Job specification
Governance and Briefings Officer
Chief Operating Officer
Grade: B2 APT
Section 1: Job description
Context
Ofsted believes that all children and young people deserve the best. Across the
whole range of education, further education and skills, and social care inspections,
our frameworks are raising expectations and raising the bar. We’re determined to
make a greater difference: to raise standards and improve lives. It is of paramount
importance to us in all our work to put the interests of children and learners and
their protection first.
Under the leadership of Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Sir Michael Wilshaw, we are
challenging those we inspect to improve faster. To do this we have radically changed
the way we work, so that inspection can be an even more powerful lever for
improvement.
The Private Office acts as the ‘front office’ for Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector (HMCI) and
the Chair of Ofsted, ensuring they are supported efficiently and effectively in their dayto-day work and that communication with the rest of Ofsted is clear and appropriate.
The Private Office has oversight of the key issues requiring HMCI and the Chair’s
attention. It ensures that both HMCI and the Chair are given high quality executive
administrative support and advice on a daily basis. The Private Office also commissions
briefings, speeches and advice for HMCI and the Chair in advance of meetings and
engagements.
Overall purpose
This key post is based within Ofsted’s Private Office. The role of Briefings and
Governance Officer offers the post-holder an exciting opportunity to work at the centre
of the organisation. You will be providing high quality support to the Chief Inspector,
Chair and Chief Operating Officer and will be central to the effective and efficient
running of the Private Office team.
Title:
Job specification
2 of 8
Key accountabilities
The key accountabilities of the role are outlined below. However, this is an overview
of the role and is not exhaustive. Ofsted reserves the right to assign other duties
commensurate with the B2 grade as required.

Ensuring that the Chief Inspector/Chair is able to use his/her time effectively,
making sure he/she gets high quality policy support and advice at the right times,
and is supported effectively prior to, during and after a wide range of meetings and
engagements.

Working with HMCI and Senior Leaders within Ofsted and in other organisations to
determine meeting objectives, then commissioning and/or drafting high quality
briefings, biographies, advice and speeches for HMCI and the Chair.

Managing specific meetings on behalf of HMCI, the Chief Operating Officer (COO)
and the Chair, including the planning and organisation of the Inspection and
Improvement Forum, the Operations Executive Board, and Senior Her Majesty’s
Inspectors (HMI) meetings. Acting as the secretariat and main contact for these
meetings. The role will also involve the organisation of other ad hoc seminars,
discussions and roundtables with key stakeholders, working closely with other
teams as necessary.

Working with the Deputy Director of Strategy Policy and Performance to provide
support within Ofsted’s wider governance and strategic frameworks.

Acting as Deputy Board Secretary, assisting the Board Secretary in planning
Board meetings and communicating with Board members, and deputising in her
absence.

Supporting and contributing to the effective running of the Private Office, by
providing ad hoc assistance to the Private Secretary, other Private Office
colleagues and, on occasion, members of the Senior Leadership Team.
Generic responsibilities

To work in accordance with Ofsted’s policies and procedures.

To lead by example and uphold and embody our values at all times, ensuring the
protection of children and learners is paramount.

To contribute to organisational development initiatives as required.

To adhere to responsibilities under health and safety legislation and policies.

To demonstrate a positive commitment to equalities and diversity.

To contribute to building a “One Ofsted” culture.
Title:
Job specification
3 of 8
Additional requirements of the role
The post may require travel and occasional overnight stays.
This post will require the post-holder to work flexibly to meet the needs of the business,
which is likely to include some additional hours. This post-holder will work an early and
late rota covering 8am to 6pm and sometimes later where required, each weekday.
Ofsted have identified this role as one which will require an enhanced criminal record
check via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). This role may not bring you into
direct contact with children or vulnerable adults, however it may give you access to
material or sensitive information about children or vulnerable adults in the future.
Title:
Job specification
4 of 8
Section 2: Person specification
Knowledge and experience
Essential/
desirable
Tested by
Desirable
Application
form
Qualifications
Educated to degree level
Knowledge and experience
Experience of working with policy, delivering projects and
meeting operational targets and objectives within welldefined frameworks
Essential
Experience of establishing effective networks and contacts
in collaboration with other teams
Essential
Experience of supporting Ministers/senior managers.
Desirable
Experience of working in an equivalent position within a
similar office or environment
Desirable
Key competencies
Application
form/
interview
Essential/
desirable
Tested by
Essential
Interview
Setting Direction
Seeing the Big Picture
Seeing the big picture is about having an in-depth
understanding and knowledge of how your role fits with
and supports organisational objectives and the wider
public needs. For all staff, it is about focusing your
contribution on the activities which will meet Civil
Service goals and deliver the greatest value.
Making Effective Decisions
Effectiveness in this area is about being objective; using
sound judgement, evidence and knowledge to provide
accurate, expert and professional advice. It means
showing clarity of thought, setting priorities, analysing
and using evidence to evaluate options before arriving
at well reasoned justifiable decisions.
Title:
Job specification
5 of 8
Engaging People
Collaborating and Partnering
People skilled in this area create and maintain positive,
professional and trusting working relationships with a
wide range of people within and outside the Civil Service
to help get business done. It requires working
effectively, sharing information and building supportive,
responsive relationships with colleagues and
stakeholders, whilst having the confidence to challenge
assumptions.
Essential
Interview
Essential
Interview
Delivering Results
Managing a Quality Service
Effectiveness in this area is about being organised to
deliver service objectives and striving to improve the
quality of service, taking account of diverse customer
needs and requirements. People who are effective plan,
organise and manage their time and activities to deliver
a high quality and efficient service, applying programme
and project management approaches to support service
delivery.
Delivering at Pace
Effectiveness in this area means focusing on delivering
timely performance with energy and taking responsibility
and accountability for quality outcomes. It’s about
working to agreed goals and activities and dealing with
challenges in a responsive and constructive way.
Title:
Job specification
6 of 8
Section 3: Terms and conditions
Job title: Governance and Briefings Officer
Reference: COO/B2/3206
Grade: B2 APT
Salary: £31,866 per annum
Number of posts: 1
Location: Aviation House, London
Basis: Permanent
Hours: Full time
DBS check: Yes
Travel requirements: The post may require travel and occasional overnight
stays.
This post will require the post-holder to work flexibly to meet the needs of the
business, which is likely to include some additional hours. This post-holder will work
an early and late rota covering 8am to 6pm and sometimes later where required,
each weekday.
Whilst this post is currently based at the Aviation House, London, future changes
may require the post holder to be based at another location.
Section 4: Benefits
Ofsted is committed to maintaining employee health and wellbeing, whether it is
physically, emotionally, financially or socially, and offers a range of benefits to
support employees in this. Such benefits include the option to join the Civil Service
Pension Scheme, professional and personal development opportunities, 32.5 annual
leave days per annum (plus eight days public holiday) and counselling and advisory
services for you and your family.
Title:
Job specification
7 of 8
Section 5: Application and selection
Eligibility
Please note that applications for this role are restricted to current Civil Service
employees. This includes individuals currently employed by Government
departments, Executive Agencies, and Accredited Non-departmental Public Bodies
(NDPBs) who were appointed on merit following a fair and open competition, or were
appointed to a permanent Civil Service post in accordance with an exception certified
by the Civil Service Commissioners. The post is available on promotion or as a level
transfer. Applications which do not meet these criteria will not be accepted.
This is a non-reserved post under the Civil Service Nationality Rules and is therefore
open to UK, British Commonwealth and European Economic Area (EEA) Nationals
and certain non EEA members subject to immigration requirements. For the most upto-date information on the requirements of working in the UK, please go to the UK
Border Agency website:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/working/.
Surplus Ofsted staff will be prioritised for all vacancies.
To qualify for priority consideration, pre surplus / surplus staff must notify us by
submitting confirmation of their status in addition to their application documents.
Application
Please submit your application online through the Civil Service Job website
(www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk). Please register or login and search for the
vacancy using the department name (Ofsted), click on the vacancy advert and click
on ‘apply now’.
Please note that current Civil Service employees are required to submit a line
manager's assessment and without it your application will not be submitted to the
shortlisting panel. If your manager is absent you should investigate alternative ways
for this document to be completed; this may include asking your manager’s manager
to complete it.
The closing date for submission of applications is 28 October 2014 but earlier
receipt would assist us. Late applications will not be considered so please ensure
your application is submitted by the closing date. You will receive acknowledgement
of your application and updates on the progress of your application through the Civil
Service Job site.
Title:
Job specification
8 of 8
Queries
If you have any questions about the recruitment process please contact Kirsten
Keen on 03000 131 722 or by emailing [email protected]
If you have any questions about the role, please contact Jessica Hollywood on
03000 130 311 or by emailing [email protected]
Selection
All applications will be considered by the selection panel. The panel will consider the
relevant skills, knowledge and experience demonstrated in the application form. We
will inform you whether or not you were successful at each stage.