About the job

Job summary

About the Health Policy Fast Track Scheme

The Health Policy Fast Track Scheme (HPFTS) is a three-year DHSC accelerated leadership development scheme. The HPFTS provides an exciting opportunity to shape and influence policies that will positively impact people’s lives.

• It will open exciting new doors and give you hands-on experience of working in government, supporting ministers to develop and deliver policies that support the government’s objectives.
• You will have the opportunity undertake several placements based in either Leeds or London, and to work closely with a range of stakeholders across government, operations, Arm’s Length Bodies, health and care services and Private Office.
• It offers variety: one day you might be leading briefings for select committee hearings with Ministers and the next, you could be helping to improve the day to day lives of people working in the NHS.
• The HPFTS will help build the skills you need to build a rewarding career and become a top-class policy professional and health care leader, who makes a real impact on people’s lives.
• The scheme provides a fully financially supported study package towards a postgraduate qualification in Health and Social Care Policy, undertaken in the 2nd and 3rd years.

In DHSC, we are proud of our purpose – to enable everyone to live more independent, heathier lives for longer. To achieve this, and create a great place to work, we have four values: we are inclusive, we constantly improve, we challenge, and we are agile.

Job description

With 8 roles available, you will be based in either Leeds or London and will undertake several work placements over three years in your preferred location. You may undertake placements in core policy roles, operations, Arm’s Length Bodies/NHS and Private Office, to give first-hand experience of working intensively with Ministers and senior leaders across the health and social care system and wider Civil Service. The roles offer leadership development opportunities, exposure to policy skills in line with the Policy Profession Standards Framework and provide both stretch and challenge giving you ownership and autonomy suitable for individuals on this accelerated leadership development scheme. 

Throughout your time on the Scheme, you will receive a comprehensive learning and development package. You will be provided with a fully financially supported study package, towards a postgraduate qualification in Health and Social Care Policy, undertaken in the 2nd and 3rd years. We will facilitate your development from day one with support from your line manager, HR scheme lead, as well as cohort peers, mentors, staff networks and sponsorship from senior leaders in the department.

On successful completion of the scheme, we expect participants to compete for leadership roles within the department offering a competitive salary around circa £53,116 to £57,114 bracket.

Diversity and Inclusion

DHSC prides itself on being a diverse government department at the forefront of exciting policy development and decision making. But to create a genuinely inclusive work environment, we recognise the need to continue to come together in order to identify and understand what makes us similar whilst celebrating and valuing the differences between us. One of our goals is to establish a workforce which reflects the society we serve, and DHSC welcomes applications from all walks of life and backgrounds. We are especially interested to hear from diverse candidates of different genders, candidates who are disabled, from an ethnic minority group, low socioeconomic backgrounds, and LGBT+. 

We believe, people with a range of experiences and backgrounds are needed to help us improve outcomes and reduce inequalities across health and social care, and to enable us to become a more inclusive place to work. We view flexible working as essential for all our employees, and have a range of Staff Networks, including Race Equality Matters; Health & Wellbeing Networks, Faith based Networks, Enable; PRISM; and the Social Mobility Network to make sure all our staff feel supported and encouraged to bring their whole selves to work.

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.

Person specification

What we are looking for

We believe the best policy professionals come from all walks of life. We want people who have a real passion for making improvements across the health and social care area. You will need to be:

• A good communicator and be comfortable in dealing with ambiguity and shifting priorities.
• An innovative leader and somebody who looks for opportunities to do things differently, whilst anticipating economic, social and technological opportunities and risks.
• Someone who enjoys working with others, has good influencing skills, and can build collaborative relationships that balance challenge with support developing trust and mutual respect across the wider health care system.
• Able to use sound judgment and evidence to make effective decisions.
• Able to manage and thrive in an environment which requires the ability to think and absorb information quickly.
• Someone with at least a 2.1 degree, in any subject. Current Civil Servants, who have served their probation period can apply without a degree.

Please take time to read the attached Candidate Pack for further information about this role, the associated postgraduate qualification, what it feels like to be a Fast Tracker on the Scheme and the recruitment process.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £32,188, Department of Health and Social Care contributes £8,690 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Ability and Experience.

Application

This vacancy consists of one advert for the same roles but in a different location (London and Leeds). To apply for the Scheme, you will need to submit an online application by no later than 23:55 Tuesday 2 April 2024. There are three stages to the online application (online application, online Civil Service Situational Judgement Tests, and a personal statement). Please start the process at your earliest convenience ensuring you have sufficient time to submit your application.

Online Tests

At the same time as submitting your online application, you will be invited to complete an Online Civil Service Situational Judgement Test (CSJT). This is an online, multimedia multiple choice assessment. If you meet the required pass mark, you will be invited to complete a Civil Service Numerical Test (CSNT). You will be provided with full instructions on how to complete these tests and have until 23:55 Tuesday 2 April 2024 at the latest to complete them.

Please complete the online tests as soon as possible (within 24-48 hours is recommended). If you fail to complete the online test and your full application form before the deadline your application will be withdrawn. Guidance for the test will be available when you are invited to take the test. The tests are administered online and accessed via the CS Jobs website.

Personal Statement

If you pass the online tests, you will be invited to complete your full application which must be submitted by 23:55 Tuesday 2 April 2024. As part of the application, you will be required to complete a Personal Statement (of 1125 words) explaining your motivation for applying to the Scheme. You will be asked to answer: What interests and motivates you to apply for the Health Policy Fast Track Scheme? (Maximum 375 words). Describe the qualities you have that would help you develop a career in the health and social care sector? (Maximum 375 words). Describe the qualities you have that would help you manage a Masters level qualification alongside your work priorities? (Maximum 375 words).

Video Interview

If you progress onto the pre-recorded Video Interview stage, this consists of a video-based interview where your answers to a series of pre-set questions are recorded and subsequently evaluated by an assessor. You will have 7 days to complete the Video Interview.

Assessment Centre

If you pass the earlier stages, you will be invited to attend an online Assessment Centre. The assessment centre provides an opportunity to assess an individual’s suitability for the role, by asking them to complete exercises which simulate workplace activities. An overview of the assessment process is below but full details of the assessment process will be made available to you in advance if you are shortlisted for the Assessment Centre. Any reasonable adjustments will be accommodated at the Assessment Centre and throughout the assessment process, so it's very important that you let us know if this applies.

A written exercise

You will be provided with information about a fictional scenario and asked to write a response in an online platform during this 80-minute activity.

Interactive leadership role play

You will be provided with information about a fictional scenario in preparation for a virtual meeting with a role play actor. You will have 30 minutes to prepare for this exercise. In the 20-minutes activity phase, you will meet with the actor who will perform the role of a character within the scenario.

A blended interview

You will be assessed using a blended approach during the 60-minute interview, which means we will ask you questions on different behaviour areas and strength areas. During the interview, we will ask you a range of different questions types to find out about your strengths, past experiences and ability to perform in the role.

Offer

Successful candidates will be offered a place on the Scheme to join in September 2024. We also operate a reserve list for 12 months, where we may offer suitable applicants future, non-scheme vacancies within the department that require similar skills.

Further Information

Feedback will only be provided if you attend the Assessment Centre.

After the assessment stage, merit lists will be created for each advertised location. If you are successful at interview, you will be placed on the merit list for the location you have expressed an interest for. Appointments from each merit list will be made in strict merit order based on the number of posts available.

Please note, only advertised locations can be offered. DHSC is a hybrid working organisation. DHSC colleagues based in offices will spend a minimum of 60% of their working time working face to face with their colleagues either in offices or on official business.

We also operate a Reserve List for 12 months, where we may offer suitable applicants future, non-Scheme vacancies within the Department that require similar skills. Candidates who narrowly miss the required standard at the assessment centre may be considered for other roles in the department at a lower grade, these candidates are considered to be a ‘near miss’ and will be appointed in merit order.

If successful and transferring from another Government Department a Disclosure and Barring Security Check may be carried out.

If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section. 

Any move to DHSC 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

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. 

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. 

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.

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 Government Recruitment Service via hpfts.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as 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. 

Terms and Conditions

Candidates should note that DHSC’s Terms and Conditions of employment changed from 1 October 2013. It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure they are aware of the terms and conditions they will adopt should they be successful. 

New Entrants to the Civil Service

New entrants appointed in grades AA to G6 will receive DHSC’s modernised terms and conditions:

• Annual Leave: 25 days on entry rising by one day for each completed year of service to a maximum of 30 days and pro-rata for part-time staff
• Privilege Leave: 1 day - for the King’s birthday
• Hours of Work: 37 hours (net) per week for full time staff in all geographical locations, including London and pro rata for part-time staff
• Occupational Sick Pay (OSP): one month full pay/one month half pay on entry, rising by one month for each completed year of service to a maximum of five months’ full pay and five months’ half pay
• Mobility: Mobility clause in contracts allow staff to be mobile across the Civil Service
• Probation: 6 month probation period

Existing Civil Service staff transferring from another Government department, on either level transfer or promotion

All staff moving to DHSC will transfer onto DHSC’s modernised terms and conditions (as outlined above). 

Existing DHSC staff, appointed on either level transfer or promotion

If DHSC’s modernised terms and conditions are already held, the employee will retain those terms and conditions. If DHSC’s pre-modernised terms and conditions are held, the employee will transfer onto DHSC’s modernised terms and conditions (as outlined above).

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.