Policy Adviser, Corporate Tax
HM Treasury
Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 20th October 2024
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About the job
Job summary
If you’re interested in making a difference to people’s 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. It’s central government, made more accessible to you!
Job description
About the Group
Business and International Tax The aim of the Business and International Tax (BIT) Group is to provide strategic oversight of business, environmental, transport, property, VAT, excise taxes and customs duties that together raise revenue of over £400 billion a year. The Group works closely with other government departments and is outwards facing towards key stakeholders, including business, industry, interest groups and international counterparts, and there are opportunities to be part of this engagement at all levels. The work of the Group is vital to fund essential public services, while working with other Treasury Groups to support the government’s wider agenda – including supporting business investment and economic growth, developing and negotiating new customs arrangements following the UK’s departure from the EU; and delivering “Net Zero” carbon emissions by 2050. The Group’s high-profile portfolio make it a highly dynamic, flexible and interesting place to work. |
About the team
Corporate Tax Team Are you looking to join a welcoming, friendly and diverse team, working at the heart of Government's economic and fiscal objectives? The Corporate Tax (CT) team work on high-profile and politically important policy measures that are central to the government’s economic and fiscal objectives, whether that’s encouraging business investment, improving the UK’s international competitiveness, protecting the UK’s tax base or finding new ways of raising revenue. Our work can be dynamic and fast paced with short deadlines at times. The focus is on tax areas that are technical but equally prone to hit the newspaper headlines, meaning the work is relatable and very exciting. You will be given lots of support and on the job training to help you develop the skills needed. We are looking for a Policy Adviser to join our team’s Strategy Branch, which is responsible for the domestic CT system and a range of other taxes including the Digital Services tax and Electricity Generator Levy. We work closely with other teams in BIT on CT issues, including the Strategy, Devolution and Cross-cutting team, and the Enterprise and Property Tax Team. This role is stretching and provides a great opportunity to work on high-profile issues that have a direct impact on the government’s finances, on companies, and on the UK’s attractiveness as a place to do business. The post holder will initially have the responsibilities listed below – though these may change over time to reflect ministerial priorities, and the needs of the wider CT team. The post will not have any formal line management responsibility but there will be opportunities to develop skills in mentoring colleagues and leading projects. |
About the Job
Tax policy roles require a grip of economic, legal, technical, and political factors shaping a given policy choice. We work closely with HMRC and stakeholders inside and outside government to identify and understand challenges and opportunities in the corporate tax system. We engage in the detail of tax policy design which often involves in-depth research into a specific sector of the economy or type of business. Meanwhile, we connect corporate tax policy to HMG objectives, particularly growth and net zero missions. Roles in the corporate tax strategy branch require the grip of a wide portfolio of Corporation Tax and other related tax issues. Our work frequently changes at short notice in response to ministerial requests and stakeholder engagement, which draws attention to new policy challenges. The post holder will be responsible for leading a range of stretching projects within the branch. Because of the nature of the branch's work and the phase we are at in the Parliament and Budget cycle, it is not possible to specify now which projects the post-holder will lead on. However, projects are likely to include maintenance and reform of existing taxes; the development of policy in response to taxpayer challenges (for example consideration of adjustment to rules for tax deductions); and management of policy consultations involving business and other external engagement. The post holder will therefore need to be comfortable managing multiple projects in parallel, often at varying speeds. For instance working with HMRC on a long-running technical challenge within the CT system whilst leading at short notice on a measure for a forthcoming fiscal event. This typically involves the following tasks:
Prior knowledge of the business tax landscape is not required for the role but would be an advantage. BIT has an excellent offer for tax policy training which all BIT staff are encourage to undertake. Several current team members have undertaken professional tax qualifications. Candidate Drop-In Session 1.30PM on Friday 11 October: 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: Freddie Wootton – Freddie.wootton@hmtreasury.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.
- Making effective decisions - Analyse and use a range of relevant, credible information from internal and external sources to support decisions.
- Communicating and influencing - Communicate in a straightforward, honest and engaging manner, choosing appropriate styles to maximise understanding and impact.
- Seeing the big picture - Remain alert to emerging issues and trends which might impact your work area.
The lead criterion is: Making effective decisions
If we receive large volumes of applications, we will conduct an initial sift on the lead criterion only.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Making Effective Decisions
- Communicating and Influencing
- Delivering at Pace
Benefits
- 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, it’s 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 everyone’s 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
Recruitment Timeline
Closing date: 20 October 2024
Shortlisting: 21 - 31 October 2024
Interviews: W/C 11 and 18 November 2024
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.
Location-Based Reserve Lists
You will be placed on a reserve list if your application is successful, but we cannot offer you a post immediately. Where more than one location has been advertised, candidates will be approached for roles in merit order according to the first preferred location stated on your application form.
Please note that a place on the reserve list does not guarantee an offer. We would still encourage you to apply for other HM Treasury opportunities that you are interested in. If you are offered a role in your first preferred location and you decline the offer or you are unable to take up the post within a reasonable timeframe, you will be removed from the reserve list, other than in exceptional circumstances.
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 HMTSecurityVetting@hmtreasury.gov.uk
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
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Working for the Civil Service
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).
Diversity and Inclusion
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Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Freddie Wootton (hiring manager)
- Email : freddie.wootton@hmtreasury.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : hrrecruitment@hmtreasury.gov.uk
Further information
