The Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (ACOBA) provides independent advice to those leaving senior government roles. You may have seen ACOBA in the news or read about our work in the context of possible reforms in the ethical regulations landscape, alongside other independent bodies. Our role is to consider the risks to the integrity of government when those most senior in government leave to join external organisations and rightly our work is closely scrutinised by the media, academics and parliamentarians. 

This is an exciting time to join our team and help deliver a government priority. We seek two individuals to collaboratively lead casework, both working with the team of 4-6 Policy and Casework Officers producing advice and recommendations under the governments business appointment rules. These roles are focussed on producing quality advice, allowing ACOBA to make timely, robust, high profile decisions focussed on protecting government integrity. You will use expert knowledge, analysis and judgement, communicating effectively with a wide and varied audience. Working in the team to support the Committee will offer you the opportunity to work across government to manage the risks associated with potential conflicts of interest between an individuals time in office and their new external appointment.

We are proud of the work we do and how we support each other to deliver impactful decisions in a reactive environment. We have spent time reflecting on our values Independent, Respectful and Expert and how we embody these in our work. We invest considerable time in how we make decisions so staff can be confident in the judgements they are making. We pride ourselves on our supportive culture where staff can safely test their thinking, including with someone outside of their own team. 

Our most recent People Survey results put My Manager at 88% and Inclusion and Fair Treatment at 97%. You will be fully supported to make a valuable contribution to the team and to your own development during your time with us.

This is an important and exciting role within a high-profile, independent non-departmental public body. The successful candidates have the potential to make a significant impact by supporting senior stakeholders, including the ACOBA Chair and Committee Members, Permanent Secretaries and Ministers. 

These roles suit individuals who: are intellectually curious, able to work with discretion, possess sound judgement, and can critically assess information and build strong relationships with stakeholders. 

Key responsibilities

You will be

1. Identifying and evaluating risks, and rapidly researching a broad range of topics, to make clear, evidence-based decisions or proposals 
2. Producing clear, accurate and concise drafting on individual cases, and reviewing material produced by others, to ensure recommendations to the Policy and Casework Manager, Head of ACOBA, Chair and Committee members are made in accordance with the Rules, ACOBAs guidance and precedent. 
3. Leading on Freedom of Information Act compliance, correspondence from Members of Parliament, and media enquiries - liaising with the Press Officer where required.
4. Supporting the Policy and Casework Manager and Head of ACOBA to define ambitious strategic objectives for ACOBA.
5. Leading on development of policy positions and precedent to support continuous improvement in line with ACOBAs strategic and objectives.
6. Supporting the team to improve understanding of the Rules and departments compliance with ACOBAs approach. 
7. Proactively working across the team to ensure the team, Chair and senior officials are prepared for external engagement - developing key messages, preparing briefings and presentations. 
8. Contributing to a positive team culture.

We are an expert, friendly and impactful team with a highly collaborative ethos. Our excellent staff survey results demonstrate our great emphasis on wellbeing and providing career development opportunities. 

We are looking for applicants who have the ability to: 

• think critically, using strong analytical skills to make judgements based on evidence within a framework of rules and guidance. 
• inspire and coach team members, empowering a high-performing team and individual.
• balance multiple competing priorities, ensuring that key customers and stakeholders are kept informed. 
• communicate complex information objectively and persuasively both orally and in writing to help people at all levels make the right decisions and to convey messaging externally.
• contribute to a positive team culture, leading an inclusive and high performance team.

Additional information:

A minimum 60% of your working time should be spent at your principal workplace. Although requirements to attend other locations for official business will also count towards this level of attendance.

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

• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Leadership
• Delivering at Pace

• Learning and development tailored to your role.
• An environment with flexible working options.
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.
• A Civil Service Pension which provides an attractive pension, benefits for dependants and average employer contributions of 27%.
• A minimum of 25 days of paid annual leave, increasing by one day per year up to a maximum of 30.

Job contact :

• Name : Cat Marshall
• Email : [email protected]

Recruitment team

• Email : [email protected]