Head of Provider Assurance Team

Working towards sustainable futures. Championing diversity in the workplace. At the Department for Work and Pensions, it's all in a day's work. From HR to Finance, Policy to Communications, this is work that sustains and supports, where everyone's voice is heard, and our customers are at the heart of everything we do. For a career packed with possibility, a comprehensive benefits package, where we live by our values and have the opportunity to improve the lives of people across the UK, look no further. Do you believe that good governance is critical to driving good outcomes? Would you enjoy leading a diverse, multi-site team to deliver assurance reviews of suppliers delivering vital welfare and employment support services? Do you want to be part of a caring and inclusive team, committed to supporting your professional development and wellbeing? If so, you should consider becoming a Head of Provider Assurance in the Department for Work and Pensions' Contract Management and Partner Delivery (CMPD) directorate. About the Department for Work and Pensions DWP's mission is to improve people's quality of life, both now and in the future. We do that by focusing on delivering excellent services that make a difference to millions of people. We trust and empower our people to deliver these services to customers every day, including the most vulnerable in society. At DWP we are committed to creating a great place to work for all our colleagues; an inclusive and respectful environment that reflects the diversity of the society we serve. Diverse perspectives and experiences are critical to our success, and we welcome applications from all people from all backgrounds with the experience and skills needed to perform this role. About Contract Management and Partner Delivery Contract Management and Partner Delivery (CMPD) is responsible for managing DWP's multi-billion-pound contracts and grants with suppliers and local authorities delivering employment support, health assessments, and financial support to a range of citizens, including those who are disabled, have health conditions, are in long term unemployment or at risk of financial hardship. About Controls and Assurance Division Within CMPD, Controls and Assurance Division (CAD) is responsible for delivering effective and efficient controls and assurance for DWP's outsourced health assessment and employment support services. This work drives DWP's suppliers to deliver high-quality service delivery to millions of people in need of financial or employment support, whilst protecting the taxpayer. You will lead the Controls and Assurance Division's Provider Assurance Team (PAT). The team are responsible for:

• testing supplier's systems of internal controls to establish how effective they are in managing risks to DWP, DWP customers and the taxpayer through targeted assurance reviews lasting 6-20 weeks.
• reporting findings to CMPD's Director, CMPD Senior Leadership Team, and colleagues in Finance, Commercial and the supplier's senior leadership team. This includes setting requirements and providing recommendations on strengthening suppliers' controls.
• collaborating with CMPD account managers to monitor and assure the completion of required improvements.
There is currently 32 staff within the team, in locations across England and Wales. The team will grow to 40 staff by the end of 2025. You will fill one of two roles available:
• Head of Provider Assurance Team (Contracted Suppliers) will be responsible for overseeing assurance reviews of contracted suppliers delivering employment support and health assessments and managing a small team responsible for delivering corporate support to Controls and Assurance Division's Senior Leadership Team.
• Head of Provider Assurance Team (Grants) will be responsible for assurance reviews of grant recipients delivering employment support, initially focussed on local authorities delivering the new supported employment programme, Connect to Work.
Your key tasks in these roles will include:
• leading the Provider Assurance Team, fostering an open, inclusive culture that encourages personal development, is resilient to change, and values the contributions of all.
• overseeing the planning, delivery and evaluation of a programme of assurance reviews spanning over 50 DWP suppliers and grant recipients.
• line managing a team of Senior Assurance Managers, supporting and empowering them to deliver their best and effectively manage their own sub-teams, including through inducting and mentoring new staff.
• finalising process and product design for new Connect to Work assurance reviews, in collaboration with colleagues across CMPD.
• championing continuous improvement and ensuring assurance review policy adapts to evolutions in the supplier landscape, Departmental priorities and risk appetite.
  If based in Wales, the ability to speak Welsh is desirable., Disability Confident
About Disability Confident A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to .