Overview of area of work

RED supports MHCLG’s core objective of delivering local communities with excellent public services through enabling resilient localities: which can prepare for, respond to, and recover from civil emergencies of all types. The division works closely with local responders (the police, the fire and rescue service, local authorities and others), the Civil Contingencies Secretariat in the Cabinet Office and other government departments. We also work closely with other divisions in MHCLG on joint issues such as resilience of health and social care, sustainability of LAs and impacts of Brexit. RED priorities are to: • Be Ready - help places to identify for themselves the risks they face and manage and mitigate those risks including through development of policies and capabilities; • Respond - manage the impact of risks that materialise for major local or national emergencies including operating a 24/7 liaison officer service to local responders and provide a 24/7 information service on the impact of emergencies and their management • Recover – manage recovery from major emergencies where MHCLG is identified as the lead government department

We now have a G7 vacancy in our South West & West Midlands Team, reporting to a G6 Head of Resilience. This is an exciting and challenging role for a self-starter with very good strategy development and partnership working skills, who can work with minimal direction but who can also make a positive contribution as part of a large team. It would suit someone who is looking to develop their leadership and seeing the bigger picture competencies to prepare for promotion. The area of civil resilience is fascinating and applicants will have the opportunity to develop deep knowledge in particular areas of resilience policy

Main Duties for this post include:

• Act as resilience adviser to one or more local resilience forums (LRFs),
• Lead for DCLG’s interests in the development of national policy for particular resilience capabilities (to be determined).
• During an emergency or exercises, be a part of the government liaison team at local strategic co-ordinating groups or recovery co-ordinating groups to collate impact information and provide quick and accurate briefing to inform Ministerial decision making, and/or undertake a role in the RED operations centre,
• Other duties as required to deliver RED’s priorities and to contribute to the corporate leadership of the department, including deputising for the G6 and colleagues as required

The post-holder will be expected to take part in an on-call rota providing out of hours cover, including public and bank holidays (currently up to 6 weeks per year). The ability to be flexible during emergencies to work short periods of intensive and possibly out of hours working , and from alternative locations with limited notice is also required. TOIL or overtime may be approved for working outside of normal hours.

RED staff are expected to take an active role in their own development, fully utilising their minimum of 5 days per year for learning and development to develop their specific role knowledge and core competencies and many opportunities are provided to do this.

Competencies

We'll assess you against these competencies during the selection process:

• Making effective decisions (lead competency)
• Seeing the big picture
• Delivering at pace
• Leading and communicating
• Collaborating and partnering

Security clearance to SC (Security Check) level. You will either already have this clearance or be willing to seek clearance when in post

Selection Process details

In the event that we receive a large number of applications, we may sift based on the lead competency Making Effective Decisions.

At sift, we will be assessing:

• Making Effective Decisions (lead competency)
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Delivering at Pace
• Collaborating and Partnering

There is a 250 word limit per competency.

In the event that we receive a large number of applications, we may sift based on the lead competency Making Effective Decisions.

All 5 competencies listed will be tested at interview.

As part of the interview, candidates might be required to complete a written assessment. Further details will be provided to candidates invited to interview. The interview will be of a blended nature consisting of both competency and strength based questions. All questions will be based on the competencies listed in the advert. The strength based questions will require natural responses from the candidates.

Contact point for applicants

Corinne Lancaster corinne.lancaster@communities.gsi.gov.uk 0303 444 8882

Sift/interview dates and location

Sift to commence from 1st October 2018 Interviews to take place on 19th October 2018