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We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about how we do this visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity.

Overview

The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) protects people in England and Wales who may not have the mental capacity to make certain decisions for themselves, such as about their health and finance. We are an Executive Agency of the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), set up in 2007 following the introduction of the Mental Capacity Act of 2005.

OPG is responsible for registering lasting powers of attorney (LPA) and enduring powers of attorney (EPA) and supervising deputies who are appointed by the Court of Protection.

Job Description, Duties and Responsibilities –

As a member of the investigations team, you will have responsibility for your own caseload and will be expected to conduct investigations into concerns raised about attorneys’ behaviour and matters of capacity which may be in breach of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA), Code of Practice and associated regulations. Through liaising with various parties, you will gather adequate evidence and use this to deliver timely, thorough and objective reports for the Public Guardian which will address any concerns raised and make appropriate recommendations.

You will be expected to collaborate with your peers and wider group of colleagues in sharing of best practice, supporting, coaching and developing them. You will be able to get involved in working groups which serve to improve our working practice and enhance our profile across OPG.

In your role, you will also need to keep your own knowledge up to date and be aware of any legislative changes, changes in policies and procedures and align your practice with these so that you can continue delivering effective and professional service.

The successful candidate’s office location will be either Birmingham or Nottingham. Successful candidates may be required to travel to their non-preferred location on an occasional basis. We operate a hybrid way of working which includes home working alongside office working.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Conduct investigations about the way in which attorneys are exercising their powers under a registered LPA PFA / H&W or EPA following concerns raised internally and/or externally.
• Liaise with attorneys and third parties as appropriate to gather the required information and evidence in order to prove or disprove allegations and to achieve outcomes in the best interests of donors lacking mental capacity to make decisions.
• Undertake safeguarding actions as required throughout the life of the investigation. Refer matters to the police, local authorities or other agencies where evidence is held to suggest criminal activity or a safeguarding concern.
• Complete accurate and thorough reports for the Public Guardian and for the Court of Protection, with clear and justifiable recommendations.
• Implement the Public Guardian’s recommendations.
• Produce witness statements for the Court of Protection, implement and respond to directions made by the Court of Protection. This may require attendance at court hearings.

• Understand how your area of work feeds into the wider operation of SIS.

• Regularly monitor your performance against key milestones and act promptly to reassess workloads and priorities when there are conflicting demands to maintain performance.
• Work proactively with colleagues across all OPG sites to ensure a professional and responsive approach to the investigation of concerns raised under LPAs/EPAs.
• Contribute and participate at local management meetings and business level (across site) forums. Proactively lead and participate in relevant working groups and committees.

• Support and offer constructive feedback to less experienced team members by coaching and providing guidance and advice when appropriate.

• Maintain an awareness of changes to the Mental Capacity Act, the OPG’s external activity with stakeholders and other internal and external activities likely to impact on your area of responsibility.

• Remain alert to emerging issues and trends which might impact your work area.

• Encourage teamwork within your own unit and across other departments.

Customer service and continuous improvement

• Continually develop and maintain knowledge of Public Guardian functions and responsibilities, encouraging your colleagues and team members to do the same.
• Embed continuous improvement behaviours through the application of tools and techniques, promoting and demonstrating a leadership culture within OPG.

Work with business colleagues across OPG to improve performance

• Participate and occasionally lead relevant working groups both on immediate team and widely across OPG.
• Encourage a culture of team working and unified contribution to the aims and objectives of OPG.
• Support peers to progress investigations accurately and at pace.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to develop good working relationships and raise the profile of OPG.
• Develop effective and collaborative working relationships with immediate colleagues, and wider OPG teams.
• On occasions represent OPG by working with external bodies to promote the safeguard of vulnerable adults.

Policy and management

• Maintain an awareness of any updates to key policies including MoJ policies and internal OPG policies including the OPG Safeguarding Policy.
• Have an awareness of any key legislative change including the Mental Capacity Act and The Care Act.
• Contribute to OPG meeting its business plan objectives in your area.

Equality and Diversity

• Positively promote and implement diversity, inclusion and quality of opportunity in all areas of work.

Health and Safety

• Take reasonable care for own Health and Safety and for the safety of others and abide by OPG Health & Safety Procedure.

Protocol

• You will be expected to work within a team of Executive Office colleagues in Supervision & Investigation Services (SIS), and if necessary (after consultation), be rotated into posts within the wider business to support business needs or further your own personal development.

Person Specification

Essential Skills

• Ability to interpret and comprehend financial evidence to make informed decisions. (Lead criterion)
• Ability to produce high quality written reports containing analysis, conclusions and recommendations. (Lead criterion)
• Effectiveness in time management and organisation of workload to meet conflicting deadlines. (Lead criterion)
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and committed to give a high-quality performance in all aspects of the role.
• Strong written, telephone and oral communication skills.
• Proficient in the use of standard Microsoft office products.

Desirable Skills:

• Knowledge of the MCA and Code of Practice.

• Investigative experience.

Application Process

This vacancy is being advertised using Success Profiles which will assess your Experience, Behaviours, Strengths and Technical Skills. There will be 3 stages to the application process:

Stage 1 – Sift

Candidates will be expected to provide a Personal Statement of Suitability (750 words maximum) in support of your application. This will be sifted on your specific examples of relevant skills and experience referenced to the Essential Skills criteria listed above.

The key point to emphasise in your application is what you feel you would bring to the role that offers unique value. We actively encourage you to sell yourself as an individual and the personal strengths and experience that you could bring to the role.

Please note that in the event that the volume of applications exceeds expectations, we may perform a preliminary sift on the lead criteria as stated on the essential skills.

Stage 2 – Written Assessment

If you are successful at sift, you will be invited to attend a 30-minute written assessment which will test your technical skills on numeracy. You will be asked to analyse pieces of evidence, identify the relevant solution and make appropriate recommendations.

Stage 3 – Interview

If you are successful at the written assessment, you will be invited to attend an interview. Candidates should expect Strength-based questions and questions relating to the following Civil Service Behaviours:

• Making Effective Decision (Level 2)
• Managing a Quality Service (Level 2)
• Delivery at Pace (Level 2)

The written assessment and interviews will be held remotely via MS teams.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview.

Reasonable Adjustments:

At OPG we are committed to ensuring our workplace remains diverse and inclusive place to work. We want to help you demonstrate your full potential whatever type of assessment is used. If you require any reasonable adjustments for any aspect of the selection process, do not hesitate to get in contact with us.

For further information on benefits of working for OPG, such as our Flexible Working Policy and a FAQ, please check the candidate information pack attached to this advert.

Please note: Requests for part-time contracts will be considered in line with business needs.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, we may offer you an alternative role at the same or lower grade should one be available.

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

• Making Effective Decisions
• Managing a Quality Service
• Delivering at Pace

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

• Applied Numeracy Skills will be tested with a supervised written assessment conducted via MS Teams

• Access to learning and development
• A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options to enhance your work life balance
• A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
• Annual Leave
• Public Holidays
• Season Ticket Advance

For more information about the recruitment process, benefits and allowances and answers to general queries, please click the below link which will direct you to our Candidate Information Page.

Job contact :

Name :
SSCL Recruitment Enquiries Team
Email :
[email protected]
Telephone :
0845 241 5359

Recruitment team

Email :
[email protected]