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About the job
Job summary
The Home Office is the lead government Department for immigration and passports, crime, police, fire, and counter terrorism significant issues which are at the heart of the agenda of HM Government. The challenges and opportunities the Department faces are significant and rapidly changing in the global environment in which we operate. Strong analytical advice is needed to navigate these challenges, and the Home Office has a reputation for putting analysis at the heart of decision-making.
The Learning & Development and Communications Manager will join a small Management Support Unit within the Performance Reporting & Analysis Unit (PRAU) (part of the Home Office Analysis & Insight directorate). PRAU provides reporting and analysis of performance for the Migration & Borders Mission and associated operational Capabilities. It supports Ministers, the Executive Committee, Policy and Operational leads and other analytical functions with the management information (MI) that they need, as well as producing data for publication and other forms of external release. The Unit also provides advice and support to others in the Department on how to make best use of performance information and is leading on the transformation of MI systems and capabilities.
PRAU is geographically spread across four primary locations (London, Liverpool, and Sheffield and Croydon), with most staff working in line with the Departments hybrid working arrangements which would see the post holder spend 40% of their week in the office, with the remainder working from home. Candidates will need to agree a base location of either Croydon, Sheffield or Liverpool with a requirement for periodic attendance at other Home Office locations. The Management Support Unit meets in person as a team every six to eight weeks at one of these sites or in Westminster, plus there may be some regional travel required to attend or facilitate other events.
Job description
PRAU is expanding its staffing numbers to meet new Ministerial priorities and adapt its operating model to harness new management information tools. The Grade 7 post is a new post.
The job holders primary role is to implement PRAUs new Learning and Development (L&D) Strategy, delivered through a series of sub-projects. You will support the unit by introducing a more formal learning structure within the team, and developing a network of trainers and subject matter experts who are embedded in the business.
You will have line management responsibility for a small team leading L&D and Communications functions (with a 2:1 split L&D/Comms).
You will need experience of design and delivery of learning and development products. Success in this role will require a post holder who is adept at building relationships within the team and across the unit, to ensure all delivery projects continue to meet business needs in a fast-changing environment.
As the Communications lead, you will advise the senior management team on communications priorities and deploy a variety of means to engage staff. Key topics will include organisational change linked to the expansion of the unit and the introduction of the new Vantage software and ways of working, plus supporting implementation of the new learning and development strategy.
L&D:
Ownership of the L&D Strategy, including providing advice to the senior management team on implementation and future direction setting
Accountability for and leadership of the L&D Strategys implementation plan, to include allocating resources, prioritising and risk management
Ensuring essential element of the implementation plan are delivered as business as usual to include:
o Maintaining a core catalogue of learning and development solutions
o Maintaining a network of specialist training suppliers and champions
o Developing learning needs analysis for new roles as the business evolves
o Ensuring essential training solutions/products are in place and working effectively
o Delivering mandatory foundation training for all new staff
o Providing a robust assurance and evaluation capability
o Maintaining online tools (e.g. the units SharePoint site).
Communication:
Work with the senior management team to develop a set of communications priorities and delivery methods.
Deliver communication interventions that are based on audience insights, and use creative methods such as storytelling and interactive delivery.
Continually adapt communications desired outcomes and methods to match current operational priorities, engaging effectively with staff at all grades to inform the approach.
Identify ways to measure impact of communications and the methods used, with a view to continuous improvement.
Person specification
The job holder will have experience in designing and delivering learning solutions, plus will have a track record in engagement with a variety of stakeholders. Formal communications experience is not essential, but you will need to satisfy the panel that you can use a variety of methods to actively engage staff.
You will:
Enjoy setting the strategic direction and leading the establishment of a service, embracing the opportunity to shape and drive its success.
Use consultancy skills and the ability to partner with the business to understand and articulate L&D requirements and align them with the business objectives.
Be a confident and experienced communications professional.
Enjoy working with people to enhance their skills with a strong interest in talent development.
See value in continued professional development and actively encourages and supports ongoing learning opportunities for individuals and teams
Like working collaboratively with people, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for skill enhancement
Demonstrate flexibility, resilience, and a commitment to continuous improvement in their approach to work, actively seeking opportunities to enhance quality standards and deliver excellence in all aspects of the role.
Leverage experience in L&D to provide expert guidance and insights.
Essential criteria
Proven experience and expertise in Learning & Development.
Strong leadership skills and the ability to effectively manage and mentor others.
Strategic thinking where you can feed workforce and business needs into learning and talent development strategy, translating strategies into solutions.
A good understanding of learning methodologies and principles.
Strong analytical skills and the ability to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of L&D initiatives.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and engage with stakeholders at all levels
Flexibility and adaptability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.
Passion for talent development and a genuine interest in enhancing the skills and capabilities of individuals and teams.
Desirable criteria
A track record of successfully developing and implementing L&D strategies and programmes.
Experience in conducting needs assessments and designing targeted training and development.
Proficiency in leveraging technology and digital tools for learning and knowledge management.
Behaviours
We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
Benefits
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
Things you need to know
Selection process details
This gives us the best possible chance of finding the right person for the job, drives up performance and improves diversity and inclusivity.
After submission of the first stage of your application you will be invited to complete a Civil Service Verbal Test. If you successfully pass the test, you will be invited to complete the final stage of the application.
Please complete the online tests as soon as possible (within 24-48 hours is recommended), the closing date for the tests is 23:55 on 20/11/2023. If you fail to complete the online test 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 Civil Service Jobs website.
As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete:
A CV detailing job history/skills
A statement of suitability (personal statement) (maximum 500 words)
Provide evidence of the lead behaviour Managing a Quality Service (250 words maximum)
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
The statement of suitability should be aligned to demonstrate your skills and experience for the role and how you meet the Essential criteria as detailed in the job advertisement.
The sift will be held on the CV, behaviour and the statement of suitability.
However, if a large number of applications are received, the initial sift will be conducted on the statement of suitability.
Candidates who pass the initial sift will then be progressed to a full sift where the CV and behaviour will be scored.
If you are successful at sift stage, you will be invited to an interview which will be a blended approach of strength (no preparation needed) and behaviour-based questions on all the behaviours listed in the advert.
Sift and Interview dates
Sift is expected to take place week commencing 20th November 2023.
Interviews are expected to take place week commencing 11th December 2023.
We will try to meet the dates set out in the advert, however on occasions these dates may change.
Interviews will be carried out via video. Candidates will be required to have access to:
A laptop (personal or work) with a working webcam
Good internet connection
Microsoft Teams
PLEASE NOTE: Due to time constraints we may not be able to offer alternative interview date(s). It is therefore expected that candidates who are successful at sift stage will make themselves available during the above time frame given.
Further information
For meaningful checks to be carried out, individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time to enable appropriate checks to be carried out and produce a result which provides the required level of assurance. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years if the role requires CTC clearance, 5 years for SC clearance and 10 years for DV. A lack of UK residency in itself is not necessarily a bar to a security clearance and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.
A reserve list of successful candidates will be kept for 12 months. Should another role or similar role become available within that period you may be offered this position.
Every day, Home Office civil servants do brilliant work to develop and deliver policies and services that affect the lives of people across the country and beyond. To do this effectively and fairly, the Home Office is committed to representing modern Britain in all its diversity, and creating a welcoming, inclusive workplace where all our people are able to bring their whole selves to work and perform at their best.
We are flexible, skilled, professional and diverse. We work to recruit and retain disabled staff and area Disability Confident Leader. We are proud to be one of the most ethnically diverse departments in the civil service. We are a Social Mobility Foundation top 75 employer.
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.
For further information please see the attached notes for candidates which must be read before making an application.
Existing Civil Servants should note that some of the Home Office terms and conditions of employment have changed. It is the candidates responsibility to ensure they are aware of the Terms and Conditions they will adopt should they be successful in application and should refer to the notes for candidates for further details.
Transfer Terms: Voluntary.
If you are invited to an interview you will be required to bring a range of documentation for the purposes of establishing identity and to aid any pre-employment checks.
Please see the attached list of Home Office acceptable ID documents.
Any move to the Home 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
Reasonable Adjustments
If a person with disabilities is 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 HOrecruitment.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
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the Contact point for applicants section.
Feedback
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
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).
Apply and further information
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Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Home Office Resourcing Centre
- Email : HORCCampaignTeamCorporateEnablers@homeoffice.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : HOrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Further information
HORecruitment.GRS@cabinetoffice.gov.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response that you receive, then you can contact the Civil Service Commission.
