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We encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates
At DfE, we are proud of the commitment we make to diversity and inclusion and of the progress we have made. We have active & vibrant staff networks, special leave policies and workplace adjustments put in place for those who need them. We are continuing to build a diverse DfE, in an inclusive environment which nurtures and realises potential in all, at all levels.
Equality and Diversity – Department for Education
We are seeking to fill two SEO roles within the Independent Education Unit to lead on complex casework and policy improvement to ensure every child receives a safe and suitable education through the regulation of independent schools.
There are around 2,350 independent schools in England and typically, at any given time, around 10% of them are failing to meet the independent school standards. Where these failings are particularly serious or long running, DfE must take enforcement action in line with our policy.
These roles are within a team that leads on enforcement decisions as part of Independent Education Unit’s complex casework function. Complex casework also includes taking rapid action to apply to the court to close very unsafe schools and barring unsuitable proprietors from running schools.
The team is also responsible for the registration of new schools and action against those operating unregistered schools (it is a criminal offence to operate a full-time setting for children of compulsory school age without registration as a school).
These roles will be responsible for leading on complex cases in collaboration with, and with the support of, the wider team, legal advisers and inspectors. This can include enforcement, barring, emergency and prosecution action, which is often interesting, fast-paced and exciting – allowing contact with Ministers.
Policy work within the team includes improving the independent school standards and guidance related to them and developing our capacity to better regulate the sector. It is important that we develop legislation and guidance that is informed by our work as regulators which is why it is important that members of the team are involved in both policy development and operational delivery. Independent Education Unit is also responsible for the British Schools Overseas accreditation scheme and Online Education Accreditation Scheme which accredit.
The exact split of responsibilities between the two roles will be agreed with the successful candidates but it will include complex casework, specific policy development responsibilities and may include line management and/or coordination of the wider unit’s engagement with Ministers.
Job description
These roles are interesting, challenging, fast paced and require flexibility but will offer many opportunities for personal development. You can expect every day to be busy but varied.
The successful candidate will:
- Lead on enforcement cases to secure timely, effective action against failing schools in line with the legal framework and DfE policy
- Help improve the regulatory regime for independent schools including through continuous improvement of processes, guidance and other measures
- Prepare responses to high profile and complex correspondence. Oversee responses to straightforward correspondence prepared by the wider team
- Lead on the development and delivery of new policy (including legislation where required) in relation to the regulation of independent schools and to support action against illegal schools
- Oversee the work of a small team responsible for the registration of new schools, the accreditation of Online Education Providers and DfE action in relation to unregistered schools
- Confidently engage with a wide range of stakeholders including Ministers, inspectorates, school representative organisations
Person specification
We are looking for an individual who can demonstrate the following essential criteria:
- Ability to communicate complex policy and casework issues clearly and confidently to senior officials, Ministers and external stakeholders in writing and verbally
- Ability to draft and contribute to a wide range of high-quality documents, for example PQs, submissions, briefing, correspondence, guidance etc., concisely setting out appropriate background and policy, and any commercial, financial, or legislative issues
- Show effective stakeholder management skills. You will be expected to demonstrate personal influence and credibility in order to build and maintain effective and sustainable relationships with a wide range of stakeholders- internal and external
- Ability to develop existing and devise new policies, often at pace, and using appropriate evidence and knowledge to inform and support policy development and delivery
- Ability to prioritise workloads, work calmly under pressure and maintain sight of how the activities fit with wider departmental and government objectives
Behaviours
We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
Benefits
Applicants currently holding a permanent post in the Civil Service should note that, if successful, their salary on appointment would be determined by the Departments transfer / promotion policies.
As a member of the DfE, you will be entitled to join the highly competitive Civil Service Pension Scheme, which many experts agree is one of the most generous in the UK.
You will have 25 days leave, increasing by 1 day every year to a maximum of 30 days after five years service. In addition, all staff receive the Kings Birthday privilege holiday and 8 days bank and public holidays.
We offer flexible working arrangements, such as job sharing, term-time working, flexi-time and compressed hours.
Most DfE employees will be working a hybrid pattern, spending at least 60% of their time in an office or work setting. Changes to these working arrangements are available in exceptional circumstances but must be agreed with the line manager and in line with the requirements of the role.
Travel to your primary office location will not be paid for by DfE, but costs for travel to an office which is not your main location will be covered.
As an organisation, which exists to support education and lifelong learning, we offer our staff excellent professional development opportunities.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Applicant Support
Please visit the below webinars for further information and support in completing your application and preparing for an interview:
- How to craft a well written job application in the UK Civil Service
- Crafting a CV that stands out in the UK Civil Service
- Writing a personal statement in the UK Civil Service
- How to ace interviews in the public service
Application Stage
At the application stage candidates will be sifted through their CV and a personal statement based on your experience. Your personal statement should display how your experience meets the essential criteria of the role, listed in the person specification section.
In the event of a large number of applications, the panel may initially sift based on the personal statement alone and the essential criteria that you can communicate complex policy and casework issues.
Interview Stage
At interview you will be asked questions around the your experience and Behaviours listed in the advert. We will also ask you Strength based questions.
Feedback on your application will only be provided if you attend an interview.
Other Information
We reserve the right to raise the minimum pass mark in the event of a high volume or strong field of candidates.
Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK from the location options provided and not from overseas.
The government is committed to supporting apprenticeships, enabling people to learn and progress in a role whilst earning. We want to monitor the number of people who have completed apprenticeships who are now applying to progress further in their career and are asking this question to all candidates, on all vacancies. You will be asked a question as part of the application process about any previous apprenticeships you have completed. Your response to this question will not affect your application and it is not a requirement of the role to have completed a previous apprenticeship.
DfE cannot offer Visa sponsorship to candidates through this campaign. DfE holds a Visa sponsorship licence but this can only be used for certain roles and this campaign does not qualify.
If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check maybe carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstance some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Department of Education of your intention by emailing Pre-Employment.Checks.DFE@education.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Department for Education do not cover the cost of travel to your interview/assessment unless otherwise stated.
A reserve list may be held for a period of 6 months from which further appointments can be made.
Candidates will be posted in merit order based upon location preference. Where more than one location is advertised you will be asked to state your preferred location.
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 applicants details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
Terms and conditions of candidates transferring from ALBs and NDPBs
Bodies that are not accredited by the Civil Service Commission and are not able to advertise at Across Government on Civil Service jobs will be treated as external new starters and will come into DfE on modernised terms and conditions with a salary at the band minimum.
Bodies that are accredited by the Civil Service Commission but do not have civil service status will be offered modernised terms and will not have continuous service recognised for leave or sickness benefits. Salaries should be offered at band minimum, but there is some flexibility where this would cause a detriment to the individual.
Bodies that are accredited by the Civil Service Commission and do have Civil Service status will be treated as OGD transfers. Staff appointed on lateral transfer will move on to pre-modernised DfE terms (unless they were on modernised terms in their previous organisation). Staff appointed on promotion will move on to modernised DfE terms. Staff will transfer over on their existing salary (on lateral transfer) and any pay above the DfE pay band maximum will be paid as a mark time allowance. Staff moving on promotion will have their salaries calculated using the principles set out in the attached OGD transfer supplementary information.
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 Department of Education via centralrecruitment.operations@education.gov.uk 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 youre deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Any move to Department for Education (DfE) will mean you will no longer be able to carry on claiming 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/
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
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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).
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Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Claire Evans
- Email : Claire.evans@education.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : Centralrecruitment.operations@education.gov.uk
Further information
