Policy Adviser- Universal Credit

About the role

This post is based in Darlington only (Feethams House).

Key Responsibilities

• Lead creation of the fraud and error package for fiscal events.
• Design and improve measures intended to reduce benefit fraud and error.
• Collaborate with DWP and HMT colleagues to assess feasibility, fiscal impact, and cost-effectiveness.
• Provide clear advice to seniors and ministers on options and implications for the fraud and error forecast.
• Take ownership of reviewing of DWP’s efficiency plans that target fraud and error prevention.
• Assess proposed operational, digital, and policy changes, track performance against goals, and suggest where HMT should challenge or approve to ensure balanced efficiencies.
• Examine cases and new spending proposals on fraud and error.
• Review DWP bids and business cases, provide advice on funding decisions, and assist with in-year spending control against agreed plans.
• Prepare accurate and succinct counsel on benefits fraud and error for Ministers and senior officials.
• Support the development of major welfare reforms by playing a central role in formulating and analysing welfare policy options.
• Contribute to the broader HMT strategy and assist in delivery across several teams.

Why Join Us?

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and coordinated environment where every team member can succeed. You will have the chance to work on important projects that support the economic well-being of millions of households. Join us and become part of a group that is committed to achieving excellence in public service.

Candidate Drop-In Session

The hiring manager will be running a candidate drop-in session for this role on Wednesday 29th July at 13:30 to 14:00 to give you greater insight about the role as well as the chance to learn more about HM Treasury and ask any questions you may have. If you would like to join us, then use the appropriate link below to join the call at the right time. Join the call. If you would like to speak to the hiring manager informally prior to the closing date, please contact Alison Robinson (Alison.Robinson@hmtreasury.gov.uk).

Person specification

Applications should consist of a CV including your employment history, and a 250-word statement demonstrating evidence of each of the below shortlisting criteria. Your CV and employment history won’t be scored. It’s used to give context to your application and support discussions at interview. The panel will review applications and invite those that best demonstrate evidence of the shortlisting criteria below for interview. Please keep this in mind when writing your application.

Interview Stage

If you are successful at the application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed against the following criteria: Strengths Behaviours: Delivering at Pace, Making Effective Decisions, Working Together. Presentation: As part of the assessment, you will be asked to deliver a presentation that the panel would like you to deliver. Further details will be communicated to you nearer the time.