Central Capital Unit – Policy Adviser

There are 4 posts available:

2 x Strategic Finance account mangers As an Account Manager in the Strategy and Finance team, you will play a key role in the effective in-year management of a 31bn CDEL SR settlement.

1x Condition funding policy policy and strategy development for improving the condition of the existing school estate, so that capital funding and wider capital programmes support effective education in safe, well maintained, sustainable buildings; and contribute to wider policy objectives. This is key to supporting the opportunity mission; capital investment also supports growth, skills and environmental objectives.

1x High needs capital policy high needs capital is a key part of SEND reform and supporting the need for new specialist places across the country. In this role, you will take an active role in allocating high needs capital and ensuring the delivery of funding is in line with ministerial objectives.

These roles work in areas that contribute to the government priorities and attract a significant degree of interest and engagement from ministers; senior officials across both DfE and HMT; the school sector, parliament and the public.

These high profile roles will provide significant stretch and development opportunities for the post holders, and is ideal for individuals interested in applying their skills to the high-impact policy environment of education capital.

Job description

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Department for Educations Central Capital Unit (CCU) working at the heart of school capital investment. Roles will play a key role in shaping policy and strategy as well as managing financial planning for the school estate, contributing to a high-profile area with significant ministerial interest. The roles include typical policy and financial responsibilities for this level:

Policy Development and Strategic Planning
• Support the development of the Departments long-term investment strategy working with wider teams, ministers and other government departments.
• Lead and facilitate work to develop policy, strategy and investment cases for the education estate grounded in sound evidence and analysis, including developing policy recommendations and investment options.
• Take a key role in managing delivery and communications for the Departments multi-billion yearly capital allocation cycles. Manage risks and monitor the progress and impact of programmes to inform policy and strategy.
• Act as a policy expert on detailed matters relating to capital funding policy exploring options to improve systems and procedures in these areas. Working closely with teams across the department to help shape their work, monitor progress, and provide challenge and support so that programmes contribute effectively to wider objectives.
• Prepare high-quality briefings for Ministers and senior officials.
• Respond effectively to public, parliamentary, and press enquiries.
• Help to manage effective policy relationships with key internal and external partners.
• Contribute to making the division a high-performing, supportive and learning place to work.

Financial Planning and Budget Management
• Assist in managing the Departments capital budgets at a pivotal time – contributing to planning the post-SR Phase 2 settlement and helping to transform the in-year capital management culture.
• Support the production of monthly reporting packs, providing assurance to Ministers and the leadership team.
• Scrutinise and challenge monthly financial forecasts to ensure accuracy and accountability.
• Support aspects of in-year financial processes, including business planning and preparation for estimates with the central strategic finance team.
• Support quarterly reviews and analysis of departmental figures to inform savings measures.

Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management
• Build and maintain effective relationships across policy, finance and the wider business to generate insights and communicate the strategic financial perspective.
• Provide advice and insight to senior officials on budget management, including solutions for headroom or overspend.
• Contribute to a high-performing, supportive, and learning-focused team environment.

Training and other learning and development support will be available for all aspects of the roles.

Person specification

We are seeking proactive and capable individuals who can demonstrate the following skills, experience, and attributes:

Essential Criteria

Strong Analytical and Project Management Skills
• Able to interpret complex information, to draw conclusions from a range of evidence and data and work with analysts to inform policy development.
• Able to manage projects effectively, and deliver high-quality outcomes within tight deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to draw conclusions from a range of evidence and data to inform decision-making.
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage competing priorities and maintain focus in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrates initiative and a strong sense of ownership over their work, with a track record of driving progress and delivering results.

Effective Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex financial and policy information clearly and appropriately for different audiences, including Ministers and senior stakeholders.
• Aptitude for managing central and local relationships, acting as an account manager across the centre and wider business to support strategic objectives.

Confidence with Financial Data and Processes
• Comfortable working with financial information, drawing insights from data, and contributing to financial planning and assurance activities.

Collaborative Working and Relationship Building
• Proven ability to work collaboratively across teams and build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including finance, delivery, strategy, and policy colleagues.