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About the job
Job summary
Ofqual is the independent qualifications regulator for England. We currently regulate 200+ awarding organisations, and approx. 11,600 certified qualifications. These include GCSEs, AS and A levels, and a broad range of vocational and technical qualifications. Regulating on behalf of students of all ages and apprentices is central to how we fulfil our statutory objectives.
For more information about the work we do please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofqual
We are committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion throughout the organisation. We are proud of the action we are taking to support EDI and Wellbeing and welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds to support our ethos of creating a diverse culture that is reflective of both our employees and the learners we support.
Due to our continued commitment and focus in relation to EDI, our inclusion and fair treatment score based on the Civil Service 2022 annual people survey ranks us 4th out of 104 participating departments.
Ofqual is a rewarding, dynamic place to work. We offer employees the opportunity to develop within their role and progress through the organisation via a number of Learning and Development opportunities and activities.
We are in the top ten Civil Service departments for staff engagement which focuses on motivation and commitment to organisational goals and values. Based on the 2022 annual people survey Ofqual are ranked 9th out of 104 participating departments.
Job description
About the team
Most of us will have memories of taking exams as part of our journey through education. Qualifications – taken in schools, colleges, training centres or the workplace – play a key role, not just in our education system but in our economy too. They open doors to new opportunities.
Launching our first ever graduate programme, we are looking for passionate people to help maintain standards and confidence in qualifications in England.
We will take you on a journey to learn about all areas of regulatory practice and how qualifications, at all levels, are regulated. You will learn from industry experts on standard setting within education and the qualification markets. Whilst continuously developing skills and experience along the way that will support you in your career.
What will the post holder be doing?
Our Graduate scheme is a two-year programme where you will rotate across four different teams. You will be working collaboratively with colleagues gaining lots of transferable skills. The teams include:
- Vocational and Technical Qualifications
- General Qualifications,
- Regulatory Compliance
- Strategy and Markets
We're looking for someone with a genuine interest in the education system in England, who shares our passion for ensuring that standards in qualifications are maintained through regulation.
You will work independently and collaboratively as part of our dynamic team. You'll excel in an environment where you're empowered to analyse complex information, provide insightful recommendations, and solve problems creatively.
If this is the right opportunity for you and you want to learn more please refer to the job specification.
We are hosting two sessions on the following dates and times. It is an opportunity for you to find out more about our Graduate Scheme and ask questions.
The two events will be on the following dates and times:
- Thursday 14 March 2024, between 12.30 – 1.30pm
- Wednesday 27 March 2024, between 4.00 – 5.00pm
Join the sessions using the Microsoft Teams links below to:
- Thursday 14 March 2024, between 12.30 – 1.30pm, The link to join is here.
- Wednesday 27 March 2024, between 4.00 – 5.00pm, The link to join is here.
Copy and paste the links into Google Chrome at the appropriate dates and times.
You will have the opportunity to ask the questions on the day, alternatively we can accept your questions in advance and answer them during the sessions.
We look forward to seeing you!
Person specification
Qualifications
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Changing and Improving
- Making Effective Decisions
- Communicating and Influencing
- Working Together
Benefits
As a Civil Servant, you will benefit from a leading, modern employment offer which includes flexible working arrangements that support people at different stages in their lives, and pensions among the best available in the UK, as well as generous annual leave entitlements.
Other benefits you can enjoy include:
- Organisational performance related bonus
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- Regular professional development
- Health and wellbeing initiatives such as mini-medicals, flu vaccinations
- Employee assistance programme and occupational health
- Free eye tests and contribution towards lenses/spectacles for VDU users, if appropriate
- Family friendly policies
- Interest free season ticket loan
- Access to exclusive discounts
- A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Please note that we regret that we do not offer sponsorship opportunities at this time.
When you press the ‘Apply now’ button, you will be asked to complete personal details (not seen by the shortlisting panel), your career history and qualifications.
You will then be asked to provide a personal statement evidencing how you meet the essential criteria shown on the job description.
Please ensure you demonstrate clearly, within your personal statement, how you meet these requirements as this will form a key part of your evidence when the panel is scoring your application, against the requirements of the role.
Ofqual has adopted anonymised recruitment. This means that your name, date of birth and other personal details will not be seen by the sift panel. You’ll be asked to remove all personal details from your CV when you apply.
During the interview process, this vacancy may include a short presentation and/or assessment. Further details will be provided to shortlisted candidates upon invitation to interview.
Please submit your application by 23:55 on Monday 1 April 2024
Interview dates – w/c 29 April 2024 (subject to change)
We often have similar roles available at different grades. If a candidate is suitable for a similar role or at a lower grade than they applied for, we may extend an offer without the need to go through a further selection process, providing the role has comparable behaviours and essential criteria.
Ofqual works flexibly, with a hybrid office/home based working model. Employees will spend at least two to three days a week working from our office in Coventry. As Coventry will be your base location expenses for travel to the office will not be paid.
Final panel interviews will be held in person. Further details will be provided at invite to interview stage.
One of our resourcing colleagues will be on hand to answer any queries you may have throughout the process.
Please be aware that expenses incurred by candidates during the recruitment process will not be reimbursed.
Reasonable adjustments
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you require assistance or need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should tell us what changes or help you might need further in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at an interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional. You should contact us at recruitment@ofqual.gov.uk to discuss your needs.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
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
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).
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Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
Recruitment team
