About the job

Job summary

At the Cabinet Office we support the Prime Minister and the Minister for the Cabinet Office in delivering key objectives and milestones ensuring the smooth running of government - from developing policy, to modernising public services. The Cabinet office is both a “corporate centre” for government and a policy department in its own right that challenges, supports, leads and provides services to other Ministerial Departments. We welcome talented people from all backgrounds with the skills and the commitment to build a career in the Civil Service. 

The Cabinet Office Purpose is:

• to maintain the integrity of the Union, coordinate the security of the realm and sustain a flourishing democracy;
• to support the design and implementation of HM Government’s policies and the Prime Minister’s priorities; and
• to ensure the delivery of the finest public services by attracting and developing the best public servants and improving the efficiency of government.

The work Cabinet Office delivers is vast and therefore presents opportunities to develop your skills and experience in a variety of critical government agendas.

An organisation of approximately 7,000 employees, the Cabinet Office is a vibrant, modern and exciting place to work, attracting a diverse workforce which represents the people we serve. Our main offices are in London, but we have staff based around the UK.

At the heart of this are our Cabinet Office values. To deliver our Purpose and help make Cabinet Office a great place to work, we all commit to:

• treating everyone with Respect
• actively Collaborate, and
• build Trust

We have an aspiration to become the most inclusive employer across the Civil Service. We have a number of staff benefits, including flexible working, and access to a number of staff support networks to ensure we meet this. The Cabinet Office has achieved a Bronze award in the Inclusive Employers Standard and a Gold Talent Inclusion & Diversity Evaluation (TIDE) award from the Employers Network for Equality & Inclusion (ENEI). 

Job description

The Priority Projects Unit (PPU) provides high-calibre professional support to Cabinet Office’s directorates, working on the department’s highest priority and most complex projects. As the department’s priorities change, so do we, meaning that we’re always at the leading edge of what the Cabinet Office and Government is delivering. 

PPU members are typically placed on three-month projects with teams across the Cabinet Office. These placements can be both individual or alongside other PPU members at different grades. Recently, we have had team members leading work on the US-UK Atlantic Declaration and wider economic security policy, supporting the work of the Economic and Domestic Secretariat, responding to the COVID-19 and Infected Blood Inquiries, providing critical private office support for Cabinet Office ministers and SCS, and championing key initiatives relating to the modernisation and reform of the Civil Service.We aim to meet the changing business needs and priorities of the department, while providing team members with the best opportunities for individual development.

The PPU is committed to diversity and inclusion through our training offer and a range of team initiatives, as well as to a team culture in which all team members can thrive. We’re committed to making the PPU a great team to work in. To make this happen, we all take on a corporate responsibility, giving 10% of our time to the team to create a vibrant team culture. 

You’ll be joining the PPU at an exciting time.  The PPU runs a dual location model.  We have a strong presence in London but are expanding and if successful you’ll join our fun, lively and  growing team in the Department’s second headquarters in Glasgow. We are committed to expanding outside of London and the department  ultimately aims to have 50% of its staff based outside London by 2025. 

You will be involved in delivering a range of important, consequential and historic policies across Government. You will be supported by a dedicated line manager within PPU focused on your wellbeing and career development who will work alongside your project task manager to oversee the expectations of your current placement. 

The PPU is committed to supporting and developing its team members. You will have access to a wide range of learning and development materials in addition to the core civil service offer, including expert seminars, a week-long training package at PPU ‘basecamp’, and comprehensive induction materials, all aimed at empowering you to thrive in this challenging, exciting team.

Our project-based work can also adapt to those who need to work flexibly through a part time or job share arrangement, but who want to be involved in shaping some of the highest priority projects in Government. Several members of our team already do this around caring responsibilities. We can offer a range of flexible working arrangements that will be agreed with successful candidates on a case-by-case basis prior to the start of employment.

Each project and its demands are unique but frequently PPU team members are requested to work on complex, cross-cutting areas of work.

Person specification

What are my responsibilities?

Each project and its demands are unique but frequently PPU team members are requested to work on complex, cross-cutting areas of work; significant policy, delivery and analysis reviews; short term problem solving with policy teams on urgent issues; project management to establish programmes; and working with Ministers. This may be within the Cabinet office or across departments. 

Within projects you will be expected to:

• Quickly identify objectives and learn the work of the team and policy area;
• Take responsibility for a set of high priority objectives, work independently and with minimal supervision;
• Be an ambassador for PPU, leading by example and taking responsibility, frequently within demanding circumstances.

To be successful in this role, you will:

• Have the drive and organisational skills to deliver projects quickly over a short time-frame;
• Be comfortable with frequent change - both moving between projects and as priorities change during projects;
• Be able to settle into new teams, forming good work relationships and working effectively without understanding all the detail;
• Be a strong analytical thinker who can work both with detail and understand the wider context; solve problems and work out what needs to be done and take pride in doing it to completion;
• Have strong report writing skills and ability to communicate key messages clearly and succinctly to senior leaders and ministers;
• Be highly organised, with the ability to work on and manage multiple projects within tight timelines and with minimal supervision; and
• Have a good set of essential skills to operate across a range of projects and teams - including: effective planning; the ability to bring along colleagues across government to achieve objectives; and the ability to think through difficult policy problems.

Data and digital skills are an increasingly important part of operating successfully in PPU. We offer training to make sure everyone in the unit has a good understanding of the fundamentals. We would especially welcome your application if you have data and digital experience.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £40,850, Cabinet Office contributes £11,070 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 and Experience.

We will be considering your application based on the following:

Written application stage

After submission of the first stage of your application you will be invited to complete a Civil Service Judgement Test. If you successfully pass the test, you will be invited to complete the final stage of the application. 

Please complete the online tests and written application as soon as possible (within 24-48 hours is recommended), the closing date for the tests is 07/01/2024 at 23:55. If you fail to complete the online test and written application 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.

CV and Personal statement

In the personal statement, we are keen to find out more about you. In 250 words or less, you should tell us what has motivated you to apply for a role with PPU and the skills and experience you have that would benefit the unit. 

The CV section is not assessed.

Behaviours

Delivering at Pace - You will need to be self-disciplined, with the focus and drive to consistently deliver quality results to tight deadlines. You'll also need to be comfortable adjusting and reassessing your work when priorities shift. 

Making Effective Decisions - We’re looking for people who are able to use a range of evidence to offer really sound advice. To do this you’ll need to make sure that all viable options have been properly considered as well as any potential risks. 

Communicating and Influencing - You’ll need to be a confident communicator who is comfortable sharing complex information in a straightforward, honest and engaging way. You should also be able to respond to challenge in a firm but empathetic way. (assessed at interview stage only)

Seeing the Big Picture - You’ll need to be mindful of a range of external factors that might impact your work and make sure your team is aware of them too. You’ll need to factor these into your planning to ensure that potential disruptions are anticipated and opportunities taken advantage of (assessed at interview stage only)

Please use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) approach when writing your behaviour answers. Please use the Civil Service Success Profiles at https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/717275/CS_Behaviours_2018.pdf to support you in writing your answers. 

Due to the high volume of applications received for Cabinet Office vacancies, we regret that feedback is only available - at the discretion of the vacancy manager - following the interview stage. Vacancy managers may sift on one lead behaviour, Delivering at Pace, at the application stage. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to assessment/interview. 

Interview stage

The interview is assessed using a blended mix of the above behaviours and strength-based questions. More information on strengths can be found at https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5b27cef5ed915d2cbdcf7c63/CS_Strengths_2018.pdf. 

Candidate Drop-In Sessions  

We will be running a candidate drop-in session for this role to give you greater insight about the role as well as the chance to learn more about the Cabinet Office and the recruitment process. If you would like to join us, then use the appropriate link below to join the call at the right time. 

Wednesday 6th December: 17:00-18:00 

Tuesday 19th December at 17:00-18:00

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/jcg-fvnj-vex

Or dial: ‪(GB) +44 20 3956 7351‬ PIN: ‪432 087 849‬#

More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/jcg-fvnj-vex?pin=1297565043793

Contact

Please contact ppurecruitment@cabinetoffice.gov.uk with any inquiries.

Further Information

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

Any move to Cabinet Office 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.

Please be aware the levels of national security clearance are changing which may impact on the level needed for this role by the time of appointment. All efforts will be made to keep candidates informed of any changes and what that will mean in terms of vetting criteria. For more information please See our vetting charter

In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure Scotland 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.

For further information on the Disclosure Scotland confidential checking service telephone: the Disclosure Scotland Helpline on 0870 609 6006 and ask to speak to the operations manager in confidence, or email Info@disclosurescotland.co.uk

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  cabinetofficerecruitment.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. 

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

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. 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.