Deputy Director –???? Head of Operational Delivery Profession Team

Summary

The ODP Central Team is a cross–government team which supports the Permanent Secretary Cross Government Head of Profession (HoP) in developing the professions standards, learning and future delivery models, creating specialists in service delivery and facilitating delivery of key government policies. The role is split into two elements, one is to develop the strategic vision for the profession and the products which will deliver that vision. The second is to lead a contingent labour force, unique to government, which recovers its costs through chargeable deployments across the Civil Service. The post holder's portfolio includes;

Community – Raising and developing understanding, maximising engagement in the profession whilst providing opportunities to build a professional community. Developing a programme of communication campaigns and engagement activities designed to resonate with the ODP community using informed and reliable insight. Requires innovative ways of working;

Progression – Work with departments to assess the current workforce and identify the skills, numbers and shape needed for the future. In doing so, we will help to create an inclusive culture which attract and retain a talented and diverse workforce;

Development – Building cross government capability to meet the aims of Civil Service reform, current and future needs of Operational Delivery Professionals, and to champion continual professional development (CPD) across the profession. Developing and marketing apprenticeships, supporting departments to meet HMG's targets and ensuring the ODP apprenticeship delivers the 'civil servant of tomorrow'; and

Response – Meeting the commission established by the Civil Service People Board by further developing and promoting the specialist Surge and Rapid Response Team (SRRT) cross government service model. Delivering and responding to its core aim to support HMG operational departments to manage service peaks and unexpected crisis situations at home and abroad.

This is a high profile and stretching role that will provide opportunities to work closely with Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Directors General (DG), Directors and other senior leaders across the Civil Service. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the way customer services are delivered in game–changing new ways, and work with and gain unique insight into how the centre of government and different departments work, in a pioneering, challenging, fast–paced and hugely rewarding role.

Job description

Working to the Permanent Secretary cross–government HoP and the Director General for Customer Service Group HMRC, the post holder will have accountability for setting the strategic direction for the Operational Delivery Profession, developing and delivering key Civil Service projects and programmes of work. These include;

Strategy:

• Development of the Service Delivery Academy (SDA) principle – a specialist practical development centre for operational leaders, setting academic standards in service delivery, including qualifications that will become the kite mark for operational competence;

• Development of the ODP CPD offer – manage, refresh and build on the existing 200 operational specific learning interventions available in our curated library, including the introduction of a new Level 8 qualification and management of the profession's apprenticeship offer;

• Deliver an extensive events programme which educates and inspires – including regional and devolved nation events, a ground–breaking series of digital events and targeted events for BAME, Women and LGBTQ+ members to encourage progression and inclusion; and

• Drive the ODP diversity and inclusion agenda – using the SDA, talent boards and programmes, capability, engagement and specifically designed tools and interventions to build and promote diversity through grades to ensure that operations are representative of the people they serve from top to bottom.

Surge and Rapid Response Team:

• Lead, develop and inspire the multi award–winning Surge and Rapid Response Team (SRRT) of around 700 individuals. A high profile and unique Civil Service contingent labour force, providing operational resilience by responding to peaks in work and crisis deployments – that often attract media, political and ministerial interest;

• Accountability for managing a cost recovery resourcing budget of around GBP20million through a chargeable costing model from active deployments across government departments;

• Overseeing effective resource planning and deployment prioritisation to ensure departmental and government demand is met whilst maximising the team's operational effectiveness; and

• Ensure that the unique operating model continues to fit within the Operational Delivery Profession remit and meet the commission of the Civil Service People Board. Key Responsibilities

• Lead a diverse and geographically dispersed team which includes an operational arm of c700 people;

• Continue the professionalisation of ODP members, in line with government agenda and Shaping Our Future. Moving towards specialist world leaders in service delivery;

• Directly support the Permanent Secretary cross–government HoP to meet their corporate contribution by delivering the functions asked of them;

• Engage with departmental Heads of Profession, operational DGs, internal and external stakeholders, making connections and building; relationships inside and external to government to develop ODP further;

• Work with the centre including the Cabinet office to shape Civil Service policy to ensure it takes account of those who deliver for the Citizen;

• Work with other Civil Service professions to create a professional community and share learning and best practice