85421 - Deputy Head of PoAS
Overview:
The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) safeguards individuals in England and Wales lacking mental capacity for specific decisions, such as those related to health and finance. As an Executive Agency of the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) established in 2007 under the Mental Capacity Act of 2005, OPG is tasked with registering lasting powers of attorney (LPA), enduring powers of attorney (EPA), and overseeing deputies appointed by the Court of Protection.
Power of Attorney Services (POAS), operating within OPG's Operations directorate, manages incoming power of attorney applications and plays a crucial role in the agency's functions.
OPG is a fantastic place to work offering a range of development opportunities. The OPG has signed up to the ‘Time to Change’ pledge which supports mental health in the workplace, as well as recently receiving a health and wellbeing charter accreditation as we are committed to developing a supportive and inclusive environment that reflects the diverse community we serve.
OPG is currently going through an extensive period of organisational change. This will be delivered by our transformation programme – “OPG 2025”. The ambitious plan is about changing the way we provide services. It will help us meet the growing needs of our users, partners, and our stakeholders. It will make sure our users experience a better level of support. Overall, it will help us to respond to the changing needs of society. This is so we can better support adults at risk and create high-quality services that are accessible and affordable.
OPG is aiming to have a Digital Power of Attorney in place that meets our customer and stakeholder needs. We aim to have a multiskilled, flexible workforce, working within office/home based locations to meet civil service environment.
Our Birmingham office is located centrally within walking distance to Birmingham New Street, Moor Street and Snow Hill train stations as well as the Mailbox and Broad Street.
This role is advertised as hybrid working which will require regular travel to our Birmingham office, at Victoria Square House and occasional travel to our Nottingham Office, at Embankment house.
Job description:
In collaboration with OPG, MoJ, and suppliers, lead the development and delivery of quality services meeting current customer needs while optimizing digital channels, products, and services. As the Deputy Head of Power of Attorney Services, take responsibility for operational performance, people development, and efficiency within your area of POAS.
We seek a dynamic leader who can:
• Communicate and instil a strategic vision.
• Facilitate collaborative yet decisive discussions about performance and change, building effective relationships with various partners.
• Contribute effectively to the Operations and OPG senior leadership team, advancing our digital agenda for accessible, portable, and flexible products and services, aligned with our strategy ambitions.
• Lead and inspire approximately 300 employees across sites through our Digital Transformation journey, fostering high performance and engagement.
• Oversee a team of managers, managing high-volume registration of legal deeds and/ or a customer call centre service.
• Drive efficiency programs within POAS, including digital transformation and streamlined processes, ensuring convenience for customers, stakeholders, users, and operational teams. This supports OPG's journey towards becoming a sustainable organization for the future.
• Through collaborative efforts, develop and deliver quality services, while simultaneously leading and inspiring teams, driving digital transformation, and ensuring operational excellence across Power of Attorney Services.
Key Responsibilities
Lead a team of managers to deliver effective people strategies and plans to develop an inclusive, skilled and engaged workforce
• Ensure managers are developed and empowered to deliver effective initiatives to recruit, retain and engage staff to deliver excellent customer service
• Ensure managers at all levels are capable of effective resource planning to meet short and long-term customer and organisational needs. Plan and monitor an agreed budget, forecasting workload, ensuring that risks and opportunities are highlighted appropriately.
• Develop and maintain effective systems for the work area, seeking to improve the standard of services offered.
Deliver a quality service that evolves and meets the changing needs of customers
• Establish a culture that is responsive to customer needs and expectations and in line with emerging case law and practice.
• Promote collaborative working within OPG and with other stakeholders so that vulnerable clients are protected as far as possible.
• Professionalise the Operations directorate utilising appropriate professional pathways.
• Lead service transformation through Continuous improvement culture and effective use of digital services
Develop our staff and organisation
• Ensure that staff Operations has comprehensive L&D plans and delivery for all managers and staff
• Develop effective talent management and succession planning programmes across the Directorate
• Role model leadership skills and values; and demonstrate leadership in diversity and inclusion
Develop service delivery through partnerships and collaborative working
• Promote the full participation of customers, stakeholders, partners and staff in planning and service delivery, adopting a positive and proactive approach to consultation and to establish effective quality assurance systems.
Team working
• Support and contribute to the aims, objectives and performance of the unit, Operations Directorate and OPG.
Other duties
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the skill set of this post as directed by your manager.
Skills & Qualifications
Essential Skills
• Proven leadership in managing large operational teams of 250+ employees, with a focus on digital transformation and service improvement.
• Expertise in leading change through strategic planning, transparent communication, and a commitment to inclusion. Strong organizational skills, including the application of appropriate project disciplines during change implementation.
• Successful implementation of organizational change, demonstrating adaptability under pressure and a quick response to evolving priorities. Proven ability to generate energy and enthusiasm for service improvement, development, and growth.
• Effective execution of people strategies, including Learning & Development, diversity and inclusion, and staff engagement.
• Demonstrated personal resilience and ability to thrive in demanding environments.
• Track record of analysing data, interpreting customer insights, and influencing decisions to enhance service delivery in collaboration with key stakeholders.
This advertisement is for three deputy head roles, your application will be considered for them all, but if successful to interview you will be asked to express a preference.
One role involves overseeing both day and 'Twilight' team, (whose working hours extend until 10 pm, with potential overtime opportunities during unsociable hours). By selecting this role, you may be required occasionally to work unsociable hours as required by the business.
All roles can be based in either Birmingham or Nottingham with occasional travel to the other site required.
Another opportunity involves managing a contact centre team. Having experience in contact centre management is desirable for this particular role.
Application Process
This recruitment will follow the Success Profiles process. You must provide a CV together with a Personal Statement (no more than 1000 words) in support of your application. This should provide specific examples of how you meet the Essential Skills criteria as outlined in the above Job Description and attached Candidate Information Pack. You should focus clearly on outlining your suitability for the post and what you feel you would gain in your personal development from the role.
We actively encourage you to sell yourself as an individual and the personal strengths and experience that you could bring to this post.
Your application will be sifted and, if successful, you will be invited to an interview at our Birmingham office/virtual interview which will follow the Success Profiles process. You will be asked to prepare a short presentation for the interview on Leadership Behaviour (Level 4) (further information will be shared with shortlisted candidates) and you should expect Level 4 Behaviour-based questions relating to
Leadership (Level 4)
Communicating and Influencing (Level 4) Changing and Improving (Level 4) Managing a quality service (Level 4) and Strength-based questions relating to your experience of leading and managing performance in large scale operational environments.
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 contact us.
Please note: Requests for part-time contracts will be considered in line with business needs.
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.
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.
MoJ candidates who are on a specialist grade, will be able to retain their grade on lateral transfer.
All candidates who are currently in receipt of Mark Time / Pay Protection should ensure they are familiar with the new policy on permanent and temporary promotion which can be found on the employee intranet.
Flexible working hours
The Ministry of Justice offers a flexible working system in many offices. Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week. MoJ welcomes part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the MoJ’s Flexible Working policy.
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.
Eligibility
Staff on fixed term appointments must have been recruited through fair and open competition.
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
- To Shared Service Connected Ltd (0845 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com);
- To Ministry of Justice Resourcing team (resourcing-management-office@justice.gov.uk);
- To the Civil Service Commission (details available here)
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.
For more information on applying for a role as a candidate with a disability or long-term condition, please see our Disability Confident Scheme Frequently Asked Questions webpage.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.
02/04/2024, 23:55 hours.
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.
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
Interview stage assessments
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.
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.