About the job

Job summary

In DHSC, we are proud of our purpose – to enable everyone to live more independent, healthier 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. If this sounds like an environment you’d like to work in, we’d love to hear from you.

This role is based in the Secondary Prevention Directorate which sits in the Primary Care and Prevention Group. The directorate aims to improve health and wellbeing outcomes while reducing health disparities, by effectively shaping and driving policies, programmes and services throughout the life course.

We are looking for a Grade 7 Behavioural/Social Scientist to lead and collaborate on projects within the Behavioural and Social Sciences Team (BeSST). The team provides innovative behaviour change intervention research, behavioural and social science advice, capability building and leadership to support evidence-led action for ministers, Chief Medical Officers, the NHS, local authorities and wider public health system. Our aim is to use behavioural and social science evidence and theory to improve the public’s health and extend healthy life expectancy while decreasing health inequalities.    

We are open to discussions about how flexible working patterns could support you. We actively welcome applications from black and minority ethnic colleagues, colleagues with a disability, and other groups who are currently underrepresented in the Civil Service.

Job description

We are looking for an experienced behavioural/social scientist with expertise in public health to lead behavioural science projects and input across a range of public health policy areas.

This is a technical behavioural/social science role that requires cross-system and cross-organisational working. The role involves applied behavioural science tasks such as behavioural and social analyses using theoretical frameworks, behavioural pathways and systems mapping, behavioural science input/advice to campaign and app design, literature reviews, policy advice, presentations, training, report writing and opportunities for qualitative and quantitative data analysis.

Some of this work will be delivered directly with minor supervision and some you will help to commission. The role reports to the Head of Behavioural/Social Sciences alongside one other grade 7 in this small and friendly team of 3 behavioural science experts. There is some management in the role, particularly for PhD and MSc placements and internships.

You will be responsible for developing and maintaining links with other behavioural and social scientists and analysts within and outside of the Department, to support your own professional development and to ensure the team is aware of developments in the field. There will also be the opportunity to support the Head of the team in more strategic cross government and cross-organisation work (e.g., Behavioural and Cultural Insights for Better Health with WHO Regional Office for Europe, Behavioural and Social Sciences in Public Health Network, 5 nations behavioural science group, NIHR Behavioural and Social Science Policy Research Unit). 

There may be an opportunity to join the Government Social Research profession and to become part of the analytical community in the Department of Health Social Care and wider civil service.   

Person specification

The Lead Behavioural/Social Scientist role will contribute to the application of behavioural science across the Department. As part of a highly specialist team the postholder will support the planning, development and evaluation of a range of behavioural and social science initiatives.

Lead the delivery or commissioning of collaborative intervention, policy research or evaluation projects designed to demonstrate or deliver the potential for improvements in health outcomes through the application of behavioural and social science.

Conceive, lead or commission strategic behavioural analyses, behavioural and systems mapping including evidence reviews to identify evidence of barriers and facilitators to health-related behaviours and practices and identify gaps and opportunities for the improvement of services/interventions.

Ensure the quality and robustness of behavioural and social science work of the team and wider department.

Provide systems leadership through governance groups, stakeholder engagement, academic partnerships, networks, strategy, planning and guidance to enable the public health system to deliver behavioural and social science interventions and translate cost-effective interventions into widespread practice.

Facilitate colleagues across OHID, DHSC and the health system more widely to design and deliver innovative policies which improve health outcomes, extend healthy life expectancy and reduce health inequalities, through the provision of up-to-date evidence, thinking and expertise in behavioural and social sciences including novel or innovative theory and practice (e.g. artificial intelligence, systems thinking, social practice theory, critical health psychology, community psychology).

Design and deliver training for public health professionals on behavioural science taking account of the need to reduce health inequalities through consideration of the wider and social determinants of health and health behaviours.

To advocate for and represent the relevance of behavioural and social sciences in strategic initiatives within OHID and the wider public health system, representing the team internally and externally.

Disseminate research, results, and knowledge in the form of written publications, briefings and presentations. 

Be responsible for adhering to professional standards, research governance, legal and ethical responsibilities.

Keep abreast of the latest scientific advances in relevant fields.

Manage staff including PhD students and interns.

Key skills and experience required for the role

Qualifications:

Masters Degree or doctorate 

Knowledge and experience:

Experience of leading and managing behavioural science research projects or programmes ideally in a national or local policy environment and ideally in public health.

Knowledge and experience in evidence reviewing and synthesis, including the use of peer-reviewed and grey literature.

Experience of using behavioural science theories and frameworks to develop interventions to change behaviour at individual, community and population level.

Substantial experience of interpreting findings, drawing appropriate conclusions and recommendations from the evidence, and communicating these clearly and concisely.

Experience of applying ethical issues in research design and delivery.

Experience of health and wellbeing, public health, and local authority practices including inequalities.

Experience of working as an internal or external consultant.

Extensive experience of working with a range of stakeholders, professionals and the public to develop and deliver interventions involving human behaviour.

Key skills:

Proactive and up to date in debates, ideas and applications of behavioural science in behavioural public policy and health psychology.

Proactive in promoting, identifying, and responding to the need for behavioural science in local and national public health.

Active in seeking out and understanding new methods and technology in behavioural and social science.

Able to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Can take professional responsibility and exercise autonomous judgement with regard to their professional practice as part of the multi-disciplinary team.

Ability to work as a consultant to establish the needs of a range of stakeholder group.

Ability to critically appraise published research, draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.

Proven ability to use analytical concepts and techniques appropriate to behavioural and social science research (e.g. behavioural diagnosis, evaluation, logic models, systems mapping).

Ability to use behaviour change theories, frameworks and models to develop, implement and evaluate interventions to change behaviour.

Ability to analyse complex facts and situations and develop a range of options and recommendations.

Strategic thinking – ability to anticipate and resolve problems before they arise.

Demonstrated capability to plan for yourself and others over short timeframes, prioritise, and adjust plans and resource requirements accordingly.

Ability to make decisions autonomously, when required, on difficult issues, working to tight and often changing timescales, and requesting assistance as appropriate.

Your normal place of work will be your contractual primary workplace, usually either London or Leeds.  Within DHSC we offer non-contractual hybrid working. The expectation at present is a minimum of 60% of your working time spent in the office, enabling in person interaction and collaboration and enhancing team working, learning, and support. 

You will be asked to express a location preference during the application process. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas and some travel may be required across the DHSC estate. 

Opportunities for some working from home may be available; other flexible working options may be discussed with the hiring manager in line with individual circumstances and business need. 

There are a limited number of DHSC colleagues who have existing agreed homeworking contracts resulting from Our Future Estate Programme 2023-2024. Colleagues covered by these arrangements are eligible to apply for this role whilst continuing their agreed existing home working arrangement. Occasional travel to DHSC offices or other locations may still be required according to business need. Travel and subsistence will be provided in line with the pre-agreed homeworker arrangements.    

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £53,116, Department of Health and Social Care contributes £14,354 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, Experience and Technical skills.

Sift date: W/C 06/05/2024 

Interview date: expected W/C 27/05/2024

Interview location: By video. Further details will be released to candidates who are successful at sift. 

The available interview slots will be released with the sift scores. 

Applications will be sifted on CV, Statement of Suitability and Behaviours.

Please use your CV to set out your career history, highlighting specific responsibilities and achievements that are relevant for this role. These can be found in the ‘key skills and experience required for the role’ section of the advert. Please also include a list of your relevant qualifications. 

Please use your statement of suitability to (in no more than 500 words) outline how you meet the key skills and experience required for the role as set out in the job advert. 

We also ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form (250 words max each): Behaviour 1 - Making Effective Decisions, Behaviour 2 - Developing Self and Others

At interview candidates will be assessed on Behaviours, Technical Skills and Experience.

Technical skills will be assessed by presentation and questions on:

1. Behavioural and social science theories, methods and frameworks,
2. Research methods
3. Innovations in behavioural science and application of new technologies.

Experience will be assessed by questions on the candidate's management of a range of behavioural and social research projects. 

Candidates will be asked to give a presentation which will assess a Technical Skill: Behavioural and social science theory and methods. Details of the presentation question will be issued to candidates with the release of the sift scores. 

To find out more about working in the department please visit our page on the Civil Service Careers Website here 

Applicants who are appointable but were not successful in appointment to this vacancy, may be held on a reserve list for up to 12 months, and contacted if similar vacancies become available. 

Please be aware that some travel may be required across the DHSC estate. 

Please note that applicants will require BPSS clearance.

Qualifications required for the role will be checked and verified by the vacancy holder as part of the onboarding process. You may also be asked to provide evidence that any qualifications obtained overseas are equivalent to those advertised. 

This role is being advertised on a permanent basis. If preferable, Loan or Secondment options will also be available for existing Civil Servants (Loan) and applicants from accredited NDPBs or any other employer (Secondment). Prior agreement to be released on a loan basis must be obtained before commencing the application process. In the case of Civil Servants, the terms of the loan will be agreed between the home and host department and the Civil Servant. This includes grade on return.

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).

Further Information

A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.

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

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 DHSCrecruitment.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. 

If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be 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 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.

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

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.