Head of Audit for Specialist Benefits

Background to the role:

Are you a health professional with experience of conducting health assessments and auditing assessment reports against agreed assessment criteria?  Would you love the opportunity to join a team committed to the successful delivery of specialist services for some of the most vulnerable customers in the UK?

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is responsible for welfare, pensions and child maintenance policy. As the UK’s biggest public service Department, we operate on a scale that is almost unmatched anywhere in Europe and most people in Britain come into contact with us at some point in their lives.

DWP are looking for a health professional to fill the role of Head of Audit for Specialist Benefits, in Contract Management and Partner Delivery Directorate (CMPD) Controls and Assurance Division (CAD).

CAD is responsible for the control’s environment for DWP’s suite of nationally contracted health assessment and employment support contracts, working to ensure these contracts deliver value for money and protect the public purse, and great customer service.

Contract Management and Partner Delivery (CMPD) is a Corporate Team within DWP. It’s an incredibly exciting time to be working in CMPD. The role of CMPD is to ensure that our contracted employment and health assessment suppliers deliver the right outcome for the customer.

The Directorate sits within DWPs Finance Group and works closely with a wide range of colleagues including DWP Operations, Commercial, Finance, Strategy and contracted suppliers.

Working Pattern.

This is a full time post, but applications are also welcome from those with alternative working patterns. Working patterns will be discussed on an individual basis, but successful applicants may need to be flexible and/or be prepared to consider alternative working patterns where required to meet with FG’s operating hours from 8am to 6pm.

More information about DWP, CMPD and this role is included in the candidate pack.

Key Requirements of the role,

• Be an active member of the CMPD senior leadership community, communicating a clear and compelling vision to teams, partners and suppliers, supporting delivery of CMPD and DWP aims and objectives and role modelling a culture that strives for excellence.

• Working with the Head of Clinical Audit and Observations, provide inspirational and visible leadership to a team of health professionals, including DWP employees, secondees and contracted Health Care Professionals (HCPs), whilst actively promoting diversity and inclusion, and supporting staff health and wellbeing.

• Lead the Department’s audit of non-WCA benefits, including undertaking checks of the Supplier internal Audits for non-WCA benefits e.g. such Industrial Injuries Benefit (IIB), DLA, IPC and Veterans Agency, plus other minor benefits.  Undertake WCA audits as required.

• To work with the Heads of Clinical Audit and Observations (WCA) to develop and oversee the delivery of a clinical continuous professional development programme for Controls and Assurance Division (CAD) Health Professionals in order develop highly skilled Health Professionals and to ensure maintenance of registration with relevant accreditation bodies.

• Use robust knowledge and understanding of WCA and non-WCA assessments to provide expert clinical advice to support team members and wider DWP stakeholders.

• To maintain, develop and champion effective controls for DWP’s health assessment contracts including managing the delivery of audits and ensuring appropriate feedback is given to the Assessment suppliers with a keen focus on quality and delivery.

• Develop and maintain robust processes to support the quality and consistency of clinical audits to support high standards of clinical practice.

• To work with the Head of Clinical Audit and Observations (WCA) to embed the DWP Clinical Governance Quality and Standards to continuously improve the quality and consistency of the clinical audits delivered by Clinical Assurance Division (CAD).

Person specification

The successful candidate must demonstrate the following:

•    Evidence of at least 2 years recent clinical experience as an approved doctor post registration, with current registration revalidated and up to date Continuous Professional Development.
•    Evidence of at least 2 years’ experience of audit of WCA and non-WCA benefits such as Industrial Injuries Benefit (IIB), DLA, IPC and Veterans Agency, plus other minor benefits.

Essential Key Criteria  

Lead Criteria 1

• High level of clinical confidence with extensive experience undertaking the health assessment audit of WCA and non-WCA benefits such Industrial Injuries Benefit (IIB), DLA, IPC and Veterans Agency, plus other minor benefits. 

Lead Criteria 2

• A qualified doctor with no sanctions/restrictions attached to registration (unless they relate to disability) and at least 2 years post full General Medical Council registration and revalidated.

Further Essential Criteria

• Evidence of up-to-date continuous professional development. 

• A proven ability to lead and inspire high performing teams with a supportive, open and engaging leadership style and a track record of prioritising staff wellbeing and promoting diversity and inclusion.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to provide clear and unambiguous feedback (verbally and in writing), justifying sound clinical judgement in potentially challenging situations.

• Strong interpersonal skills and experience of building highly effective, trusting relationships and working collaboratively with senior leaders (internal and external), using relationships and networks to influence and deliver efficient and effective services for the organisation.

• Understanding and experience of applying and embedding clinical governance and quality standards. You will be able to analyse data to identify trends, identifying any concerns, providing feedback, and addressing these appropriately.

The post will be reporting to the Deputy Director in Controls and Assurance Division.

Licences

Full, unconditional registration with the General Medical Council (GMC) and a licence to practice.

Qualifications

A qualified doctor with a licence to practice, fully registered with the relevant regulatory body (doctors must have a licence to practice). The candidate must have at least 2 years’ experience post registration.
No live warnings or open investigations.
No sanctions attached to registration (unless they relate to disability)

Memberships

Membership of the General Medical Council

Behaviours

We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Leadership
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Communicating and Influencing
• Changing and Improving

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £79,272, Department for Work and Pensions contributes £22,965 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

DWP have a broad benefits package built around your work-life balance which includes:

• Working patterns to support work/life balance such as job sharing, term-time working, flexi-time and compressed hours.
• Generous annual leave – at least 23 days on entry, increasing up to 30 days over time (pro–rata for part time employees), plus 9 days public and privilege leave.
• Support for financial wellbeing, including interest-free season ticket loans for travel, a cycle to work scheme and an employee discount scheme.
• Health and wellbeing support including our Employee Assistance Programme for specialist advice and counselling and the opportunity to join HASSRA a first-class programme of competitions, activities and benefits for its members (subscription payable monthly).
• Family friendly policies including enhanced maternity and shared parental leave pay after 1 year’s continuous service.
• Funded learning and development to support progress in your role and career. This includes industry recognised qualifications and accreditations, coaching, mentoring and talent development programmes.
• An inclusive and diverse environment with opportunities to join professional and interpersonal networks including Women’s Network, National Race Network, National Disability Network (THRIVE) and many more.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.

At the written stage of your application applicants will be asked to provide a Personal Statement of no more than 1250 words against the key criteria as outlined above. You will also be asked to provide a short CV listing your skills and experience.

Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.

CV

The CV is an on-line tool accessed through the Civil Service Jobsite and there is no requirement to upload your personal CV. Our CV element is short, and allows an initial check of eligibility, Only include relevant experience to the role within the CV section please put the main content of your evidence and skills in your Personal Statement

Your CV will only be considered for applications that progress to job offer and will assist the vacancy holders in matching skills to suitable opportunities/locations. It will not form part of the sifting process or be scored.

Personal Statement

When completing your personal statement, please read and understand the Key Criteria  thoroughly as this is what your written evidence will be assessed against. Your layout is entirely your preference; you may choose narrative, bullets, etc. You may choose to address each criteria separately, however, one narrative example may cover and evidence several key criteria. You may not be able to meet all the key criteria, but please ensure you evidence: the key personal requirements and what have you done that relates to the requirements. You don’t have to explain the whole process, just what you have done and the skills and experience you have used. Share with us what makes you suited to this role and why, what you can do and the skills you have that are transferable to the key requirements, and the life experience or passion you have that are linked to this role.

Written Sift

All applications will be sifted according to the key criteria within the person specification section of this advert, using the information you provide on the Personal Statement template supplied in the application process.

Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the lead criteria annotated above. If your application proceeds to full sift all criteria will be considered.

If high application volumes are received, the benchmark for candidates to proceed to the next stage may be raised. In line with our commitment to the Disability Confident Scheme (DCS), we aim to advance all candidates applying under the DCS who meet the minimum standard. However, we may only progress those candidates who best meet the required standards

Interview

The interview panel will be a minimum of two people. The interview will assess: Behaviours, Experience and Strengths,  The interview aims to be more of a conversation exploring the candidate’s capability for the role. Candidates will be asked further probing questions to determine suitability for the role.

The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:

Leadership

Seeing the Big Picture

Communicating and Influencing 

Changing and Improving

Please note that all the interviews will be conducted face-to-face in Sheffield.

Applicants invited to interview, will be required to deliver a 5-10 minute presentation at the start of your interview.  Details of the presentation and what is required will be supplied prior to interview.

Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.

Postings

You will be asked for your preferences for up to 2 locations, these will tell us where you would prefer to work if you are successful. Please do not select a location unless you are prepared to accept a role in that location.

The roles available will be based in:

1. Birmingham 3 Arena Central, Bridge Street, Birmingham B1 2AX
2. Blackpool Peel Park, Brunel Way, Blackpool FY4 5ES
3. Glasgow Atlantic Quay, Glasgow G2 8SP.
4. Leeds Quarry House, Quarry Hill, Leeds, LS2 7UA.
5. Manchester 2 St Peter’s Square, Manchester, M2 3AA.
6. Newcastle Benton Park View, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE98 1BA. (Please note: that for candidates requesting to work in Newcastle, this role will be based at Benton Park View from September 2025, and then at 1 Pilgrim Place in Newcastle city centre by the end of 2027)
7. Sheffield Hartshead Square, Sheffield, S1 2FD.

Selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit, on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles here.

Successful candidates will be posted in merit order based on your location preferences, where appropriate, and the geographical requirements of the business. Dependent on your position on the merit list, if none of your location preferences remain at the point we make a job offer, DWP may offer you a role at an alternative advertised location. If we are unable to offer you a role in any of your preferred locations, and you are unable to accept a role at an alternative advertised location, we will add you to the reserve list if one is being held.

Further Information​

At the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) we value diversity and inclusion and actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including those that are underrepresented in our workforce.

Find out more about working for DWP on the DWP Careers Hub.

Reserve List

A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.

If you are placed on a reserve list but we cannot immediately offer you a post, please note:

• If you are later offered the role you applied for, in a location you have expressed a preference for, and you decline the offer or are unable to take up the post within a reasonable timeframe you will be withdrawn from the campaign and removed from the reserve list, other than in exceptional circumstances (e.g. a contractual Part Time Working Pattern cannot be accommodated in the initial role offered or in cases of serious ill health).
• If DWP makes an offer of an alternative role or location to that which you originally applied for, and you decline that offer, you will be able to remain on the reserve list.

Disability Confident Scheme

If high application volumes are received, the benchmark for candidates to proceed to the next stage may be raised. In line with our commitment to the Disability Confident Scheme (DCS), we aim to advance all candidates applying under the DCS who meet the minimum standard. However, we may only progress those candidates who best meet the required standards.

Very Important Note: When submitting your application for a post in the DWP you will be asked; “Are you currently undergoing any formal discipline, absence or poor performance action?” It is important that you only tick this box if you are currently within the formal review period for attendance or performance management or have a penalty banning you from promotion. Do not tick the box if; you are in a ‘Sustained performance period’ for Performance, you are in a ‘Backsliding Period’ for Attendance, or You have any other disciplinary that does not specifically have a restriction on applying for promotion. To be eligible to apply for a position within DWP, candidates must not currently have any restriction of duties as a result of disciplinary action. To be eligible to apply for a position within DWP, candidates must have passed their probationary period with their home department.

Important Pre-Employment Checks

Due to a legislative change, which is expected to be in place in January 2026, this role will be subject to an Enhanced Check (not the Baseline Check as stated in the Security Section below).  Please note there will be an on-going requirement to undergo an Enhanced Check every 3 years.

As part of the pre-employment checks for this role two clinical references will be required. Details of ongoing investigations and warnings will be requested. Successful candidates will be asked to provide details of two clinical referees.

Important Note:

For these vacancies, we strongly recommend that applicants consult with an immigration specialist or qualified advisor to assess their eligibility for Visa Sponsorship before deciding to apply. Please note that while we consider sponsorship requests in accordance with current DWP guidance and Home Office policy, sponsorship cannot be guaranteed.

Integrity, plagiarism and Civil Service Principles 

The Civil Service values honesty and integrity and expects all candidates to abide by these principles.

Please ensure that all examples provided in your application are taken directly from your own experience and that you describe the examples in your own words.

Examples of plagiarism can include:

• Presenting the work, ideas and experience of others as your own
• Copying content or answers from an online or published source that is not your own

Reasonable Adjustments

We consider visible and non-visible disabilities, neurodiversity or learning differences, chronic medical conditions, or mental ill health. Examples include dyslexia, epilepsy, autism, chronic fatigue, or schizophrenia.

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should contact the Government Recruitment Service via DWPRecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.

Complete the “Reasonable Adjustments” 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. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.

If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the ‘Contact point for applicants’ section.

Disclosure and Barring Service and Internal Fraud Database Checks

In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service/Disclosure Scotland on your behalf.

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.

For further information on the Disclosure Scotland confidential checking service telephone: the Disclosure Scotland Helpline on 0870 609 6006 and ask to speak to the operations manager in confidence, or email Info@disclosurescotland.co.uk

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check will be carried out.

Important 

New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.

Before applying for this vacancy, current employees of DWP should check whether a successful application would result in changes to their terms & conditions of employment, e.g. mobility, pay, allowances. If you are a current employee and are successful you must be able to be released from your current post within four weeks.

Those on protected TUPE/ COSoP terms and conditions applying on promotion or voluntary permanent level move will adopt DWP’s Terms and Conditions and this may have a different impact on pay and allowances. Please review this prior to acceptance of a role.

Civil Servants that would transfer into DWP from other government organisations, following successful application, will assume DWP’s terms & conditions of employment current on the day they are posted, unless DWP has stated otherwise in writing. Accepting a post will be taken to mean acceptance of revised terms & conditions.

Civil Servants applying on promotion will usually be appointed to the salary minimum or within 10% of existing salary.

Any move to DWP 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 Childcare Choices Website.

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.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name :CMPD Resourcing and Recruitment Team
• Email :fg.cmpdresourcingandrecruitment@dwp.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email :dwprecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Further information

Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission’s 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 DWP by email: HR.BUSINESSASSURANCE@DWP.GOV.UK.
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission. Click here to visit the Civil Service Commission.

Attachments

Head of Audit for Specialist Benfits Candidate Pack Opens in new window(pdf, 760kB)

DWP Terms and Conditions January 2024 (3) Opens in new window(docx, 17kB)

Success-Profiles-Candidate-Overview (18) Opens in new window(pdf, 635kB)