Skip to content

General Information

Salary
£24,202
Working Pattern
Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working
Vacancy Approach
External
Location
Birmingham, Nottingham
Region
East Midlands, West Midlands
Closing Date
06-Jun-2025
Post Type
Permanent
Civil Service Grade
AO
Number of jobs available
20
Reserve List
12 Months
Job ID
6105

Descriptions & requirements

Job description

Organisational 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.   OPG is a fantastic place to work offering a range of development opportunities. The OPG is a disability confident employer and is committed to developing a supportive and inclusive environment that reflects the diverse community we serve.   OPG is currently delivering an ambitious transformation programme. This will change the way we provide services and help us meet the growing needs of our users, partners and our stakeholders. It will make sure our users experience a better level of support and will help us to respond to the changing needs of society. Transformation will ensure we can better support adults at risk and create high-quality services that are accessible and affordable.        

If you are successful in this campaign, you could be placed into one of two teams. Below are descriptions of the work carried out by each team and their primary responsibilities, as well as general responsibilities for both teams:

Investigations Triage and Support - ITaS

Team Overview

Investigation Triage and Support Caseworker’s are responsible for reviewing concerns that come into OPG and risk assessing them accurately and in a timely manner, determining whether OPG has jurisdiction to investigate, or whether the concern needs to be signposted to other appropriate external bodies. You will undertake the most appropriate and timely action to safeguard an adult at risk.

Duties and Responsibilities

You will ensure concerns raised about the way in which attorneys are exercising their powers are correctly progressed and/or resolved promptly and effectively. This may involve providing administrative support to OPGs investigations team including inputting financial data and gathering information such as Land Registry searches and Life Event Verification (LEV) checks.   You will gather the relevant information for each case, liaising with colleagues, external partners, and other agencies as appropriate including care homes, concern raisers and local authorities. This will involve communicating via telephone calls and written letters/emails.  

Primary duties include:

  • Risk assess all concerns in accordance with the OPG SVA Policy, and instructions from senior staff, contributing to team and unit achievement of published and internal Impact Indicators to Risk Assess 95% of concerns raised within 2 working days and signpost, close off or make a decision to hold cases for a further 10 working days to await essential information, within a maximum of 5 working days.
    •  
  • Consider whether concerns received are valid and suitable for investigation in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
    •  
  • Where OPG jurisdiction to investigate does not exist, ‘signpost’ safeguarding concerns to appropriate external bodies such as social services accurately logging the same, working to the IIP and internal standards.
    •  
  • Notify relevant Local Authorities via a Safeguarding Adults at Risk referral to instruct/inform; providing accurate information within information sharing protocols to enable them to action in relation to concerns received regarding vulnerable adults.
    •  
  • Contact relevant parties of a case to obtain information, including concern raiser, local authorities, and care homes.
    •  
  • Identify, categorise, record, and correctly prioritise concerns that require safeguarding activity, and conduct appropriate and relevant enquires to determine if the OPG have grounds to investigate.
    •  
  • Continually update the safeguarding case action records/administrative records to provide an accurate and complete picture of enquiries made, decisions reached and reasons for those decisions.

Investigations

Team Overview

Investigation Caseworkers will be responsible for their own case load, with investigations de-escalated from investigators. De-escalated cases may include: no further action being taken due to loss of legal jurisdiction following a donor passing away, an attorney disclaiming or evidence confirming the donor has capacity to deal with the concerns themselves.   Investigation Caseworkers will be responsible for administration tasks such as writing reports and completing closures for their cases and sending out any required closure letters or referrals.   Investigation caseworkers will be responsible for escalating cases to investigators where necessary, for example, when it appears necessary to make an application to the Court of Protection.  

Primary duties include:

  • Managing a case load of non-complex / simple concerns, effectively.
    •  
  • Writing reports for de-escalated cases, with the support of information provided by the investigator including any recommendations that should be included.
    •  
  • Completing closures for cases, including sending out letters to parties.
    •  
  • Making phone calls to parties including concern raisers, local authorities, and attorneys to obtain information.
    •  
  • Continually updating investigation records and work list tool to assist in keeping an accurate record of actions taken.
    •  
  • Consider whether concerns received are valid and suitable for investigation. Where OPG jurisdiction to investigate does not exist, ‘signpost’ safeguarding concerns to the appropriate external bodies such as social services.

General duties for these teams include:

  • Administrative support for staff investigating alleged abuse of donors of lasting and enduring powers of attorney, including obtaining GP information, land registry and bank information for donors as necessary.
    •  
  • Manage daily workload in accordance with published Impact Indicators. Prioritising work appropriately, seeking guidance and support from team leader/EO as necessary.
    •  
  • Bring issues in relation to administrative functions which present a risk to IIP achievement to the attention of the team leader/EO.
    •  
  • Monitor and maintain inboxes and databases including updates and issue resolution.

Record-Keeping, Data Security and Statistical Analysis:

  • Acknowledge and adhere to statistical deadlines and act on directions from team leader as necessary to help maintain internal data collection.
    •  
  • Take personal responsibility for compliance with the OPG record keeping policy.
    •  
  • Develop and maintain a culture of excellent service delivery and continuous improvement.
    •  
  • Proactively look for ways to improve service delivery, and work with OPG Change Management processes to suggest and introduce improvements.
    •  
  • Participate in and promote a culture of safeguarding awareness and support and contribute to the aims, objectives, and performance of the OPG, your division and team in an environment of continuous improvement.
    •  
  • Offer insights and recommendations based on evidence and experience.
    •  
  • Maintain a pro-active and positive approach to the work.
    •  
  • Take responsibility for own learning and development. Regularly review your performance record to assess your strengths and areas for development and work with your manager to identify learning opportunities.
    •  
  • Participate in evaluating and improving your own performance.
    •  
  • Undertake other administrative duties as required or as implemented due to team leader direction, continuous improvement activity or major organisational change.  

Quality:

  • Ensure all work produced is accurate and provides the correct information.
    •  
  • All communications must be written in plain English. Telephone calls must be carried out in a manner which is professional, and attendance notes maintained.

Support for Team Leader and for other OPG Teams:

  • Carry out ad-hoc tasks as delegated by the team leader and support other areas of the OPG as required.
    •  
  • Contribute to regular case review meetings, team information briefings and team discussions to share expertise and experience and to promote a system of peer review and discussion.

Diversity and Equality of Opportunity:

  • Positively embrace and demonstrate diversity and equality of opportunity in all areas of work.

    • Health and Safety:

  • Take responsibility for own health and safety for the safety of others and abide by OPG Health and Safety procedures.

    • Other Duties:

  • Undertake any other duties associated with the skill set of this post.
    •  
  • Maintain a positive and constructive attitude towards ad hoc tasks.
Ensure you alert your manager to any training or support required to carry out additional tasks.  

Agreed Expectations

The successful candidate will be expected to work from their base location on a weekly basis in line with current Civil Service requirements, outside of any reasonable adjustments.  

Hybrid Working

In Supervision and Investigation Services (SIS) we offer hybrid working. This is subject to business needs and satisfactory performance and it’s a voluntary, non-contractual arrangement while your office will be your contractual place of work. Hybrid working is available pro rata for part time staff.   All new starters in LPA Investigations team are required to attend the office full time (37 hours per week) during the first 4 weeks of technical training. Following those initial weeks, you are expected to continue your training and consolidation in the office but any agreements for part time working can commence.   We require part time staff to commit to at least 22:12 working hours per week as a minimum.  

Waiting List

Candidates who are recommended by the selection panel but not appointed to the current vacancy will be placed on a waiting list for 12 months.  

Skills & Qualifications

Essential Skills

  • Ability to manage and prioritise your own workload to meet objectives.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook and basic knowledge and confidence of Microsoft Excel
  • Ability to identify and analyse relevant information from a variety of sources to support decision making.
  • Attention to detail and ability to identify missing or gaps in information and be able to take necessary steps to obtain this
  • Ability to deal with people at all levels with good written and oral communication skills, including over the telephone.
  • Ability to work flexibly and at pace to deal with the changing nature of the work.

    • Desirable Skills

  • Knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act and Code of Practice

Application process:

This vacancy is being advertised using Success Profiles which will assess your Experience, Behaviours, Strengths and Technical Skills. There will be 2 stages to the application process.

Stage 1 – Sift

This recruitment will follow the Civil Service Success Profile process. Candidates will be expected to provide a Personal Statement of Suitability of no more than 1,000 words in support of your application based on essential and desirable skills.

Stage 2 – Interview

If you are successful at sift, you will be invited to an interview which will use the Civil Service Success Profiles. At interview, candidates should expect questions on: The following Behaviours at Level 1: Delivering at Pace> Making Effective Decisions> Managing a Quality Service> Strength based questions relevant to the role.

All interviews will be held remotely via MS Teams.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview.  

Reasonable Adjustments

At OPG we consider all applications on the basis of merit and want you to feel able to 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.   As a Disability Confident organisation, we will offer a guaranteed interview to candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria for this role. If you are applying for a role within OPG and would like to be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme, please indicate this in your application and let us know of any reasonable adjustments you may require during the selection process.  

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.

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.

Additional Information

Working Arrangements & Further Information

The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity.

Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.

For nationally advertised role: all successful candidates will be appointed to the nearest viable office nearest to their home postcode and on its respective pay scale.  This will be at either a HQ building (subject to desk allocation, a Justice Collaboration Centre (JCC) or a Justice Satellite Office (JSO) – See Map. All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity). 

For current MoJ employees, your base location will need to be changed to the nearest viable office (to your home postcode), either at a HQ building, JCC or JSO within the National Office Network and moved its location’s respective pay scale (any legacy arrangements/locations will need to be amended).

Some of MoJ’s terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made.

MoJ candidates who are on a specialist grade, will be able to retain their grade on lateral transfer.

All candidates who are currently in receipt of Mark Time / Pay Protection should ensure they are familiar with the new policy on permanent and temporary promotion which can be found on the employee intranet.

Flexible working hours

The Ministry of Justice offers a flexible working system in many offices. Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week. MoJ welcomes part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the MoJ’s Flexible Working policy.

Benefits

The MoJ offers a range of benefits:

Annual Leave

Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years’ service.

There is also a scheme to allow qualifying staff to buy or sell up to three days leave each year. Additional paid time off for public holidays and 1 privilege day. Leave for part-time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.

Pension

The Civil Service offers a choice of pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.

Training

The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.

Networks

The opportunity to join employee-run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.

Support

  • A range of ‘Family Friendly’ policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
  • Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
  • For moves to or from another employer or moves across the Civil Service this can have implications on your eligibility to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for alternative government childcare support schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. More information can be found on www.GOV.UK or Childcare Choices. You can determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
  • Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
  • Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint in the following order

As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns.

For more information on applying for a role as a candidate with a disability or long-term condition, please watch our animated videos.

You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the TBS Recruitment Enquiries Team.

Diversity & Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

A Great Place to Work for Veterans

The "Making the Civil Service a Great Place to work for veterans" initiative includes a guaranteed interview scheme to those who meet the minimum criteria to provide eligible former members of the Armed Forces with opportunities to secure rewarding jobs. Allowing veterans to continue to serve their country, and to bring highly skilled individuals with a broad range of experience into the Civil Service in an environment, which recognises and values your previous service in the Armed Forces.
For further details about the initiative and eligibility requirements visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/making-the-civil-service-a-great-place-to-work-for-veterans

Redeployment Interview Scheme

Civil Service departments are expected to explore redeployment opportunities before making an individual redundant. The MoJ is committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'.

MoJ is able to offer an interview to eligible candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. Candidates will not be eligible for the Redeployment Interview Scheme if they are applying on promotion.

Civil Service Nationality Rules

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

  • UK nationals
  • nationals of the Republic of Ireland
  • nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
  • nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families
  • nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
  • individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
  • Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules

Reserve list

A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made for the same or similar roles.

Contact Information

MoJ:

If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk

Please quote the job reference 6105

HMPPS

If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk

Please quote the job reference 6105

Application form stage assessments

Experience
We will assess your experience for this role via the following methods
Statement of Suitability
Statement of Suitability
Guidance for the Statement of Suitability
Candidates will be expected to provide a Personal Statement of Suitability of no more than 1000 words in support of your application based on essential and desirable skills.
Evidence of Experience
Statement of Suitability

Interview stage assessments

Interview Dates
Expected week commencing 7th July - Dates are subject to change.
Behaviours
Delivering at Pace
Making Effective Decisions
Managing a Quality Service
Strengths
Strengths will be assessed but these are not shared in advance. To learn more about Strengths and how they are assessed please click here.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (Al)
You must ensure that any evidence submitted as part of your application, including your CV, statement of suitability and behaviour examples, are truthful and factually accurate. Please note that plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own.
Level of security checks required
DBS Standard