Opportunities with GLD in Leeds

Civil Service Information

Civil Service Code

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of you and other civil servants. These are based on the core values which are set out in legislation. As a civil servant, you are expected to carry out your role with dedication and a commitment to the Civil Service and its core values of:

• ‘integrity’ is putting the obligations of public service above your own personal interests

• ‘honesty’ is being truthful and open

• objectivity’ is basing your advice and decisions on rigorous analysis of the evidence

• ‘impartiality’ is acting solely according to the merits of the case and serving equally well governments of different political persuasions

These core values support good government and ensures the achievement of the highest possible standards in all that the Civil Service does.

A Great Place to Work for Veterans’ Scheme

GLD has now implemented the ‘A Great Place to Work for Veterans’ initiative. This is aimed at giving veterans the best possible opportunity to succeed in joining the Civil Service. This means that veterans who meet the minimum criteria for the role at all stages of the selection process must be offered an interview. Veterans will be asked if they meet the eligibility criteria and whether they want to apply through the scheme during the application process.

To meet the minimum criteria, candidates applying under the terms of the ‘A Great Place to Work for Veterans’ Scheme must:

• Meet all aspects of the stated minimum eligibility criteria (i.e. academic, nationality, and professional criteria);

• Meet the standard set for the Critical Reasoning Test (where used); and

• Obtain a minimum score for (i) the core criteria being assessed at the application stage and (ii) against any job specific criteria specified.

Diversity & Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to becoming an exemplar employer on inclusion. At GLD, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive culture where we can all thrive and fulfill our potential.

Every single one of us brings something important to GLD. There should be no barriers to us realising our potential because of who we are or where we have come from. This is why GLD's Diversity and Inclusion Strategy is so important to us. It sets out the kind of organisation we want to work for. We take a collaborative approach and collective ownership of our Diversity & Inclusion ambitions, with HR and Communications colleagues working closely with GLD’s vibrant and engaged staff networks to define our approach and to celebrate our rich and diverse workforce.

We all have a part to play in defining the culture of GLD though our behaviours. As leaders, inclusion must be at the heart of all that we do to lead our diverse and talented teams. Our Leadership.

Behaviour Framework, D&I Learning Pathway and Mandatory Leadership performance management objective are some of the tools we have developed to support us to grow our knowledge and understanding of our leadership impact and hold us to account. We know that diverse perspectives and experiences are critical to an effective, modern Civil Service that delivers policies and services for all of our citizens.

Our passion for inclusion means creating a work environment for all employees that is welcoming, respectful, fair and engaging. Where diversity and fairness are not only respected and valued, but celebrated. An organisation that attracts, develops and retains diverse talent with rewarding opportunities for personal and professional development for all.

If you’re interested in becoming a world class leader, developing your career with us – starting with this interesting and challenging role – or doing things differently and inspiring colleagues, then the Civil Service is the place for you.

What’s Next?

You’ve taken the first step and looked through this job pack to understand the skills and experience needed to perform this role. Now join us in achieving our ambitions and let us help you achieve yours. Read more.

FAQs

Can I apply if I am not currently a civil servant?

Yes. This role is open to suitably qualified people in the external market as well as existing civil servants.

Modernised terms and conditions will apply.

Successful candidates will transfer to GLD on a permanent basis.

Successful candidates transferring on permanent basis to GLD who are not currently on modernised terms and conditions will be expected to transfer onto GLD's modernised terms and conditions, whether on promotion or level transfer.

The transfer would be considered voluntary and so would not attract excess fares, travel costs or relocation costs.

Note: If you are a GLD employee on GLD’s terms and conditions this will remain unchanged.

Is this role suitable for part-time working?

Yes, this role is available on full-time or part-time basis, or flexible working arrangements (including job share partnerships).

As part of our smarter working policies GLD employees are – subject to the requirements of the role - expected to work at least 40% of their contracted hours each month from a GLD office.

Will the role involve travel?

Some travel may be required for this role.

Where will the role be based?

If successful you will be based in Leeds. Unfortunately, relocation costs will not be reimbursed. 

Can I claim back any expenses incurred during the recruitment process?

No. Unfortunately we will not be able to reimburse you, except in exceptional circumstances and only when agreed in advance.

Reserved for UK Nationals

Certain posts, notably those concerned with security and intelligence, are reserved for UK nationals only. This is a non-reserved post.

Is security clearance required?

Yes. If successful, you must pass security clearance to baseline personal security standard and may also need additional clearance at CTC/SC/DV level.

More information about the vetting process can be found here.

What reasonable adjustments can be made if I have a disability?

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments in order to support disabled job applicants and ensure that you are not disadvantaged in the recruitment and assessment process.

If you feel that you may need a reasonable adjustment to be made, or you would like to discuss your requirements in more detail, please contact Caroline.Anerville@governmentlegal.gov.uk in the first instance.,

Do you offer a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for Disabled Persons?

Disabled applicants who meet the minimum selection criteria in the job specification are guaranteed an interview. Selection will be on merit. If you wish to claim a guaranteed interview under the Disability Confident Scheme, you should complete the relevant section of the online application. It is not necessary to state the nature of your disability.

Will this role be overseen by the Civil Service Commission?

No, this campaign is chaired by the vacancy holder. However, this campaign will still be delivered in line with the CS Recruitment Principles.

What do I do if I want to make a complaint?

The law requires that 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.

If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, you should contact Caroline.Anerville@governmentlegal.gov.uk in the first instance.

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission.

What should I do if I think that I have a conflict of interest?

Candidates must note the requirement to declare any interests that might cause questions to be raised about their approach to the business of the Department.

If you believe that you may have a conflict of interest please contact Caroline.Anerville@governmentlegal.gov.uk before submitting your application.

Further Information and Benefits

Equalities Statement

GLD is an equal opportunities employer, and its policies, including the need to guard against false assumptions based on an individual’s sex or marital status, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, colour, race, religion, ethnic or national origin, work pattern (i.e. part-time working), age or disability, is followed at all stages of the selection procedure.

Diversity of opportunity is something that GLD cares passionately about. Applications are encouraged from all candidates regardless their ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age and disability. We particularly welcome applications from those with a disability or/and those from an ethnic minority background.

Benefits of working for the Civil Service

Whatever your role, we take your career and development seriously, and want to enable you to build a really successful career with the Department and wider Civil Service. It is crucial that our employees have the right skills to develop their careers and meet the challenges ahead, and you’ll benefit from regular performance and development reviews to ensure this development is ongoing. As a Civil Service employee, you’ll be entitled to a large range of benefits.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service values and supports all its employees.

We have strong and pro-active staff networks, special leave policies for hospital appointments, flexible working policies, and workplace adjustments put in place for those who need them, and talent programmes to help everyone, irrespective of background, to achieve their potential and thrive.

Pension

Your pension is a valuable part of your total reward package.

A competitive contributory pension scheme that you can enter as soon as you join where we will make a significant contribution to the cost of your pension; where your contributions come out of your salary before any tax is taken; and where your pension will continue to provide valuable benefits for you and your family if you are too ill to continue to work or die before you retire. Visit Civil Service Pension Scheme for more details.

Generous Annual Leave and Bank Holiday Allowance

25 days annual leave on entry, increasing to 30 days after 5 years’ service. This is in addition to 8 public holidays.

This will be complemented by one further day paid privilege entitlement to mark the Queen’s Birthday.

Flexible Working

GLD is committed to flexible working, but business needs for some roles may limit the scope for particular working patterns. For those working full-time, you will be expected to work a five-day week of 37 hours (excluding lunch breaks).

Staff Wellbeing

Flexible Working Schemes allowing you to vary your working day as long as you work your total hours.

Generous paid maternity and paternity leave which is notably more than the statutory minimum offered by many other employers.

Opportunity to use onsite facilities including fitness centres and staff canteens (where applicable).

Season Ticket and Bicycle Loan

Interest-free loans allowing you to spread the cost of an annual travel season ticket or a new bicycle.

Sick Pay

Occupational Sick Pay.

Nationality

The GLD is part of the wider Civil Service and therefore the Civil Service nationality rules apply.

To be eligible for employment to this role you must be a national from the following countries:

• The United Kingdom;

• The Republic of Ireland;

• The Commonwealth*;

• European Economic Area (EEA) nationals with (or eligible for) status under the EU Settlement Scheme;

• Relevant EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals already working in the Civil Service;

Relevant EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to working the Civil Service; and

• Certain family members of the relevant EU, Swiss and Turkish nationals.

*Individuals will need to demonstrate that they meet the relevant immigration requirements

Full details of the Civil Service nationality requirements may be found at Civil Service website and nationality rules here.

Please note that it is possible to meet the above nationality requirements and still not be legally entitled to work in the UK. The Home Office has a points-based immigration policy.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to check whether this policy applies to them. When applying, applicants will be asked about their nationality at birth, whether they are subject to immigration control, whether there are any restrictions on their continued residence or employment in the UK, etc. Detailed document checks will be made prior to employment.

Applications will be accepted from those applicants who may require sponsorship for a work permit under the Home Office’s point-based immigration policy.

Disability Confidence Scheme

GLD has signed up to the Positive about Disabled People Commitment and will guarantee an interview to any disabled applicant who meets the minimum criteria. The Equality Act 2010 defines a disabled person as someone who has a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and adverse long-term effect on his or her ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.

To meet the minimum criteria, candidates applying under the terms of the Disability Confidence Scheme (DCS) must:

• Meet all aspects of the stated minimum eligibility criteria (i.e. academic, nationality, and professional criteria);

• Meet the standard set for the Critical Reasoning Test (where used); and

• Obtain a minimum score against any job specific criteria specified.

Candidates applying under the terms of the DCS, who meet the minimum criteria outlined above, will be invited to attend an interview.

Pre-Employment Checks

All government departments are required to ensure that any personnel employed by them comply with the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) before they take up employment.

This standard involves verification of identity; nationality and immigration status (including an entitlement to undertake the work in question); employment history (past 3 years) and criminal record (unspent convictions).

You will be asked to produce original documents before or at the interview to enable us to verify the above if you are successful. The information which you provide will be treated in the strictest confidence by GLD and its authorised representative.

Supplying false information or failing to disclose relevant information could be grounds for rejection of your application or dismissal and could amount to a criminal offence.

Your referees will not be approached until your permission has been obtained following success at interview.

Regarding criminal record checks, a basic disclosure will normally be required (covering convictions considered unspent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974). This will apply to successful candidates only and your permission will be required before checks are undertaken.

Successful candidates will also be required to be cleared to the security clearance level outlined.

Data Protection

This notice sets out how we will use your personal data throughout the recruitment process, and your rights.

Complaints Procedure

GLD’s processes are underpinned by the principle of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles, which can be found at http://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk.

If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these Principles and you wish to make a complaint, please contact Caroline Anerville on 0207 210 3436 or at Caroline.Anerville@governmentlegal.gov.uk in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission.

Civil Service Reform

The Government Legal Department is updating its terms and conditions of employment as part of the Civil Service Reform.

It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure they are aware of the terms and conditions they will adopt and should they be successful in application. The table below may be helpful.

Moves Across Government

Staff joining the Government Legal Department from another government department on a permanent and voluntary basis, whether on level transfer or promotion, will do so on the basis that they accept the Government Legal Department’s modernised terms and conditions set out below: