen employment opportunities for disabled people. Applicants with disabilities who meet the essential criteria, as stated in the person specification, the Civil Service nationality requirements and indicate they are applying under the Disability Confident scheme will be guaranteed an interview.

To apply under the Disability Confident scheme please contact scs.recruitment@education.gov.uk

Employment scheme for Veterans

The ‘Great Place to Work for Veterans scheme’ makes it easier for veterans to join the Civil Service. If you opt into the scheme and meet the minimum criteria, you’ll progress to the next stage for most roles – whether that’s an interview or an online test.

To apply under the scheme, please contact scs.recruitment@education.gov.uk

Other Information

We reserve the right to raise the minimum pass mark in the event of a high volume or strong field of candidates.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK from the location options provided and not from overseas.

The government is committed to supporting apprenticeships, enabling people to learn and progress in a role whilst earning. We want to monitor the number of people who have completed apprenticeships who are now applying to progress further in their career and are asking this question to all candidates, on all vacancies. You will be asked a question as part of the application process about any previous apprenticeships you have completed. Your response to this question will not affect your application and it is not a requirement of the role to have completed a previous apprenticeship.  

DfE cannot offer Visa sponsorship to candidates through this campaign. DfE holds a Visa sponsorship licence but this can only be used for certain roles and this campaign does not qualify.

If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check maybe carried out.

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 circumstance some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Department of Education of your intention by emailing Pre-Employment.Checks.DFE@education.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.

Department for Education do not cover the cost of travel to your interview/assessment unless otherwise stated.

A reserve list may be held for a period of 6 months from which further appointments can be made.

Candidates will be posted in merit order based upon location preference. Where more than one location is advertised you will be asked to state your preferred location.

New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band. 

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.

Terms and conditions of candidates transferring from ALBs and NDPBs

Bodies that are not accredited by the Civil Service Commission and are not able to advertise at Across Government on Civil Service jobs will be treated as external new starters and will come into DfE on modernised terms and conditions with a salary at the band minimum.

Bodies that are accredited by the Civil Service Commission but do not have civil service status will be offered modernised terms and will not have continuous service recognised for leave or sickness benefits. Salaries should be offered at band minimum, but there is some flexibility where this would cause a detriment to the individual.

Bodies that are accredited by the Civil Service Commission and do have Civil Service status will be treated as OGD transfers. Staff appointed on lateral transfer will move on to pre-modernised DfE terms (unless they were on modernised terms in their previous organisation). Staff appointed on promotion will move on to modernised DfE terms. Staff will transfer over on their existing salary (on lateral transfer) and any pay above the DfE pay band maximum will be paid as a mark time allowance. Staff moving on promotion will have their salaries calculated using the principles set out in the attached OGD transfer supplementary information.

Reasonable adjustment

If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes. If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:

Contact Department of Education via centralrecruitment.operations@education.gov.uk soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.

Complete the “Assistance required” 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.

Any move to Department for Education (DfE) will mean you will no longer be able to carry on claiming 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/

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.