The Unsecured Debt team within the Legal Aid Agency manage a portfolio of approximately 15,000 debts, with a total value of around £90m. We are seeking an Unsecured Debt Deputy Manager to support the management of a team of staff responsible for this portfolio, in order to protect the Legal Aid fund, and maintain confidence in the agency’s management of public funds.
The Person
Do you strive to make plans and prepare for all possible outcomes, but take setbacks in your stride, learning from them rather than letting them get you down?
Do you put the needs of your customers at the heart of everything you do, and engage in constructive discussions with them to reach a solution that is agreeable to all parties?
Are you comfortable in leading a diverse team, taking all individuals’ needs and views into account whilst generating a common team spirit to work towards delivery of your goals?
If so, then a role as Unsecured Debt Team Deputy Manager could be for you!
The work you will be doing
The effective management of the Legal Aid Agency’s unsecured debt portfolio serves to protect the fund, ensuring that those individuals who have the means to fund some, or all, of their own legal representation do so, and that the cost is not passed on to the taxpayer.
The Unsecured Debt Deputy Collections Manager will organise a team of negotiators to effectively manage this portfolio. They will aim to resolve queries or provide information requested by customers and stakeholders on the first contact wherever possible, through prompt and appropriate response to queries raised by phone, letter, email, and tasks from colleagues, debtors and their professional advisors. The manager will proactively seek repayment of liabilities in full, or in instalments, for all debt types in accordance with agreed objectives. Excellent negotiation skills, and a proven ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing, will be vital in order to meet these requirements.
The individual will take responsibility for the operation of a control environment to evidence appropriate governance and maintain the accuracy and completeness of records, and will be comfortable fulfilling Management Information requirements and ensuring that reporting is relevant and accurate. They will contribute to annual audits through the provision of analysis and insight, prioritising resource where necessary.
The right candidate will take a proactive approach to the identification, mitigation and communication of risks, and will be comfortable representing their team at internal and external meetings.
A core requirement of the role will be the direction, motivation, and management of a team of negotiators to deliver against agreed targets. The role holder will be expected to develop a continuous improvement culture and support the team manager in the delivery of departmental initiatives. They will ensure that team guidance maintains compliance and consistency, and will develop and support appropriate training to ensure that their team works smartly, flexibly, and collaboratively to meet the wider objectives of the department.
The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.
The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the Behaviours set out below. These elements will be assessed during the sift process and further tested at interview. In addition, we are looking to appoint an individual who is an inclusive and organised team leader who puts the customer at the heart of all that they do. We also require a candidate who can lead conversations to reach positive solutions for all parties, and who can bounce back and learn from setbacks.
Civil Service Behaviours
The following HEO Civil Service Behaviours are essential to this post and will be assessed upon application
• Making Effective Decisions
• Delivering at Pace
• Leadership
• Working Together
Benefits
- 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
How to Apply
To apply, please complete the advertised expression of interest application form at https://justicejobs.tal.net/vx/appcentre-1/brand-2/candidate/so/pm/1/pl/3/opp/76291-76291-Deputy-Collections-Manager/en-GB. This includes providing statements explaining how you meet the Civil Service Behaviours requirements detailed above. Applications will be sifted by a panel who will look at the Civil Service Behaviours evidence provided in your application.
Candidates who are successful following the sift process will be invited to interview, where the behavioural elements will be tested further alongside other elements of the post. Further details will be provided to shortlisted candidates in advance of the interviews.
