Job summary

We are the centre of actuarial expertise within government providing advice and analysis to government across a range of significant policy initiatives. We enable government to better understand and quantify risks and in turn result in better outcomes for the UK public. We are now looking for graduate trainees to join our actuary team. As a graduate trainee, you will play a crucial role at the Government Actuary’s Department (GAD) by working with other professionals to produce high quality advice and analysis for government. This will include actuarial advice to across government in a wide range of areas including:

• applying actuarial and modern data science techniques to allow government to better understand and manage risks for important policies affecting the entire UK
• managing costs and risks across the public service workforce, including the design and operation of public service pension schemes
• understanding insurance risks and costs affecting government, including clinical negligence in the NHS
• delivering bespoke advice on financial and demographic risks facing government, including social security benefits

Our goal is to integrate modern analytical and actuarial techniques into the business of government to achieve better outcomes for decision-makers and the public. Typical areas of our work include the effective management of social security, pensions and risk-pooling arrangements, as well as bespoke advice including disaster risk protection. We are an inclusive organisation which values the strength of a diverse team, supported through staff networks and an active Diversity and Inclusion strategy. We encourage everyone to apply to join us.

Job description

Our trainee programme will support you in reaching your full potential as an expert adviser within the heart of government, including generous support through your actuarial exams and opportunities to develop your consultancy skills. Government has a wide need for actuarial advice which is growing over time as the world becomes more complex. GAD’s staff need to be equipped to work across a range of different areas to rise to the challenges of the future. As a Trainee Junior Actuary in GAD, you will develop both your technical and consulting skills through our structured rotation programme. This programme will help you develop your communication, client engagement and project management skills, as well as your understanding of key actuarial and analytical techniques. We also encourage trainees to undertake secondment opportunities and work directly with clients and colleagues in major government departments.

Location: 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London E14 4PU / Edinburgh Government Hub Queen Elizabeth House, Edinburgh EH8 8FT

Person specification

Please refer to the job description for more information about the role and the assessment criteria.

Behaviours

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

• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing

Benefits

As well as competitive salaries, we offer a substantial package of benefits:

• 25 days annual leave per year, increasing to 30 days after 5 years’ service. In addition, 9 days public and privilege days leave per year (pro rata for part time colleagues)
• Hybrid working – GAD expects colleagues in the office 50% of the time. We would expect you in either our Canary Wharf or Edinburgh office, at least two / three days a week, dependent on operational requirements and typically the other days at home.
• Pension – An average employer pension contribution of 27% per year.
• Professional Fees – you can claim back the cost of professional fees associated with your role.
• Extensive talent, career and personal development, with up to ten days a year, being used for Continuing Professional Development.
• Family-friendly policies such as help with caring responsibilities, special leave, generous paid maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity
• Complimentary BUPA health check for permanent colleagues
• Community volunteering programme, the opportunity to join a trade union, access to Edenred discounts, some examples include, 5% off supermarkets, and up to 40% off gym memberships and social groups
• Salary advances for travel costs, including season tickets and cycle-to-work schemes

Things you need to know

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours and Strengths.

Assessment Centre 1

Shortlisting: w/c 13 November 2023

Dates: 27-30 November 2023

Location: Canary Wharf Office – London, E14 4PU

Applications received before 23:59 on 12 November 2023 will be considered for invitation to assessment centre 1, subject to number of applications received.

Assessment Centre 2

Shortlisting: w/c 15 January 2024

Dates: 19-22 February 2024

Location: Canary Wharf Office – London, E14 4PU

Please DO NOT email your CV as shortlisting will be carried out based on information provided in your application form only.

Shortlisting criteria is based on the Person Specification as set out in the Assessment Criteria section of the Job Description. Please ensure you provide examples of how you meet the Assessment Criteria; a strong application will also demonstrate that you meet the required criteria that are identified as key for this role. Applications will be shortlisted in line with the essential criteria for the role. Behaviours will be assessed at interview stage. Candidates who are successful at shortlist will be contacted as soon as possible and advised of the interview process and assessment (exact times and dates will also be confirmed).

A reserve list will be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

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.

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Apply and further information

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