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.

We are looking for experienced economists to join the Strategic Advice and Evidence (SEAD) team, part of DHSC's Secondary Prevention Directorate and within the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID).

SEAD comprises economists, mathematical modellers, evidence and evaluation specialists and behavioural scientists. We provide multidisciplinary analytical support for policy development, at all stages of the policy cycle, aimed at improving health, preventing ill health developing, and reducing disparities in health across the population. We act as OHID’s lead on research, evidence and health economic analysis.

Throughout the application process you will be assessed against certain skills and behaviours.

 

Technical skills will be assessed against the grade requirement of the Government Economic Service (GES). Details can be found in the GES Framework (www.gov.uk/government/publications/ges-technical-framework-2022)

Behaviours will be in accordance with the Success Profiles (Success Profiles - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk))and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.

We would recommend that applicants consider the STAR methodology when structuring responses. (The STAR method , National Careers Service)

Job description

As an economist within SEAD, your work will help national government and the wider public health system understand the cost-effectiveness of investments in health improvement and the prevention of ill health. You will apply good economic principles to provide evidence to support policymaking.

Your role will require you to develop and use cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit analysis, to develop innovative projects that make the best use of health economics, and to provide advice and analysis in response to pressing policy questions.

Your work will be across the following areas:

1. Assessing the value for money of specific public health interventions.
2. Building up the evidence base on the potential impacts of national and local public health action, and engaging and influencing the wider system (DHSC, other government departments, and the local public health system) to further build up and utilise this evidence base.
3. Developing tools & evidence to support local commissioning of public health services, such as Return on Investment tools assessing the cost-effectiveness of public health interventions.
4. Providing analytical leadership and support to strategic public health projects, or work to support the allocation of the Public Health Grant.
5. Upskilling wider DHSC in health economics concepts and techniques.

Role responsibilities

Working collaboratively with colleagues across DHSC, scoping projects, developing key questions, deciding on and gathering appropriate evidence, and considering how economic analysis best contributes to the overall project outcomes.

Planning and managing the delivery of economic analysis, managing projects proactively to ensure that analysis is delivered on time.

Ensuring analytical products are delivered to a high standard. Critically assessing and interpreting the evidence available and the weight that can be attached to it, identifying risks and proposing mitigations for them; presenting analysis clearly and accurately both orally and in writing and review and providing constructive feedback on work produced by colleagues.

Communicating effectively with internal and external stakeholders and establishing effective working relationships.

Possible management responsibilities for one or more Assistant Economists or Economic Interns, including supervising their work, coaching, and providing advice and supporting their development.

Contributing to the development of the Department's economics capability, through knowledge sharing, providing peer review of others’ work and/or input to the policies and procedures, representing the Directorate at public events including conferences, and contributing to the recruitment of Assistant Economists.

Person specification

Key skills and experience required for this role

Successful candidates will demonstrate: 

• Strategic and tactical awareness of the context that their work sits within and an ability to reflect this in their approach.
• A strong sense of what's important and an ability to prioritise based on this.
• Application of knowledge: Strong analytical experience, with breadth and depth of experience of undertaking economic analysis.
• Analysis of data: Ability to analyse large data sets and draw conclusions from incomplete or contrasting evidence.
• Effective communication: An ability to present your work to senior colleagues in an impactful manner and such that it influences and informs policy. Strong engagement and stakeholder management skills.
• Analytical leadership: A proven ability to independently lead large analytical projects in a complex environment, that are of high quality, innovative, fit for purpose and deliver to time. Ability to see how the results of the analysis fit with organisational objectives and the wider Government agenda.
• Knowledge of HMT Green Book methods - The Green Book (2022) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
• Ability to identify risks to the delivery of analytical work and work with Grade 6 line managers and Deputy Directors to mitigate these risks, including deprioritising work where needed in order to meet milestones.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to explain concepts of high complexity to a non-technical audience to support collaborative and joined-up decision making.
• Experience in or potential to line manage junior analysts, including supporting their development and wellbeing. 

Eligibility for this role is limited to existing members of the government analytical professions OR those who have the appropriate qualifications and experience to become members. 
 
Candidates applying to be badged into the Government Economic Service will be required to answer 10 written short-answer questions prior to the interview, and the answers given may be further explored in the technical video interview. 

Candidates applying to be badged into the Government Economic Service must meet the following eligibility criteria: 

• Holds a first or 2:1 degree in economics (or international equivalent), or a postgraduate degree in economics. If it is a joint degree, at least 50% of the course modules must be in economics.
• Studied both macroeconomics and microeconomics.
• Able to demonstrate substantial current experience in your career as a professional economist.  

Flexible working location requirements

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 £14,341 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.

Throughout the application process you will be assessed against certain skills and behaviours.

Technical skills will be assessed against the grade requirement of the Government Economic Service (GES). Details can be found in the GES Framework (www.gov.uk/government/publications/ges-technical-framework-2022)

Behaviours will be in accordance with the Success Profiles (Success Profiles - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk))and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.

We would recommend that applicants consider the STAR methodology when structuring responses. (The STAR method , National Careers Service)

Sift date: W/C 24/06/2024

Interview date: expected W/C 08/07/2024

Interview location: By video. 

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

Applications will be sifted on CV, Statement of Suitability, a Technical Skill, and a Behaviour. 

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

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. 

You will also be asked to write a Statement of Suitability. This personal statement should not exceed 750 words total and should evidence how you meet the key skills, experience and qualifications set out in the job advert.

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

All candidates will be asked to give a presentation which will assess a technical skill: Analysis of Data (GES Technical Competencies). Details of the presentation question will be issued to candidates with the release of the sift scores.

Eligibility for this role is limited to existing members of the Government Economic Service (GES) OR those who have the appropriate qualifications and experience to become members.

Candidates applying to be badged into the Government Economic Service will be required to answer 10 written short-answer questions prior to the interview, and the answers given may be further explored in the technical interview. The vacancy holder will provide these questions to candidates applying to be badged before the interview.

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

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

Please note that applicants will require BPSS clearance.

Memberships 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.  

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 

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.

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. 

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).

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.