Policy Adviser - Digital Technology
HM Treasury
Apply before 11:55 pm on Wednesday 25th September 2024
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About the job
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About HM Treasury
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
Enterprise and Growth Unit
The Enterprise and Growth Unit (EGU) promotes sustainable economic growth and higher productivity for the UK. We provide analysis and advice on enterprise, innovation, private sector investment and a cost-effective transition to a low-carbon economy. The Enterprise and Growth Unit has a varied and exciting agenda and we work closely with a wide variety of other teams across the Treasury.
We also work alongside other departments and government organisations to ensure that we are thinking creatively, spending wisely, and acting boldly to deliver these goals. These organisations are:
- the Department for Business and Trade,
- the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero,
- the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs,
- the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology,
- the Department for Transport,
- the Department for Culture, Media & Sport,
- the Competition and Markets Authority,
- HM Land Registry, and
- UK Export Finance
About the Team
Science, innovation and digital technology transform how we live and work. This brings new opportunities to unlock economic growth, improve productivity and create high skilled jobs. The Science, Technology & Access to Finance (STAF) team advises on how the UK can make the most of this opportunity. We oversee spending by, and lead the Treasury’s relationship with, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). We lead on the allocation and monitoring of R&D spending across government. We are responsible for HMT policy on the government’s 5 priority technologies - AI, quantum, telecoms, semiconductors and engineering biology. We set HMT’s strategy for the digital technology sector, one of the Chancellor’s five growth sectors. We lead on access to finance, including managing the Treasury’s relationship with the British Business Bank and delivering key policies announced by the Chancellor last summer at Mansion House to unlock more investment into the UK’s most innovative companies. These are top priorities for the Chancellor and Prime Minister, and require close work with teams across government, particularly in DSIT, Cabinet Office and No.10. We are a friendly team at the heart of many economics and finance issues in the Treasury. While working in a fast-paced policy environment, we support a diverse range of working patterns and value a broad range of experiences within the team.
This role sits within the Digital Technology Unit, which is responsible for HMT’s strategy for the digital technology sector and leads on exciting areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI). The Unit works collaboratively with departments such as DSIT and DBT to develop policy that will support the growth of the UK’s AI sector, from investing in computing power, to attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the UK’s AI infrastructure. The Unit also leads HMT’s work on digital regulation including the Online Safety Act, and the UK approach to AI regulation.
It is an exciting time to join the team to work on a range of high-profile topics. Maximising the growth and productivity benefits of AI and digital tech are key priorities of the Chancellor and the Prime Minister. The Unit therefore works on some of the most topical policy questions and you should expect to receive lots of senior exposure and be stretched. The Unit also leads on HMT’s engagement with the tech sector, which involves supporting Ministerial meetings, visits and trips.
As a team, we work very flexibly, sharing-out and redistributing work to manage the workload and promote a healthy work-life balance; you should be happy working collaboratively with a tight-knit team, who can quickly adjust to new priorities.
About the Job
This is an exciting and fast paced role that is central to how HMG responds to the opportunities and risks posed by AI, alongside how we support the growth of the tech sector.
You do not need to have background in AI or digital technology to apply. We’re looking for a highly motivated self-starter, who can pick up new material quickly and who is keen to learn about the policy area. As you progress in the role, you will be expected to develop a good working knowledge of the sector and have a view of what the key trends and issues are.
You should be someone who is confident working with quantitative and qualitative data and can use these analytical skills to assess policy problems, review business cases and develop nuanced policy advice. Given the work of the branch is high-profile, you will need to become comfortable over time at engaging with senior stakeholders and be effective at communicating policy positions clearly, concisely and persuasively.
We are also looking for someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment and who can balance multiple priorities and deadlines, while progressing longer-term pieces of work. As a team, we work very flexibly, sharing-out and redistributing work to manage the workload and promote a healthy work-life balance; you should be happy working collaboratively with a tight knit team, who can quickly adjust to new priorities. You may also have the opportunity to work across the wider Science, Technology and Access to Finance team on shared priorities, including on digital infrastructure policy.
Most of all, we’re looking for someone who is excited by the policy area, and who is willing to get stuck-in to drive forward workstreams that will meet Ministerial priorities for growth and productivity.
Key accountabilities of the role are:
- Respond to Briefings, Correspondence and Parliamentary Questions (PQs) commissions: You will need to work flexibly with other team members to draft high quality responses to briefing and correspondence requests, PQs and FoIs on a range of digital technology and tech sector issues. You will be responsible for ensuring the team’s ‘standard lines’ and core facts about the sector and AI are up to date to ensure responses are accurate and timely.
- Draft Advice on Digital Technology Policy and Spending: Working with the team, DSIT and wider colleagues in HMT you will assess the evidence base and scrutinise the affordability and value for money of different proposals that support the growth of the tech sector in the UK and the contribution of technology adoption to wider productivity and growth across the country. You will support advice to Ministers on the measures and interventions that meet their priorities.
- Tech Sector Stakeholder Engagement: This role involves supporting plenty of Ministerial visits, events and international trips. Working with other team members and HMT colleagues, you will provide Ministers with advice on how they should engage with the tech sector and briefings for these engagement opportunities. This will involve building a strong working knowledge of the sector and working closely with the relevant stakeholders to agree objectives and priorities for these different opportunities.
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.
Friday 20th September 2024 @13:00 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 Deborah.hardoon@hmtreasury.gov.uk
Person specification
We are looking for the below 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: An ability to present reasonable conclusions from a wide range of complex and sometimes incomplete evidence.
- Delivering at Pace: An ability to work independently, planning and driving forward longer term projects, while also delivering high quality urgent work.
- Communicating and Influencing: An ability to communicate clearly in written work and verbally, influencing and persuading stakeholders to advance your objectives.
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.
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 19th September 2024 @ 12:30 Join the meeting now
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Making Effective Decisions
- Delivering at Pace
- Communicating and Influencing
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: Wednesday 25th September 2024
Shortlisting: From 26th September 2024
Interviews: w/c 7th October 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.
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
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : deborah.hardoon@hmtreasury.gov.uk
- Email : deborah.hardoon@hmtreasury.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : hrrecruitment@hmtreasury.gov.uk
Further information
