This position offers a unique opportunity to make a substantial impact on national valuation practices while collaborating with industry-leading professionals. You will play a crucial role in shaping the VOA's approach to complex valuations, ensuring fairness and accuracy across England and Wales.
As key members of the leisure and civic team within the NVU, you will deliver expert technical advice, direction and support at the highest level of complexity for a diverse portfolio of classes. A particularly important aspect of the role will be ensuring that consistency of approach is adopted across the VOA network allowing you to make a significant contribution to the performance of both NVU and the VOA as a whole.
To excel in this role, you will need a strong understanding of the wider economic and commercial environment, along with a solid appreciation of relevant legislation, case law and codes of practice. You will be surrounded by highly experienced and respected colleagues who will support your professional development and help enhance your knowledge and practice. Additionally, you will benefit from excellent training and resources designed to facilitate your growth.
Chartered Surveyor National Lead Key responsibilities
+ Delivery of complex Non-Domestic Rating casework within defined national classes.
+ Providing technical leadership, guidance and support to NVU caseworkers and across the wider network.
+ Leading group pre-challenge review schemes (GPCRs) and other forms of central discussion. Providing overall leadership of relevant Class Co-ordination Teams (CCTs).
+ Supporting and driving the delivery of the Revaluation Programme, including (but not limited to) evidence gathering/analysis, writing practice notes and leading central discussions on prior agreement.
+ Provide expert witness and advocacy in complex litigation at Valuation Tribunal England/ Wales (VTE/VTW) and Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) - UTLC and beyond.
+ Undertake Peer Review and RV Assurance as required on complex, high risk or high profile valuations.
+ Reporting to stakeholders up to and including Ministerial level where necessary.
+ Liaising with Strategy & Policy and Communication teams on politically sensitive issues, media interest and in respect of large RV changes.
+ Supporting the National Valuation Unit management team in the delivery of the Units and the Business Streams objectives., We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
+ Leadership
+ Making Effective Decisions
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
+ As part of the interview you will be asked 2 technical questions to assess your technical skills., A Personal Statement (maximum 750 words) please outline your suitability for the role. Please pay particular attention to the Person Specification and Essential Criteria outlined in the advert when providing your answer.
Sift - W/C 30/09/2024
We will assess you on your CV, Personal Statement and Qualifications.
Interviews - W/C 21/10/2024 Please note these dates are provisional and may be subject to change. These will be confirmed should you be invited to interview.
Interviews are currently taking place using Microsoft Teams Video. We will provide more detail if you are shortlisted for interview.
We will assess you on the Behaviours, Presentation and Technical questions.
At the interview, the panel can then probe further and ask applicants to provide further specific examples that show how they best demonstrate their skills.
Behaviours
The distinguishing Behaviours (the required skills, knowledge and behaviours) for this role are set out in the Civil Service Behaviours Framework 2018 (Success Profiles - GOV.UK ( and should be referred to when making this application.
You are required, under the Behaviours approach, to describe how you have dealt with a specific situation.
You must give evidence of your knowledge, skills and behaviours and how you have applied this, such as what you did or said and how you interacted with other people.
When you are giving your examples, do not spend too many words on description and background information. Avoid using general or unspecific statements. Instead say what the situation was, what you did what your thought process was and so on.
Presentation
You will also be required to conduct a 10-minute presentation information on the presentation topic will be provided to you if you are shortlisted for interview.
Application Hints and Tips
For more information on Success Profiles, tips on how to write a successful application and find out more about whats involved in the application process please visit About the application process, Civil Service Careers (civil-service-careers.gov.uk)
Further Information
As part of the application process you will be asked to tell us which of the locations available you can work in. You will be able to specify up to 2 options. Please be aware that you can be posted to any location that you put in your preferences. If you would only like to be posted to one location, please confirm one location only.
Successful candidates must select one of the locations noted in this advert as their base office and will be expected to undertake regular travel to this location under the Agencys hybrid working policy.
Any move to VOA 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
The VOA is an office-based organisation that supports flexible working. By default, everyone in the VOA is a hybrid worker with options to work in the office, at home or out and about, depending on the work theyre doing that day and where its best done.
VOA employees only: If you are currently in receipt of DTA as a result of a VOA office closure/restructure and it is agreed for you to take up this role in your current location, you may continue to receive DTA for the remainder of the period you can claim for. Please check with the Vacancy Holder on preferred locations for this role before you apply.
If you would require a Certificate of Sponsorship from the VOA to undertake this role, please contact resourcingteam@voa.gov.uk before submitting your application.
The internal job title will be National Lead Chartered Valuation Surveyor.
Pre-employment Checks
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service. 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-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Reasonable Adjustment
We want to make sure no one is put at a disadvantage during our recruitment process because of a disability, condition, or impairment. To assist you with this, we will reduce or remove any barriers where possible and provide additional support where appropriate.
If you need a reasonable adjustment or a change to be made so that you can make your application, please click here for more information:
Reasonable Adjustments, Civil Service Careers (civil-service-careers.gov.uk) and contact voarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible.
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.
Terms & Conditions
Voluntary terms apply.
Reserve Lists
If we have more successful candidates than available vacancies, we will hold a 6-month reserve list.
During that time, we may use the list to fill the same, or similar roles with closely matching essential criteria, without further testing of merit. Any appointments from the Reserve list will be made in strict merit order.
Starting Work
The successful candidates will normally take up duty within one month from notification of successful completion of pre-employment checks.
Applying
All applications for these vacancies must be made online. There are limited exceptions to this. Paper applications will only be considered if you have a disability that will prevent you from applying online. If this is the case, please email voarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Once you have submitted your application it cannot be amended; only submit your application when you have completely finished and answered all the relevant questions.
Please note that late applications will not be accepted.
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
Use of AI
You may utilise artificial intelligence (AI) tools and platforms to support you during the application process however, as with any application all information submitted must be factually accurate and all examples provided must be taken directly from your own experience. All presented information will be assessed at interview. Any applications where factual inaccuracy, plagiarism or copying of examples/answers from internet sources is detected will be withdrawn from the process. Further action, including disciplinary action, may be considered in such cases involving internal candidates.
Concerns/Complaints
The Valuation Office Agencys recruitment processes are underpinned by the Civil Service Commissioners Recruitment Principles, which outlines that selection for appointment is made on merit based on fair and open competition.
If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the values in the Civil Service Code and/or if you feel the recruitment has been conducted in such a way that conflicts with the Civil Service Commissioners Recruitment Principles, you may make a complaint, by contacting the Central Recruitment Team at the following address: resourcingteam@voa.gov.uk
If you are not content with the outcome of your complaint you have the right to complain to the Civil Service Commissioners.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
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
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)
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).
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.
Our ideal candidate is someone with advanced technical surveying knowledge.
You will have the ability to confidently lead high value specialist classes through revaluation and defence.
You will have strong leadership skills with the ability to engage with, and influence, stakeholders at all levels.
Essential Requirements
+ MRICS/FRICS or IRRV(hons), qualified in the valuation or real estate pathways.
+ In depth technical Rating knowledge with the ability to interpret and apply legislation and case law, particularly relevant legislative and common law frameworks.
+ Excellent communication skills with the ability to deal with a wide range of customers, and stakeholders and present complex details clearly at Tribunal.
+ Strong analytical and judgment skills in interpreting a range of evidence to provide relevant advice and reach sound conclusions.
+ Understanding of the commercial, economic and policy environment to inform decision making.
+ Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills - to use high levels of negotiating, consulting and interpersonal skills to achieve co-operation over mutually acceptable solutions.
+ Be able to lead, motivate and inspire others to deliver results.
+ Good report writing and presentation skills.
+ Able to demonstrate a personal and professional commitment to the profession, keeping technical knowledge up-to-date and using it to provide advice and guidance to others.
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) are the public sectors property valuation experts and advisers with a vision to be a world-leading provider of public sector valuations. We are one of the largest employers of surveyors in the country. Our work is vital to the collection of over £60 billion of revenue which goes back into communities, touching every citizen and every business across England and Wales.
We champion the values of professionalism, integrity, respect and innovation. We are committed to providing a collaborative and supportive working environment that encourages every colleague to contribute, grow and excel together. With opportunities to drive your own development and growth, we empower our colleagues to succeed by ensuring support at every step of their career journey.
These roles sit with the National Valuation Unit (NVU), which is a dynamic specialist branch of The Chief Valuer Group delivering valuations for the most complex and high value properties across England and Wales.
At NVU, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and supportive environment where talented individuals work together towards shared objectives. We are committed to promoting a healthy work-life balance and flexibility, recognizing that our colleagues have diverse personal commitments. To support this, we offer a variety of working patterns, enabling our team members to manage their personal responsibilities while enjoying a rewarding and fulfilling career.
This position encompasses both technical surveying and leadership responsibilities, primarily focusing on the delivery of complex non-domestic casework. Additionally, the role involves supporting the Senior Management Team in transferring skills across the sector to enhance overall capability.
Alongside your salary of £54,631, Valuation Office Agency contributes £15,826 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
We offer a range of flexible working options, a generous leave allowance that starts at 25 days and goes up to 30 days after 5 years service and a Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 28.97%.
+ Learning and development tailored to your role.
+ An environment with flexible working options.
+ Family friendly policies including 26 weeks full pay for maternity, adoption or shared parental leave.
+ Employee Assistance Programme offering comprehensive wellbeing support.
+ To learn more about the extensive benefits we can offer you as a VOA employee please download our Benefits Booklet: pdf (publishing.service.gov.uk)