At a Glance
- Tasks: Investigate complaints about public services and help put things right.
- Company: Join the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy 32.5 days leave, hybrid working, and a Civil Service Pension.
- Other info: Structured training and career growth opportunities await you!
- Why this job: Make meaningful impact while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Recent graduates with strong communication and decision-making skills are welcome.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
About us
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) helps people when things go wrong with public services. We make the final decision on complaints about UK Government departments and the NHS in England when they haven’t been resolved elsewhere.
Why this role matters
You will do meaningful work with real impact, understanding people’s experiences, working through evidence, and helping put things right when systems haven’t worked as they should. A role in which you can make a real difference.
Great for graduates
We are a fair, inclusive and supportive place to work. You will have structured learning, regular coaching, and the space to ask questions and build confidence as you go.
The role
As a caseworker, you will investigate NHS and Government department complaints and manage your own cases from start to finish.
Responsibilities
- Understand what the complaint is about
- Review evidence and relevant information
- Speak with the people and organisations involved
- Decide whether the organisation acted properly
- Explain your decision clearly and fairly
Is this role right for you?
This role may not suit you if you prefer quick decisions, short pieces of work, or you dislike writing and working through detail. With multiple vacancies available, you will start alongside other new graduates, learning and developing together. Caseworkers often move into senior caseworker roles, management, and our quality and training teams. Some of our Assistant Casework Directors started as Caseworkers.
What we’re looking for
- A recent degree (minimum 2:2 and within the last 3 years, graduating by August 2026) in any subject
- Ability to read and understand detailed information (sometimes a lot of it)
- Confidence to make fair decisions based on evidence, and explain how you reached them
- Clear written and verbal communication (you will write a lot in this role)
- A calm, professional approach with people who may be upset or frustrated
- Ability to manage your own workload and work towards targets, including progressing and closing cases within expected timeframes
Training and development
We don’t expect you to arrive with casework or investigation experience. We will give you the time, training and support you need to become confident in the role. You will start with a structured training programme designed to get you role-ready, including:
- An introduction to PHSO and how we work
- How to assess complaints and make fair decisions
- How to write clear, well-reasoned outcomes
- Support to manage your caseload effectively
As you settle in, you will continue learning through:
- Regular coaching and feedback from experienced colleagues
- Access to our internal training and quality teams
- Opportunities to build skills that support your next career step
Development doesn’t stop once you’re up and running, we invest in you whether you want to deepen your expertise, move into senior roles, or explore other career paths within PHSO. We recognise the value of lived experience. If you have experience of complaining about any public body, we strongly encourage you to apply.
Benefits
- Civil Service Pension scheme
- 32.5 days annual leave
- Hybrid working (40% office-based)
- Free, confidential Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 advice and support)
- Comprehensive learning and development programme
- Employee discount scheme across hundreds of retailers
- Bicycle loan scheme
- Season ticket loan
- Paid professional memberships
Key dates
- Start date: 19 October 2026 (no flexibility). You must be available for the first 3 weeks for training.
- Training: mix of office-based and virtual sessions; you’ll be in the office 3 days per week during the initial training period.
- Closing date: 28 June 2026
- Written online assessment task dates: 13 – 19 July 2026
- Interview date (in person): 03 – 14 August 2026
Equality, diversity, inclusion and wellbeing
Equality, diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing are vital to the way we work and our culture. We want our colleagues to feel included, valued, and supported at work. It is essential that we are representative and accessible for the people who work here and those who use our service.
- An anonymised shortlisting process to make sure it is fair and unbiased
- Monitoring the demographic trends in our workforce and making measured, sustained efforts to improve our diversity at all levels
- Providing wellbeing support and opportunities for personal and professional development for all colleagues
- Creating spaces for connection and engagement through our employee network groups and social clubs
- Part of the disability confident scheme providing reasonable adjustments
- Engaging in regular inclusion learning to enhance the cultural competency of our organisation
Underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply: Asian, Black, Mixed Ethnicity or another ethnic background, disabled, LGBTQ.
Graduate Caseworker in Manchester employer: Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) is an exceptional employer that offers graduates a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful work with real impact, helping to resolve complaints about public services. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and employee development, PHSO provides structured training, regular coaching, and a supportive work culture that fosters growth and career progression. Located in a vibrant environment, employees benefit from a generous leave policy, hybrid working arrangements, and access to comprehensive support services, making it an ideal place for those seeking a rewarding career in public service.
Contact Details:
Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Caseworker in Manchester
✨Get Involved with Local Community Projects
If you're eyeing a role in the government or public sector, dive into local community projects or initiatives. These not only elevate your resume but also help you make valuable connections with people already working in the field. Plus, showing a genuine commitment to public service can stand out to employers!
✨Attend Public Sector Job Fairs
Make sure to hit up job fairs specifically tailored for the public sector. These events are gold mines for entry-level roles, and you can chat directly with recruiters from local councils or governmental agencies. It’s an excellent chance to show off your enthusiasm and maybe even score an informal interview!
✨Engage with Your Local Representatives
Reach out to your local MPs or representatives for informational interviews or to volunteer. This can give you insights into the working of government roles, and they might even inform you about upcoming vacancies that aren’t widely advertised yet. Networking within these circles can sometimes open unexpected doors!
✨Check Out Internship Programmes
Entry-level positions in the public sector are often tied to internship programmes. Keep an eye on internships offered by local government bodies or agencies, as they can serve as a perfect stepping stone into a full-time role. Applying through our website can help you stay updated on these opportunities, so keep your eyes peeled!
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Caseworker in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Motivation:In your cover letter, make sure to highlight why you're passionate about working in the government and public sector. Employers love to see candidates who are not just looking for a job, but who genuinely want to contribute to their community and make a difference. Let us know what drives you to apply to Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman!
Emphasise Relevant Skills:This is the time to flaunt those transferable skills like communication, teamwork, and analytical thinking! Make sure your CV reflects any experience you have in volunteering or community service, as these are super relevant in the public sector. We want to see how your background can contribute to Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman's mission!
Tailor Your CV for Entry-Level:For an entry-level role, let’s keep the focus on your academic achievements, relevant coursework, and any internships or part-time roles that highlight your skills. Make it easy for us to see your potential – remove any unrelated jobs that might clutter your CV. Highlight how your background aligns with the work done at Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.
Follow Application Guidelines:Government roles often come with specific application requirements, such as forms or additional documentation. Make sure to tick all the boxes when applying through our website. Double-check that you’ve included everything requested – we wouldn’t want you to miss out on opportunities at Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman because of a missing document!
How to prepare for a job interview at Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
✨Know Your Public Sector Values
Understand the core values and mission of public service, especially as they relate to Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman. Be ready to explain why you want to work in the government-public sector and how your motivations align with serving the community.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face situational questions that gauge your decision-making and problem-solving skills. For example, they might ask how you would handle a situation where a policy you support is met with public criticism, so think about your responses ahead of time!
✨Research the Specific Role You'll Play
As an entry-level candidate, demonstrate your understanding of the specific department or area you'll be involved with. Familiarise yourself with current projects or challenges Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman is facing, as this will show your enthusiasm and preparedness.
✨Prepare to Discuss Public Accountability
Working in the public sector means being accountable to the populace. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure transparency and build trust as a representative of Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman. Reflect on how you would communicate effectively with the public and stakeholders.
