About the job

Job summary

If you’re interested in making a difference to people’s lives, the Treasury can offer you an exciting opportunity to influence decision making that affects the whole of the UK. Working at the heart of government, we collaborate across government to promote responsible public spending and drive strong and sustainable economic growth.  

Our work ranges from protecting customers through the regulation of the financial sector, helping to reduce carbon emissions and creating a greener economy, to promoting British trade around the world and supporting people across the country on jobs, growth and more.  

HM Treasury is proud of a diverse and inclusive work environment, committed to fairness and the promotion of equality of opportunity for all. We know that having a range of experiences, ways of working and thinking makes us stronger and better at developing policy that reflects the needs of every community. We embrace different views and experiences and value the new perspective that people from a variety of circumstances bring to the work we do. We welcome applications from candidates who have not previously worked for the Civil Service, mid- and late-career changers with transferrable skills, people from all backgrounds and circumstances regardless of disability, gender, age ethnicity, LGBT+ identity and socio-economic status.  

We are part of the Darlington Economic Campus, a pioneering new cross-government hub which brings people together to play an active role in the most important issues of the day whilst working closer to the communities we serve. The campus provides the opportunity for people from all over the UK to help shape the future of the country, and our flexible working practices ensure you can collaborate effectively with our partners. It’s central government, made more accessible to you! 

Job description

About the Group

Personal Tax, Welfare and Pensions We work to build a tax and welfare system that supports the government’s goals of fiscal sustainability, economic growth, and fairness. We look after high-profile areas including personal taxes, labour markets, welfare, tax administration, pensions, tax avoidance, and savings. We also coordinate spending controls for HM Revenue & Customs, Department for Work and Pensions. The Group is responsible for over £400bn in tax receipts and £300bn in welfare spending, impacting the lives of millions of citizens across the UK.   Our work means that we are often at the centre of ministers’ decision making, and we play a significant part in the Budget and the Spending Review. We work closely with HMRC, DWP and Number 10, and with a wide variety of external stakeholders.  PTWP is a friendly, diverse, and inclusive Group, with a wide range of backgrounds and specialisms. We have an active ‘Wellbeing Plan’ focussed on learning and belonging.

About the Team

The Pensions and Savings team (PST) is responsible for policy that supports people to build savings and pensions throughout their working life and for the State Pension and benefits like Winter Fuel Payments and Pension Credit paid to people once they reach State Pension age. The team is responsible for significant annual tax reliefs (totalling nearly £70bn) and AME expenditure (exceeding £130bn). To deliver our policies, we work closely with other teams within HM Treasury and also with other departments, particularly DWP and HMRC. These are exciting policies that have a tangible impact on everyone. The size and influence of these policies means that they are always of interest to ministers. We are a small, friendly and busy team. We play an active role in making sure that PTWP has an inclusive, positive working environment. We are committed to ensuring a good work-life balance and currently have people with a variety of working patterns, including part-time roles.

About the Job

We are looking for two Policy Advisers in PST, one to join us in the defined contribution (DC) pensions branch, and one in the private pensions projects branch. It's an exciting time to join! Both roles will work on high profile policy areas with implications for every person living in the UK. In the last year, the DC pensions branch has led on major reforms to the way we tax pension contributions, including raising the Annual Allowance and abolishing the Lifetime Allowance. We have also been a major part of the Mansion House reforms announced by the Chancellor last summer, which aim to improve the ways in which pension funds invest, both for improved saver outcomes and also the wider economy. We will continue to focus on improving outcomes for savers by changing the way that pension schemes invest, as well as working closely with DWP on Automatic Enrolment policy. The newly established pension projects branch will lead projects on emerging priorities across the private pensions policy space, meaning you will have the opportunity to work on a wide array of exciting and high-profile issues. The projects could range from in-depth exploration of specific parts of the pensions system, to exploring how the entire pensions regime should respond to evolutions in people’s expectations for their retirement, the pensions landscape, and the economic and fiscal context. Pension issues can arise in many areas, including labour markets, tax and spending, and financial services and markets. These policy projects have the potential to significantly shape pensions policy and affect millions of savers and investors. We are looking for someone to take on these cross-cutting and dynamic roles which provide opportunities to gain exposure to policy issues across HM Treasury and develop core policymaking skills. Key accountabilities for the DC pensions role will evolve over time, but are likely to include: ·         Advising HM Treasury ministers on policy changes related to taxation of pension contributions, including pensions tax relief thresholds and pensions tax relief administration. The postholder will advise ministers on policies to deliver a fair and affordable pensions tax system, and coordinate analysis that supports recommendations. ·         Advising HM Treasury ministers on the future of automatic enrolment policy, taking into account DWP ambitions, cost of living issues for affected people and the fiscal and economic impacts. ·         Advising HM Treasury ministers on issues to do with Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs), including tax issues following early closure of some SIPPs. ·         Communicating government policy on the taxation of pension contributions through drafting responses to queries received by HM Treasury, working closely with other policy teams. ·         Working closely with colleagues across HM Treasury, and strengthening the policy partnership with HMRC by building strong personal relationships with HMRC colleagues, encompassing all stages of the policy process. Key responsibilities for the pensions projects role will vary depending on the project, but are likely to include: ·         Advising HM Treasury Ministers on a range of private pensions issues, communicating clearly to enable Ministers to make decisions based on your work. ·         Collecting and analysing evidence to make robust, evidence-based recommendations to Ministers that reflect the government’s priorities and the broader fiscal and economic context. ·         Building strong professional relationships with colleagues across HM Treasury and HMRC, to collaboratively advance policy work while navigating differing objectives. ·         Engaging with stakeholders to gain knowledge and expertise from others, while also communicating HM Treasury’s objectives and work. ·         Contributing to the selection, planning and timely delivery of strategically important projects which consider the political and fiscal context. ·         Facilitating effective project governance to achieve consensus on project direction and monitor project progress. You do not need to be a policy professional or have any specific qualifications to succeed in either role. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and previous knowledge of pensions or policy making is not necessary. We are looking for candidates who can collaborate effectively to deliver against shared objectives, analyse information to draw evidenced conclusions and position their work in a wider context. We're also looking for individuals who will bring enthusiasm and motivation to the roles, helping to build a positive team dynamic. If you would like to speak to the hiring manager prior to the closing date for applications to find out more about the job, please contact Greg Salt (Gregory.Salt@HMTreasury.gov.uk) to discuss the DC pensions role, Niamh Corcoran (Niamh.Corcoran@HMTreasury.gov.uk) to discuss the private pensions project role, or either to find out more about the two roles.

Person specification

About your application

We are looking for the below behaviours and we will ask you to demonstrate these in your application form. Please review the Candidate FAQ document that is attached to the advert for guidance on how to complete your application form. 1.    Working Together: Ability to build professional relationships with a range of stakeholders to deliver shared objectives, even when you have differing points of view. 2.    Making effective decisions: Ability to use relevant, credible information from both quantitative and qualitative sources to support decisions. 3.    Communicating and influencing: Ability to communicate complex information clearly and with purpose to influence the work of others. The lead criterion is: Working Together. If we receive large volumes of applications, we will conduct an initial sift on the lead criterion only. This recruitment covers two roles. You are not required to express a preference for a specific role at the application stage. However, you will have the opportunity to state a preference at the interview stage, which will be considered.   Candidate Guidance Support Session We will be running an overview of Success Profiles and the STAR approach; top tips for the application and interview process and an opportunity to ask general questions around our recruitment practices. If you would like to join us, then use the link below to join the call at the right time. 19th March 5pm – 5.45 Click here to join meeting

Benefits

• 25 days’ annual leave (rising to 30 after 5 years), plus 8 public holidays and the King's birthday (unless you have a legacy arrangement as an existing Civil Servant)  
• Flexible working patterns (part-time, job-share, condensed hours)  
• Generous parental and adoption leave package. 
• A Civil Service Pension which provides an attractive pension, benefits for dependants and average employer contributions of 27%  
• Onsite restaurant and coffee bar. The London office also offers a gym, showers and prayer room  
• Access to a cycle-to-work salary sacrifice scheme, season ticket advances and payroll giving  
• Access to a retail discounts and cashback site  
• A Rental Deposit Advance Scheme to help meet the total costs of deposits for privately rented homes  
• A range of active staff networks, based around interests (e.g. analysts, music society, sports and social club) and diversity (e.g. women in the Treasury, ethnic minority network, LGBT* network, faith and belief network) 

Flexible Working Arrangements

HM Treasury views flexible working as essential in enabling us to recruit and retain talented people, ensuring that they can enjoy a long-lasting career with us. All employees have the right to apply for flexible working and there are a range of options available including; part-time, compressed hours and job sharing. Additionally, we operate flexitime systems, allowing employees the flexibility to adjust their working patterns throughout the week which is subject to operational needs and line management approval.  

At HM Treasury we have an incredibly broad remit; our work touches every citizen of the country. So, it’s important our employees come from the widest possible range of backgrounds, bringing us the widest possible range of perspectives and ways of thinking. We are committed to ensuring that all staff can realize their potential and achieve a healthy work-life balance. 

HM Treasury operates an office based working approach across all Treasury sites - Darlington, London, and Norwich, and along with the rest of the Civil Service, has an expectation of a minimum of 60% attendance in the office, along with working remotely. This blended working approach allows you to work collaboratively, meet stakeholders face to face, support others and promotes a healthy work life balance (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review. All our offices have been recently modernised and designed to collaborate and connect with colleagues as well as desk and quiet space to allow a range of ways to work.

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 and Experience.

Recruitment Timeline 

Closing date: 23:55 7 April 2024

Shortlisting: w/c 8 April 2024

Interviews:  w/c 22 April 2024

This timeline is indicative and may be subject to change. We will inform you if there is a substantial change to the recruitment timeline. 

If your contact details change at any time during the selection process, please ensure you update your Civil Service Jobs Profile. 

Please note that only applications submitted through Civil Service Jobs will be accepted.

Location-Based Reserve Lists 

You will be placed on a reserve list if your application is successful, but we cannot offer you a post immediately. Where more than one location has been advertised, candidates will be approached for roles in merit order according to the first preferred location stated on your application form. 

Please note that a place on the reserve list does not guarantee an offer. We would still encourage you to apply for other HM Treasury opportunities that you are interested in. If you are offered a role in your first preferred location and you decline the offer or you are unable to take up the post within a reasonable timeframe, you will be removed from the reserve list, other than in exceptional circumstances. 

Eligibility Statement  

A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role in the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government. Checks will be performed as part of pre-employment checks in line with this. Please refer to the Candidate FAQ document attached to the advert for more information. 

Individuals appointed to the Treasury Group will be subject to National Security Vetting. To allow for meaningful checks to be carried out applicants will normally need to have lived in the UK for at least 3 out of the past 5 years. A lack of UK residency in itself is not always a bar to security clearance but the Department will need to consider eligibility on a case by case basis using all information that can be obtained following a successful application. 

Everyone working with government assets must complete Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks.  

For many roles, security clearance is also required. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements of the role before they can be appointed. The level of security clearance required for this role is Counter Terrorist Check (CTC)

Please read the Vetting Charter for information on what to expect during the vetting process and what will be expected from you.  

Many areas of your life may be explored during your vetting journey, and it is important that every individual, regardless of their background and experiences, should feel comfortable going through this personal process, whilst having confidence that it is fair, proportionate, and inclusive.  

These short videos address common concerns and preconceptions which applicants may have about national security vetting.  

If you have questions relating to security clearances, please contact HMTSecurityVetting@hmtreasury.gov.uk

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

Security

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window). 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.