Policy adviser - mortgages

Contents Location About the job Benefits Things you need to know Apply and further information Location This post is based in Darlington (Feethams House). About the job Job summary If youre interested in making a difference to peoples lives, the Treasury can offer you an exciting opportunity to influence decision making that affects the whole of the UK. Working at the heart of government, we collaborate across government to promote responsible public spending and drive strong and sustainable economic growth. Our work ranges from protecting customers through the regulation of the financial sector, helping to reduce carbon emissions and creating a greener economy, to promoting British trade around the world and supporting people across the country on jobs, growth and more. We are part of the Darlington Economic Campus, a pioneering new cross-government hub which brings people together to play an active role in the most important issues of the day whilst working closer to the communities we serve. The campus provides the opportunity for people from all over the UK to help shape the future of the country, and our flexible working practices ensure you can collaborate effectively with our partners. Its central government, made more accessible to you Job description Financial Services Group The Financial Services Group advises the government on how to promote a stable and efficient financial services sector, to deliver excellent outcomes for consumers and business, enhance the UKs position as a global hub for financial services and support economic growth across the country. The financial services sector is important to the UK economy providing significant numbers of jobs and making a large contribution to the UKs economic output. It also provides essential services to individuals for example, helping them to purchase goods with ease, buy their first home, and plan for their retirement. During the COVID pandemic, it played a critical role in supporting individuals and businesses for example, in providing payment holidays for individuals and businesses affected by the pandemic and working with the government to deliver Bounce Back Loans. We ensure that financial services businesses such as banks, investment firms, financial advisors and insurers are well-regulated. Ensuring firms treat customers fairly, customers have access to a range of financial services as a result of competition in the market, and there are appropriate remedies in place when things go wrong. We work on a significant international agenda which includes promoting openness and trading links between the UK and countries all around the world, including through Free Trade Agreements and other international dialogues and negotiations. To do this we work closely with colleagues in offices overseas from the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office and the Department for International Trade. Working with stakeholders is key in Financial Services for example, we work closely with the independent regulators to help them fulfil their roles, consult consumer groups on issues affecting them, and work with the sector on wider issues like the net-zero agenda. The Banking and Credit Team The Banking and Credit (BAC) team is a high-profile, friendly and supportive team of about 20 people with interests across a range of meaningful financial services issues. We own the Treasurys policy work on retail banking, mortgages, business lending, building societies and mutuals, dormant assets, and the Governments strategy for competition in financial services. The team works closely with a large number of Treasury teams, other Government departments and with a wide range of external stakeholders, including all the major banks. The mortgages and home ownership schemes unit consists of 5 people and covers a range of high-profile issues from helping consumers buy their first home and supporting those struggling to keep up their payments, through to large strategic issues like innovation and the future of the market. The work we do is both policy focusses and operational, often newsworthy, a political priority for Ministers, of central importance for firms and regulators, and focused on some of the most important moments in many consumers lives. The team works closely with all these partners and more to progress our work. Policy Adviser Mortgages If youre looking for a role covering a real political priority, and are interested in the intersection of politics, economics, and consumer finances, this could be the one for you This exciting and fast-paced role working in the mortgage policy branch of the Banking and Credit team offers you an exciting opportunity to be at the heart of government policy making and will give you opportunity to shape policy in a supportive environment, and to have a real impact on millions of people across the UK. Mortgage policy is regularly in the spotlight, and a top priority for Ministers. It is at once a consumer issue, a key business for lenders, and a focus for regulators; and the role holder will balance all those interests at once. We work closely with lenders and with regulators to ensure borrowers are treated fairly, and that mortgage policy is playing its part in helping as many first-time buyers as possible to take their first step on the ladder. The role holder can expect to be exposed to a broad range of mortgage policy matters and the role would suit individuals who enjoy engaging with a diverse range of projects while maintaining short-term priorities. Importantly, you dont need to be a policy professional or have any specific qualifications to apply to this role. We are looking for people who have the right set of skills for the role, who demonstrate the values of our organisation, and who are motivated to come and work with us on a range of issues that are important for our financial services sector. You will be well supported by your line management and the wider team, and opportunities to learn about the financial services sector will be provided. Key Accountabilities for this role include: Support the development and delivery of evidence-based mortgage policy, leading on specific policy areas such as green mortgages and tackling economic abuse, including through legislation, guidance and voluntary industry initiatives where needed. Monitor and analyse key trends and developments in the mortgage market using both data and commentary, and provide timely and well-evidenced updates to seniors and Ministers. Support external stakeholder engagement for the mortgage policy branch, including building and maintaining strong and collaborative relationships across industry, financial regulators and other government teams. Provide high-quality support for senior and ministerial engagement with the mortgage lending and home finance sector, including written and verbal briefings, to ensure that the governments engagement strategy is effective. Respond to parliamentary, public and press activity/enquiries, including supporting ministers in parliamentary debates, and use these channels to identify and monitor developing policy issues. Act as a key point of contact for the mortgage policy area, dealing with issues and queries as they arise in a timely manner and with sound judgement. Candidate Drop-In Session Microsoft Teams The hiring manager will be running a candidate drop-in session for this role 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 link below to join the call at the right time. 29th November 2024 12:30 - 13:30 Join the meeting now If you would like to speak to the hiring manager informally prior to the closing date for applications to find out more about the job, please contact George Duffin (George.DuffinHMTreasury.gov.uk). Person specification We are looking for the below skills, experience and behaviours and we will ask you to demonstrate these in your application form. Please review the Candidate FAQ document that is attached to the advert for guidance on how to complete your application form. Ability to work independently and as part of a team and manage a busy workload to meet deadlines and targets (Delivering at Pace). Ability to evaluate different and sometimes competing evidence sources and apply considered judgement to come to a conclusion (Making Effective Decisions). Ability to communicate complex issues with clarity by selecting suitable styles to enhance understanding (Communicating and Influencing). The lead criterion is: Ability to work independently and as part of a team and manage a busy workload to meet deadlines and targets (Delivering at Pace). If we receive large volumes of applications, we will conduct an initial sift on the lead criterion only. Candidate Guidance Support Session Microsoft Teams We will be running an overview of Success Profiles and the STAR approach including top tips for the application and interview process and an opportunity to ask general questions around our recruitment practices. Please note that this session is not role specific, so we will be unable to answer specific questions about roles we are advertising. If you would like to join us, please use the link below to join the call at the right time. Thursday 28th November at 12:30 Join the meeting now Behaviours We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process: Delivering at Pace Making Effective Decisions Communicating and Influencing Seeing the Big Picture We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form: Delivering at Pace Making Effective Decisions Communicating and Influencing Benefits Alongside your salary of £33,450, HM Treasury contributes £9,690 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides. 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 after 5 years), plus 8 public holidays and the King's birthday (unless you have a legacy arrangement as an existing Civil Servant) Flexible working patterns (part-time, job-share, condensed hours) Generous parental and adoption leave package. A Civil Service Pension which provides an attractive pension, benefits for dependants and average employer contributions of 28% Onsite restaurant and coffee bar. The London office also offers a gym, showers and prayer room Access to a cycle-to-work salary sacrifice scheme, season ticket advances and payroll giving Access to a retail discounts and cashback site A Rental Deposit Advance Scheme to help meet the total costs of deposits for privately rented homes A range of active staff networks, based around interests and diversity Flexible Working Arrangements HM Treasury views flexible working as essential in enabling us to recruit and retain talented people, ensuring that they can enjoy a long-lasting career with us. All employees have the right to apply for flexible working and there are a range of options available including; part-time, compressed hours and job sharing. Additionally, we operate flexitime systems, allowing employees the flexibility to adjust their working patterns throughout the week which is subject to operational needs and line management approval. At HM Treasury we have an incredibly broad remit; our work touches every citizen of the country. So, its important our employees come from the widest possible range of backgrounds, bringing us the widest possible range of perspectives and ways of thinking. We are committed to ensuring that all staff can realise their potential and achieve a healthy work-life balance. HM Treasury operates an office based working approach across all Treasury sites - Darlington, London, and Norwich, and along with the rest of the Civil Service, has an expectation of a minimum of 60% attendance in the office, along with working remotely. This blended working approach allows you to work collaboratively, meet stakeholders face to face, support others and promotes a healthy work life balance (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 everyones circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review. All our offices have been recently modernised and designed to collaborate and connect with colleagues as well as desk and quiet space to allow a range of ways to work. The office working expectation is linked to the location of the role. If you apply to a post in a single location, then you will not be able to meet this expectation at any of our other sites or move your role to another location. Things you need to know Selection process details This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience. Recruitment Timeline Closing date: 15 December 2024 Shortlisting: w/c 16 December 2024 Interviews: w/c 13 January 2025 This timeline is indicative and may be subject to change. We will inform you if there is a substantial change to the recruitment timeline. If your contact details change at any time during the selection process, please ensure you update your Civil Service Jobs Profile. Please note that only applications submitted through Civil Service Jobs will be accepted. Eligibility Statement A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role in the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government. Checks will be performed as part of pre-employment checks in line with this. Please refer to the Candidate FAQ document attached to the advert for more information. Everyone working with government assets must complete Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks. Additionally, individuals appointed to the Treasury group will be subject to National Security Vetting. The level of security vetting required for this role is Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) To allow for meaningful checks to be carried out, applicants will need to have lived in the UK for at least 3 out of the past 5 years. In exceptional circumstances, a lack of residency would not be a bar to security clearance however the Department will need to consider eligibility on a case by case basis once the advert closing date has passed. Please read the Vetting Charter for information on what to expect during the vetting process and what will be expected from you. Many areas of your life may be explored during your vetting journey, and it is important that every individual, regardless of their background and experiences, should feel comfortable going through this personal process, whilst having confidence that it is fair, proportionate, and inclusive. These short videos address common concerns and preconceptions which applicants may have about national security vetting. If you have questions relating to security clearances, please contact HMTSecurityVettinghmtreasury.gov.uk Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment. Security Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window). See our vetting charter (opens in a new window). 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. Contact point for applicants Job contact : Name : George Duffin Email : George.DuffinHMTreasury.gov.uk Recruitment team Email : hrrecruitmenthmtreasury.gov.uk Further information Complaints Process: Our recruitment process is underpinned by the principle of appointment based on fair and open competition and appointment on merit, as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should in the first instance contact HMT by email at: hrrecruitmenthmtreasury.gov.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission, which regulates all Civil Service recruitment. Attachments HM Treasury Candidate FAQ's Opens in new window (pdf, 175kB) Guidance on Pay - New Joiners & Civil Service Movers June 2023 (1) (1) Opens in new window (pdf, 181kB) Role Profile - 379851 Policy Adviser - Mortgages Opens in new window (pdf, 259kB) Share this page Print Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn GMail