Job Opportunities in United Kingdom
September 10, 2024
Cabinet Office
Newcastle upon Tyne
FULL TIME & PART TIME & OTHER
UK Covid19 Inquiry Team Governance and Assurance Officer
Details
Reference number
369029
Salary
£40,850 - £48,243
National: £40,850 - £44,260, London: £44,500 - £48,243
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
Job grade
Senior Executive Officer
Contract type
Fixed term
Loan
Secondment
Loan
Secondment
Length of employment
18 months
Business area
CO - Covid Inquiry - UK Covid19 Inquiry Team
Type of role
Governance
Other
Other
Working pattern
Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time, Compressed hours
Number of jobs available
1
Contents
-
Location
About the job
Benefits
Things you need to know
Apply and further information
Location
Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Manchester, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, York
About the job
Job summary
In December 2021 Baroness Heather Hallett, a retired Appeal Court judge, was appointed by the Prime Minister as Chair of the independent public inquiry into the Covid-19 pandemic.
The UK Covid-19 Inquiry was formally established with full powers under the Inquiries Act 2005 in June 2022. The Inquiry sits independently of the Government with the Cabinet Office acting as the sponsoring department.
Following an initial set up phase the Inquiry began hearing evidence in May 2023. We are now looking for an energetic and collaborative senior leader to join the excellent team that is delivering the Inquiry.
This is an exciting role, offering the opportunity to lead an innovative team, in fast moving circumstances, to ensure lessons are learned from the UK response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Further information about the Inquiry can be found on the UK Covid-19 Inquiry website.
Conflicts Of Interest
Please note that candidates invited to interview will be invited to declare any actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interests which could affect the independence of the Inquiry, in confidence, to the senior conflicts of interest recruiting manager. This may include current or prior work undertaken on the COVID-19 pandemic response. Decisions on any potential conflict of interest will be made before an appointment to the role is confirmed.
The UK Covid-19 Inquiry was formally established with full powers under the Inquiries Act 2005 in June 2022. The Inquiry sits independently of the Government with the Cabinet Office acting as the sponsoring department.
Following an initial set up phase the Inquiry began hearing evidence in May 2023. We are now looking for an energetic and collaborative senior leader to join the excellent team that is delivering the Inquiry.
This is an exciting role, offering the opportunity to lead an innovative team, in fast moving circumstances, to ensure lessons are learned from the UK response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Further information about the Inquiry can be found on the UK Covid-19 Inquiry website.
Conflicts Of Interest
Please note that candidates invited to interview will be invited to declare any actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interests which could affect the independence of the Inquiry, in confidence, to the senior conflicts of interest recruiting manager. This may include current or prior work undertaken on the COVID-19 pandemic response. Decisions on any potential conflict of interest will be made before an appointment to the role is confirmed.
Job description
The Inquiry are seeking a Governance and Assurance Officer.
The Inquiry sits independent of the Government with the Cabinet Office acting as the sponsoring department. This is an exciting opportunity to join an inclusive, innovative team where you will be supported to challenge yourself in often ambiguous circumstances. The team encourages working in a flexible, collaborative manner to learn and support each other as we look to undertake one of the broadest, most publicly anticipated inquiries in UK history.
The PMO is one of four Directorates within the Inquiry team: alongside the Policy, Legal, Analysis and Research, Communications and Engagement and Operations Directorates. The Programme Director is responsible for the overall planning and governance framework for the Inquiry.
The SEO will support the Grade 7 Governance & Assurance Lead to deliver core functions within the PMO; doing so effectively will require close working across the PMO and wider Inquiry team. You will work closely with the senior leadership team (SLT) and functional leads delivering support to meetings and facilitating the decisions making process. You will also work collaboratively across the PMO to ensure a customer focused and flexible approach to our work.
The Governance And Assurance Officer will support delivery of robust and proportionate governance and assurance mechanisms for the Inquiry.
Key responsibilities include:
The Inquiry sits independent of the Government with the Cabinet Office acting as the sponsoring department. This is an exciting opportunity to join an inclusive, innovative team where you will be supported to challenge yourself in often ambiguous circumstances. The team encourages working in a flexible, collaborative manner to learn and support each other as we look to undertake one of the broadest, most publicly anticipated inquiries in UK history.
The PMO is one of four Directorates within the Inquiry team: alongside the Policy, Legal, Analysis and Research, Communications and Engagement and Operations Directorates. The Programme Director is responsible for the overall planning and governance framework for the Inquiry.
The SEO will support the Grade 7 Governance & Assurance Lead to deliver core functions within the PMO; doing so effectively will require close working across the PMO and wider Inquiry team. You will work closely with the senior leadership team (SLT) and functional leads delivering support to meetings and facilitating the decisions making process. You will also work collaboratively across the PMO to ensure a customer focused and flexible approach to our work.
The Governance And Assurance Officer will support delivery of robust and proportionate governance and assurance mechanisms for the Inquiry.
Key responsibilities include:
- Coordinating the flow of decisions needed by the SLT, through owning the forward look managed by close working across the Inquiry team and private office.
- Ensuring the Inquiry has in place robust processes and controls so that decisions are made at the right level, supported by proportionate evidence and recorded appropriately.
- Commission papers for Boards and Senior Leadership meetings, taking and distributing minutes and actions.
- Ensure actions from meetings are followed up and completed by designated staff, tracking any issues raised and feeding back appropriately.
- Championing the PMO’s role across the Inquiry team, including ensuring relevant and timely flow of information to the whole Inquiry team and seeking regular feedback on improvements to ways of working.
- Facilitate the implementation of the Inquiry’s Audit Plan (undertaken by GIAA).
- Line Management of 1 (one) HEO PMO Support Officer.
- Conduct lessons learned to provide assurance to SLT and Functional Leads.
Person specification
The ideal candidate for this role would have the following key skills and experience:
Essential Requirements:
A minimum 60% of your working time should be spent at your principal workplace. Although requirements to attend other locations for official business will also count towards this level of attendance.
Essential Requirements:
- Excellent administrative and organisational skills, together with the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and experience of working with and communicating effectively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels, whilst being able to adapt approach.
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills with a proven track record of building effective relationships.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to engage with stakeholders at all levels.
- Experience of working with committees and minute taking; with a high degree of accuracy and strong attention to detail.
- Planning, organising and prioritising own workload and where necessary ensuring deliverables are in line with wider organisational timescales.
- Ability to work flexibly and respond to evolving priorities, and deliver to short deadlines.
- Seek out and analyse a range of information, taking a positive approach to tackling problems and identifying suitable solutions. You will think ahead and have a professional curiosity, inviting challenge and understanding the evidence before making decisions.
- Ability to work collaboratively across a multi-disciplinary team.
- Previous Secretariat/Governance experience at Board level.
- A recognised accreditation in project/programme management would be desirable.
- Previous experience of working on an independent inquiry, investigation or review.
- Experience of working in an Inquiry, investigation or legal context.
A minimum 60% of your working time should be spent at your principal workplace. Although requirements to attend other locations for official business will also count towards this level of attendance.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Delivering at Pace
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Changing and Improving
Benefits
Alongside your salary of £40,850, Cabinet Office contributes £11,834 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
- Learning and development tailored to your role.
- An environment with flexible working options.
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.
- A Civil Service Pension which provides an attractive pension, benefits for dependants and average employer contributions of 27%.
- A minimum of 25 days of paid annual leave, increasing by one day per year up to a maximum of 30.
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.
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 as soon as possible (within 24-48 hours is recommended), the closing date for the tests is 23:55 on 22/09/2024. 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 CS Jobs website.
Should you successfully pass the test you will be invited to the final stage of the application which will include a CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Please ensure you provide employment history that relates to the essential and desirable criteria, and that any gaps in employment history within the last 2 years are explained. The CV should not exceed more than 2 x A4 pages.
You will also be asked to provide a Statement of Suitability (max 750 words) explaining how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role in reference to the essential requirements highlighted. You may also choose to reference the desirable skills listed.
Should there be a large number of applications, an initial sift may be conducted using your Statement of Suitability. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
If you are successful in securing an interview you will be asked questions on the behaviours listed within the advert, on strengths and about your relevant experience.
Expected timeline (subject to change)
Expected sift date – w/c 23rd September 2024
Expected interview date/s – w/c 7th October 2024
Interview location - Your interview will either be conducted face to face or by video. You will be notified of the location if you are selected for interview.
Reasonable adjustments
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:
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'contact point for applicants' section.
Please note that this role requires CTC clearance, which would normally need 3 years UK residency prior to commencing. This is not an absolute requirement, but supplementary checks may be needed where individuals have not lived in the UK for that period. This may mean your security clearance (and therefore your appointment) will take longer or, in some cases, not be possible.
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
For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the following page https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/demystifying-vetting Please note terms and conditions are attached. Please take time to read the document to determine how these may affect you.
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.
A reserve list will be held for a period of 12 months, from which further appointments can be made.
If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service/Disclosure Scotland/Access NI 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-Employment Checks.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
For further information on the Access NI confidential checking service telephone: the Access NI Helpline on 0300 200 7888 and ask to speak to the operations manager in confidence, or email accessni@ani.x.gsi.gov.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.
Existing Civil Servants and applicants from accredited NDPBs are eligible to apply, but will only be considered on loan basis (Civil Servants) or secondment (accredited NDPBs). Prior agreement to be released on a loan basis must be obtained before commencing the application process. In the case of Civil Servants, the terms of the loan will be agreed between the home and host department and the Civil Servant. This includes grade on return.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
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 22/09/2024. 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 CS Jobs website.
Should you successfully pass the test you will be invited to the final stage of the application which will include a CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Please ensure you provide employment history that relates to the essential and desirable criteria, and that any gaps in employment history within the last 2 years are explained. The CV should not exceed more than 2 x A4 pages.
You will also be asked to provide a Statement of Suitability (max 750 words) explaining how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role in reference to the essential requirements highlighted. You may also choose to reference the desirable skills listed.
Should there be a large number of applications, an initial sift may be conducted using your Statement of Suitability. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
If you are successful in securing an interview you will be asked questions on the behaviours listed within the advert, on strengths and about your relevant experience.
Expected timeline (subject to change)
Expected sift date – w/c 23rd September 2024
Expected interview date/s – w/c 7th October 2024
Interview location - Your interview will either be conducted face to face or by video. You will be notified of the location if you are selected for interview.
Reasonable adjustments
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 Services 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 a wheelchair access at interview, or if you are 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.
Please note that this role requires CTC clearance, which would normally need 3 years UK residency prior to commencing. This is not an absolute requirement, but supplementary checks may be needed where individuals have not lived in the UK for that period. This may mean your security clearance (and therefore your appointment) will take longer or, in some cases, not be possible.
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
For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the following page https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/demystifying-vetting Please note terms and conditions are attached. Please take time to read the document to determine how these may affect you.
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.
A reserve list will be held for a period of 12 months, from which further appointments can be made.
If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service/Disclosure Scotland/Access NI 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-Employment Checks.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
For further information on the Access NI confidential checking service telephone: the Access NI Helpline on 0300 200 7888 and ask to speak to the operations manager in confidence, or email accessni@ani.x.gsi.gov.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.
Existing Civil Servants and applicants from accredited NDPBs are eligible to apply, but will only be considered on loan basis (Civil Servants) or secondment (accredited NDPBs). Prior agreement to be released on a loan basis must be obtained before commencing the application process. In the case of Civil Servants, the terms of the loan will be agreed between the home and host department and the Civil Servant. This includes grade on return.
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).
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
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).
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.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
Apply and further information
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
Name :
Laura Sime
Email :
laura.sime@covid19.public-inquiry.uk
Email :
cabinetofficerecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Further information
Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles. If you feel that your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and wish to make a complaint, then in the first instance you should contact Government Recruitment Service by email at : cabinetofficerecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, then you can contact the Civil Service Commission at info@csc.gov.uk. For further information on the Recruitment Principles. and bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission, please visit their website at: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk.
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, then you can contact the Civil Service Commission at info@csc.gov.uk. For further information on the Recruitment Principles. and bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission, please visit their website at: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk.
We regret to inform you that this job opportunity is no longer available
Latest Job Opportunities
October 15, 2024
Hotel Co 51
Night Auditor (Night Crew Member) - MOXY Aberdeen Airport
Aberdeen
OTHER & FULL TIME
View Details
October 15, 2024
Hotel Co 51
Crew Member - MOXY Edinburgh Fountainbridge
Edinburgh
OTHER & PART TIME
View DetailsSimilar Jobs
March 22, 2024
Pret A Manger
Kitchen Team Member - Gatwick Airport - Full Time
Gatwick Airport
FULL TIME & OTHER
View Details
January 19, 2024
Pret A Manger
Team Member - Stansted Airport- Night Shift - Full Time
Stansted
FULL TIME & OTHER
View DetailsSeptember 10, 2024
Waystone Governance Ltd.
Senior Associate - Board Support Services Team
Belfast
FULL TIME
View DetailsSeptember 10, 2024
KFC Edinburgh - Herminston Gait Retail Park
Team Member
Edinburgh
FULL TIME & PART TIME
View DetailsNew Jobs from This Company
September 21, 2024
Cabinet Office
ESRC-funded Innovation Fellowship opportunity - CENTRE-UB Senior Behavioural Research Fellow
Glasgow
OTHER & FULL TIME
View Details