Job Summary
This is an exciting time at the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG), as we transform how we deliver our statutory services and ensure that we are fit for the future. As Head of Policy, you will be a critical member of the Senior Leadership Team in the Central Services Directorate. You will lead the OPG Policy team, setting clear standards and direction to ensure the delivery of high‑quality, evidence‑based policy and guidance. Your work will directly support transformation and the ongoing delivery of services that make a tangible difference to some of the most vulnerable people in society. Operating within an operational agency gives you a unique opportunity to see policy translated into practice – designing solutions that are not only strategically sound, but deliver real, measurable impact for service users, and are practical to implement within operational delivery. You will take ownership of the team’s outputs, building capability and ensuring a strong culture of quality, challenge, and continuous improvement. Working closely with operational colleagues, legal teams and stakeholders across the Ministry of Justice, you will help shape and influence the policy and legislative changes needed to enable service improvement and wider organisational transformation, ensuring that policy proposals are deliverable and effectively embedded. In addition, you will provide oversight and strategic direction to the OPG content team within your directorate, ensuring that operational policy, guidance, and communications are clear, consistent and aligned to organisational priorities.
Responsibilities
- Policy development – accountable for the development and delivery of all OPG operational policy, including policy required for modernisation; supervision of Court Appointed Deputies; investigation of Deputies and Attorneys; and OPG fee policy. Ensuring policies are designed with a clear understanding of operational impact and can be successfully implemented in practice.
- Leadership – contribute to the leadership of the agency, helping to shape culture, set strategic direction and define organisational priorities.
- Management – direct line management of two Grade 7 staff, with oversight of a team of about 20 staff. Responsible for supporting their wellbeing, development and professional practice, and for championing diversity and inclusion.
- Influencing – work with colleagues across the Ministry of Justice, including Legal colleagues, to shape and secure legislative and policy changes that support OPG’s operational priorities, including sustainable fee arrangements and effective service delivery.
- Guidance – oversee the development of guidance to support policy delivery, ensuring policies are implemented effectively and consistently across operations.
- Content – provide oversight of the OPG content team, ensuring delivery of key priorities, including the annual report and external communications on policy changes.
Expectations
Work from your base location on a weekly basis in line with current Civil Service requirements, outside of any reasonable adjustments. Occasional travel to Birmingham and Nottingham will be required.
Application Process
All candidates will be assessed via a CV or work history and a statement of suitability of no more than 750 words, demonstrating experience against the essential and desirable skills required for this role. The recruitment will follow the Civil Service Success Profile process. Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be undertaken using the lead criteria: a strong track record of leading a policy function, setting clear direction and standards, and shaping organisational policy positions that influence strategy, practice and culture; and excellent leadership skills, taking ownership of team outputs, providing constructive challenge, advocating for the team and working across boundaries to drive delivery.
- Strengths relevant to the role
- Behaviours at G6 level – seeing the big picture, communicating and influencing, leadership, changing and improving, making effective decisions
All interviews will be held remotely via MS Teams. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview.
Benefits and Salary
- Salary range: £71,381 – £80,419 nationally; £75,674 – £85,257 in London (dependent on base location)
- Annual leave: 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years’ service; scheme to buy or sell up to three days leave each year; additional paid time off for public holidays and one privilege day.
- Pension: Choice of pension schemes through the Civil Service.
- Training: Extensive range of training and development opportunities.
- Networks: Opportunity to join employee‑run networks for minority ethnic origin, disabilities, caring responsibilities, women, and LGBTQ+ employees.
- Family friendly policies: opportunities to work reduced hours or job share; access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts.
- Parental leave: Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
- Health benefits: Free annual sight tests for employees using computer screens.
Diversity & 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 and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy. We are a disability confident employer and are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace.
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