74693 - Investigator

£25,827 - £27,170
17
12 Months
East Midlands, West Midlands
Birmingham , Nottingham
NOTTINGHAM OPG NOTTINGHAM, NG2 1AR, OPG Victoria Square House, B2 4AJ
EO
EO
Permanent
Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working
Operational Delivery, Investigation

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about how we do this visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity.

Overview 

The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) protects people in England and Wales who may not have the mental capacity to make certain decisions for themselves, such as about their health and finance. We are an Executive Agency of the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), set up in 2007 following the introduction of the Mental Capacity Act of 2005. 

OPG is responsible for registering lasting powers of attorney (LPA) and enduring powers of attorney (EPA) and supervising deputies who are appointed by the Court of Protection. 

Job Description, Duties and Responsibilities –

As a member of the investigations team, you will have responsibility for your own caseload and will be expected to conduct investigations into concerns raised about attorneys’ behaviour and matters of capacity which may be in breach of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA), Code of Practice and associated regulations. Through liaising with various parties, you will gather adequate evidence and use this to deliver timely, thorough and objective reports for the Public Guardian which will address any concerns raised and make appropriate recommendations. 

You will be expected to collaborate with your peers and wider group of colleagues in sharing of best practice, supporting, coaching and developing them. You will be able to get involved in working groups which serve to improve our working practice and enhance our profile across OPG. 

In your role, you will also need to keep your own knowledge up to date and be aware of any legislative changes, changes in policies and procedures and align your practice with these so that you can continue delivering effective and professional service. 

The successful candidate’s office location will be either Birmingham or Nottingham.  Successful candidates may be required to travel to their non-preferred location on an occasional basis.  We operate a hybrid way of working which includes home working alongside office working. 

Roles & Responsibilities 

  • Conduct investigations about the way in which attorneys are exercising their powers under a registered LPA PFA / H&W or EPA following concerns raised internally and/or externally.
  • Liaise with attorneys and third parties as appropriate to gather the required information and evidence in order to prove or disprove allegations and to achieve outcomes in the best interests of donors lacking mental capacity to make decisions.
  • Undertake safeguarding actions as required throughout the life of the investigation. Refer matters to the police, local authorities or other agencies where evidence is held to suggest criminal activity or a safeguarding concern.
  • Complete accurate and thorough reports for the Public Guardian and for the Court of Protection, with clear and justifiable recommendations.
  • Implement the Public Guardian’s recommendations.
  • Produce witness statements for the Court of Protection, implement and respond to directions made by the Court of Protection. This may require attendance at court hearings. 
  • Understand how your area of work feeds into the wider operation of SIS. 
  • Regularly monitor your performance against key milestones and act promptly to reassess workloads and priorities when there are conflicting demands to maintain performance. 
  • Work proactively with colleagues across all OPG sites to ensure a professional and responsive approach to the investigation of concerns raised under LPAs/EPAs.
  • Contribute and participate at local management meetings and business level (across site) forums. Proactively lead and participate in relevant working groups and committees. 
  • Support and offer constructive feedback to less experienced team members by coaching and providing guidance and advice when appropriate. 
  • Maintain an awareness of changes to the Mental Capacity Act, the OPG’s external activity with stakeholders and other internal and external activities likely to impact on your area of responsibility. 
  • Remain alert to emerging issues and trends which might impact your work area.  
  • Encourage teamwork within your own unit and across other departments. 

Customer service and continuous improvement

  • Continually develop and maintain knowledge of Public Guardian functions and responsibilities, encouraging your colleagues and team members to do the same.
  • Embed continuous improvement behaviours through the application of tools and techniques, promoting and demonstrating a leadership culture within OPG. 

Work with business colleagues across OPG to improve performance

  • Participate and occasionally lead relevant working groups both on immediate team and widely across OPG.
  • Encourage a culture of team working and unified contribution to the aims and objectives of OPG.
  • Support peers to progress investigations accurately and at pace.
  • Engage with internal and external stakeholders to develop good working relationships and raise the profile of OPG.
  • Develop effective and collaborative working relationships with immediate colleagues, and wider OPG teams.
  • On occasions represent OPG by working with external bodies to promote the safeguard of vulnerable adults.

Policy and management

  • Maintain an awareness of any updates to key policies including MoJ policies and internal OPG policies including the OPG Safeguarding Policy.
  • Have an awareness of any key legislative change including the Mental Capacity Act and The Care Act.
  • Contribute to OPG meeting its business plan objectives in your area.

Equality and Diversity

  • Positively promote and implement diversity, inclusion and quality of opportunity in all areas of work.

Health and Safety

  • Take reasonable care for own Health and Safety and for the safety of others and abide by OPG Health & Safety Procedure.

Protocol

  • You will be expected to work within a team of Executive Office colleagues in Supervision & Investigation Services (SIS), and if necessary (after consultation), be rotated into posts within the wider business to support business needs or further your own personal development. 

Person Specification 

Essential Skills 

  • Ability to interpret and comprehend financial evidence to make informed decisions. (Lead criterion)
  • Ability to produce high quality written reports containing analysis, conclusions and recommendations. (Lead criterion)
  • Effectiveness in time management and organisation of workload to meet conflicting deadlines. (Lead criterion)
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision and committed to give a high-quality performance in all aspects of the role.
  • Strong written, telephone and oral communication skills.
  • Proficient in the use of standard Microsoft office products. 

Desirable Skills: 

  • Knowledge of the MCA and Code of Practice.
  • Investigative experience.

Application Process

This vacancy is being advertised using Success Profiles which will assess your Experience, Behaviours, Strengths and Technical Skills. There will be 3 stages to the application process: 

Stage 1 – Sift

Candidates will be expected to provide a Personal Statement of Suitability (750 words maximum) in support of your application. This will be sifted on your specific examples of relevant skills and experience referenced to the Essential Skills criteria listed above. 

The key point to emphasise in your application is what you feel you would bring to the role that offers unique value. We actively encourage you to sell yourself as an individual and the personal strengths and experience that you could bring to the role. 

Please note that in the event that the volume of applications exceeds expectations, we may perform a preliminary sift on the lead criteria as stated on the essential skills.

Stage 2 – Written Assessment

If you are successful at sift, you will be invited to attend a 30-minute written assessment which will test your technical skills on numeracy. You will be asked to analyse pieces of evidence, identify the relevant solution and make appropriate recommendations. 

Stage 3 – Interview

If you are successful at the written assessment, you will be invited to attend an interview. Candidates should expect Strength-based questions and questions relating to the following Civil Service Behaviours: 

  • Making Effective Decision (Level 2)
  • Managing a Quality Service (Level 2)
  • Delivery at Pace (Level 2)

The written assessment and interviews will be held remotely via MS teams. 

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview. 

Reasonable Adjustments:

At OPG we are committed to ensuring our workplace remains diverse and inclusive place to work. We want to help you demonstrate your full potential whatever type of assessment is used. If you require any reasonable adjustments for any aspect of the selection process, do not hesitate to get in contact with us. 

For further information on benefits of working for OPG, such as our Flexible Working Policy and a FAQ, please check the candidate information pack attached to this advert.  

Please note: Requests for part-time contracts will be considered in line with business needs.  

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, we may offer you an alternative role at the same or lower grade should one be available.

Working Arrangements & Further Information

The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.

For nationally advertised roles, the successful candidate(s) will be appointed to a MoJ office location, which may include their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. This will be discussed and agreed on the completion of pre-employment checks.

Some of MoJ’s terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made.

Flexible working hours

The Ministry of Justice offers a flexible working system in many offices.

Benefits

The MoJ offers a range of benefits:

Annual Leave

Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years’ service.

There is also a scheme to allow qualifying staff to buy or sell up to three days leave each year. Additional paid time off for public holidays and 1 privilege day. Leave for part-time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.

Pension

The Civil Service offers a choice of pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.

Training

The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.

Networks

The opportunity to join employee-run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.

Support

  • A range of ‘Family Friendly’ policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
  • Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
  • For moves to or from another employer or moves across the Civil Service this can have implications on your eligibility to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for alternative government childcare support schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. More information can be found on GOV.UK or Childcare Choices. You can determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
  • Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
  • Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code 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. Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint in the following order

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns.

You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the SSCL Recruitment Enquiries Team.

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about how we do this visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity.

Written assessments are predicted to commence end of June 2023
Interviews are predicted to commence 17th July 2023 onwards

30/05/2023, 23:55 hours.

If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com Please quote the job reference - 74693.
Please note the successful applicant will need to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Security Check for this post.

To apply for roles in MOJ you will need to confirm your employment history for at least 3 years prior to the date of application so that pre-employment checks (BPSS) can be undertaken. If you have spent significant time abroad (a total of 6 months in the past 3 years) you would be required to give a reasonable account of the reasons why. 

For some roles you will be required to successfully complete National Security Vetting at Counter Terrorism (CTC), Security Clearance (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV) level as a condition of appointment. To meet CTC/SC/DV requirements you will normally need to have been resident in the UK for at least 3/5/10 years prior to the date of application (The level of checks that are required are stated in the advert).

If you do not meet the above requirements, you may still be considered if, for example:

  • You've been serving overseas with HM Forces or in some other official capacity as a representative of HM Government
  • You were studying abroad
  • You were living overseas with parents

In such cases you will need to be able to provide referee cover for the period(s) of residence overseas. The duration of overseas residence and the country of abode will also be taken into account.

Success Profiles will enable a fairer and more inclusive method of recruitment by enabling us to assess the range of experiences, abilities, strengths, behaviours and technical/professional skills required for different roles. This flexible approach to recruitment focuses more on finding the right candidate for the specific role. To find out more about Success Profiles to support your application please click here for further guidance.

if you feel that your application has not been treated in line with the Civil Service Recruitment Principles, please contact SSCL (Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com) in the first instance

We have provided detail of the assessment stages and areas being assessed to help you prepare for completing your application form, and to advise of what will be assessed following this, if you successfully pass the application stage.


Application form stage assessments

Experience
Statement of Suitability - 750 word limit

Interview stage assessments

There are 2 interview stages for this vacancy.
Behaviours
Making Effective Decisions
Managing a Quality Service
Delivering at Pace
Technical Skills
Applied Numeracy Skills will be tested with a supervised written assessment conducted via MS Teams
Strengths may also be assessed at interview but these are not shared in advance.

A Great Place to Work for Veterans

The "Making the Civil Service a Great Place to work for veterans" initiative includes a guaranteed interview scheme to those who meet the minimum criteria to provide eligible former members of the Armed Forces with opportunities to secure rewarding jobs. Allowing veterans to continue to serve their country, and to bring highly skilled individuals with a broad range of experience into the Civil Service in an environment, which recognises and values your previous service in the Armed Forces.
For further details about the initiative and eligibility requirements visit : https://www.gov.uk/government/news/making-the-civil-service-a-great-place-to-work-for-veterans

Redeployment Interview Scheme

Civil Service departments are expected to explore redeployment opportunities before making an individual redundant. The MoJ are committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'.

MoJ are able to offer an interview to eligible candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. Candidate's will not be eligible for the Redeployment Interview Scheme if they are applying on promotion.

The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment.

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) https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families

· 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

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules

This Vacancy is closed to applications.