62729 - MoJ Property Directorate - Property Fire Safety Adviser
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 MoJ Property Directorate is a customer focused organisation that exists to enable our customers to perform to their very best. We do this by providing high quality, easy to use services, and working environments that our customers want to work in, which support them to deliver their individual outputs efficiently. Our job is to manage one of the most diverse and complex estates in Government – hosted by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). As of 2 April 2021, the Prisons Maintenance Group (or PMG) joined MoJ Estates Directorate and the team receives a new title, MoJ Property Directorate. This change aligns us with our Profession – the Property Profession - and brings together a property portfolio including Prisons, Probation, and MoJ HQ and Arms Length Bodies. We also provide property services on behalf of the Home Office.
MoJ Property provides specialist services including facilities management, health and safety, fire safety and security, technical design expertise, and sustainability. We also have business management teams who support the entire Directorate and each of our partners is supported by account management teams. We are responsible for a great deal - our portfolio consists of properties valued at £8.5bn for the MoJ alone. We are part of the Government Property Profession (GPP) and through active membership and engagement we will work with the Office of Government Property to develop the maturity of the profession and also encourage our people to join the GPP. We continue to build our capability through training and recruitment, aspiring to be the best that we can be as individuals and as a directorate.
We continue to deliver new ways of working across our portfolio – leading on the scale and pace of activity for central government – proposing ways to achieve, and then providing more dynamic and flexible workspace, while driving down the cost of the estate.
Team Overview
The Property Fire Safety Adviser post-holder will be a senior member of staff within the Property Directorate’s Property Fire Safety Team (PFST), which is part of the Property Compliance Team and will be directly line managed by Fire Safety Team and Technical Lead.
The post-holder will be responsible for providing Fire Safety technical compliance advice across the MoJ Property estate and Cluster Partners to ensure they are compliant with relevant fire legislation. PFST also provide fire safety technical advice to support Property Operations including investment programmes in property assets and systems.
Job Description, Duties and Responsibilities
Responsibilities will include the following:
The post-holder provides support to the Chief Property Officer and other senior staff on fire safety and compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 across MoJ, its agencies and other Cluster partners.
The post-holder will be a single point of expertise to provide fire safety advice across the Property Directorate portfolio in respect to the fire safety measures. This will require engagement with a number of stakeholders to advise on technical policies and standards in accordance with RRO (Fire Safety) 2005 and to ensure consistency of the policy, standards across property operational delivery.
Create, develop, publish and review fire safety guidance and information for the Property Directorate and Cluster Partners. Assist in the review, development and communication of overarching fire policy and guidance across the MoJ
Review CPFSI findings, provide guidance to FM colleagues on the findings where requested and resolve issues raised with FRA quality with our FRA Suppliers.
Review performance of FM suppliers in dealing with fire safety remedial actions and escalate performance issues upwards where necessary. Carry out assurance of delivery of FRA programme and remedials.
Liaise with project managers/teams at all levels at each stage of a project, advising or facilitating expertise to improve design based on fire safety best practice.
Advise on fire safety risks in the working environment and on the appropriate action to be taken to prevent injury to staff and/or loss of buildings and equipment.
Develop productive working relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders – Directors, Managers, staff, fire safety professionals, TU representatives, Enforcing authorities and internal/external contractors.
Representing MoJ and MoJ Property Directorate in any FS Related Cross-Government Forums.
Expectations of post holder in executing the role
Post Holders are expected to display a commitment to completing a Level 4 fire safety certificate qualification immediately on successful selection at interview or be working towards a Level 4 qualification.
Post Holders are expected to display a commitment to Continuous Improvement, leading change, and improving performance. All those appointed to new roles in the team must be wholeheartedly committed to these principles and evidence this in their application.
Strong leadership is a critical element of this role, as is the ability to prioritise and manage a workload, analyse complex information, present recommendations and make effective decisions.
Post Holders must provide clear direction and focus, visibly championing the changes which deliver greater efficiencies.
The Senior Leadership Team expects all leaders with the team to operate in a culture of openness and honesty, demonstrating a commitment to change through involvement and empowerment, and by delivering results.
Skills and Experience
Essential
- Extensive fire safety experience and excellent working knowledge of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, British standards, Codes of Practice, fire safety guidance documents etc
- Working towards a Level 4 fire safety qualification or prepared to start a Level 4 course immediately after successful selection from interview.
- A member of a fire safety Professional Body
- Have experience of managing workloads and working to tight deadlines
- Have an in-depth knowledge of both prescriptive and performance-based fire safety techniques and the ability to apply them to the built environment.
- Experience of using a range of software applications, such as MS outlook, word, power point, excel and other technical packages together with good keyboard skills and an understanding of how IT systems can be utilised in relation to the duties of the post.
Highly Desirable
- Level 4 Fire Safety and Associate Member of a fire safety Professional Body such as IFE
- Experience of audit type fire risk assessment inspections
- Excellent organisational, effective communication and presentation skills
- Membership of the Government Property Profession is desirable
Qualifications
- A Level 4 fire safety qualification is a requirement for this role and successful completion of the qualification is a condition of service.
- Working towards a Level 4 fire safety qualification or upon successful selection from interview and a member of a recognised fire safety Professional Body
Further Opportunities
Opportunities exist to develop skills and qualifications in the fire safety area and property project management or risk management certificated courses.
Government Property Profession (GPP) Technical Skills
The GPP Framework is aimed at staff working in property or property-related roles and consider property to be their career anchor profession. This usually encompasses posts where professional qualifications and experience are directly relevant to the work being undertaken. However, it is also applicable to those who are currently not qualified property practitioners but wish to make this their profession of choice. Those with a property background at any level are encouraged to register with the GPP, which exists to support property practitioners at all levels. Details of the GPP Career Framework can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-government-property-profession-career-framework--2
This role falls under Technical Specialism & Assurance, Practitioner level and some or all of the following Technical Skills will be tested during the selection process:
- Property Professional Expertise – Practitioner
- Health and Safety, Compliance and Inclusion – Expert
Behaviours
We will assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Seeing the bigger picture
- Communicating and Influencing
- Working together
- Making effective decisions
Flexible working hours
The Property Directorate offers a flexible working system in many teams.
Requests for reduced hours contracts will be considered in line with business needs.
This is a full-time role
We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce and pride ourselves as being an employer of choice. We are happy to accommodate any reasonable adjustments you may require during the selection process. To find out more about how we champion diversity and inclusion in the workplace, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity
The Directorate is supportive of and encourages flexible working. Non-civil service candidates would typically start on the pay band minimum.
Professional memberships
• A member of a fire safety Professional Body
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 UKor 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.
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.
19/08/2022, 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.