At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead initiatives to reduce fraud in welfare spending and analyse policy options.
- Company: Join a diverse team at HM Treasury, shaping welfare strategy.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on welfare policies affecting millions of households.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and collaborative mindset required.
The predicted salary is between 34820 - 40000 £ per year.
Salary: £34,820 - £40,000
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: This post is available on a full-time, part-time or job-share basis, and flexible working hours can be accommodated.
Location: Darlington
About the Team
The Welfare Spending and Reform (WSR) team is a welcoming and diverse group of about 18 people. They bring varied experience from both inside and outside government. The team guides HM Treasury’s approach to welfare spending and strategy, making sure support remains balanced and fits government priorities. As the Treasury spending team for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), we lead all aspects of one of the largest areas of public spending. We work on high-profile policy and funding issues across benefits like Universal Credit, Child Benefit, and disability support. The team also plays a key role in cross-government priorities, including child poverty and cost-of-living responses. We are committed to crafting an encouraging environment where colleagues can develop, contribute and thrive.
About the Job
In this role, you will:
- Lead creation of the fraud and error package for fiscal events: Develop and refine measures intended to reduce benefit fraud and error. Collaborate with DWP and HMT colleagues to assess feasibility, fiscal impact, and cost-effectiveness. Provide clear advice to seniors and ministers on options and implications for the fraud and error forecast.
- Take responsibility for reviewing DWP’s efficiency plans aimed at preventing fraud and error. This involves evaluating suggested operational, digital, and policy modifications, monitoring progress towards objectives, and advising where HMT should question or approve to maintain balanced efficiencies.
- Examine cases and new spending proposals on fraud and error. Review DWP bids and arguments, provide advice on funding decisions, and assist with in-year spending control against agreed plans.
- Prepare accurate and succinct advice on benefits fraud and error for Ministers and senior officials. This involves developing talking points, ministerial correspondence, and preparing briefing materials.
- Support the development of major welfare reforms by playing a central role in formulating and analysing welfare policy options. Contribute to the broader HMT strategy and assist in delivery across several teams.
You will play a key role in creating and putting into action policies that assist over 7 million households in Great Britain. This role offers the chance to work on prominent government policy and service delivery, particularly in tackling fraud and error reduction within the welfare system. Your efforts will be vital in preserving the trustworthiness of welfare funding and ensuring value for taxpayers.
About You
You will be a strong collaborator who enjoys working with people across different teams to deliver shared goals. You'll be comfortable analysing complex information, weighing evidence carefully, and making good judgements, often at pace. You'll also be organised and proactive, with the ability to manage competing priorities, take ownership of your work, and deliver high-quality outcomes to demanding timescales.
Some of the Benefits our people love!
- Annual leave starts at 25 days and rises to 30 after 5 years. Employees also get 8 public holidays plus the King’s birthday unless covered by a legacy Civil Service arrangement.
- Flexitime allows up to 2 additional days off monthly.
- Flexible working patterns (part-time, job-share, condensed hours).
- Generous parental and adoption leave packages.
- Access to a generous Defined Benefit pension scheme with employer contributions amounting to 28.97%.
- Access to a salary sacrifice scheme for cycling to work and options for season ticket loans.
- A range of active staff networks, based around interests (e.g. analysts, music society, sports and social club) and diversity.
For more information about the role and how to apply, please follow the apply link. If you need any reasonable adjustments to participate in the selection process, please mention this in your online application form. You can also contact the recruitment team at.
Policy Adviser - Universal Credit in Darlington employer: HM TREASURY
HM Treasury is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Darlington where policy advisers can thrive. With a strong emphasis on personal development, flexible working arrangements, and generous benefits including a defined benefit pension scheme and extensive leave options, employees are encouraged to engage in meaningful projects that enhance their expertise and contribute to the UK's financial market innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy Adviser - Universal Credit in Darlington
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like HM TREASURY, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
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Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
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We think you need these skills to ace Policy Adviser - Universal Credit in Darlington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for HM TREASURY and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at HM TREASURY
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with HM TREASURY, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for HM TREASURY.
