19/05/2023, 17:15 Advert - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.

UK

Cookies on Civil Service Jobs

We use some essential cookies (https://cshr.tal.net/vx/candidate/cookie_policy) to make this website work.

To understand how you use Civil Service Jobs and improve the website we'd like to set some additional
cookies (https://csrtesting.wcn.co.uk/csr/index.cgi?
pageclass=StandardMessage&display=cookies#additional_cookies).

Accept additional cookies

Reject additional cookies

(https://cshr.tal.net/vx/lang-en-GB/mobile-0/appcentre-11/brand-2/user-2280455/xf-cf7f66487244/candidate/cookie_policy)

Vacancy Details
Job title Software Developer - (open to Graduates and non-Graduates)

Application closing date 19/05/2023, 23:55

Reference number 279265

Department Department for Education

Business area DFE - Education and Skills Funding Agency

Currency GBP (£)

Salary minimum 30332

Grade Higher Executive Officer

Contract type Permanent

Type of role Digital

Working pattern Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working, Job share

Number of posts 1

Location
Postcode BS2 0PS, CV1 2WT, S1 2JF, NG2 1AW, NE1 8QH, M1 2WD, LS1
4AW, DL1 5QE

About the job

Short summary We encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates

At DfE, we are proud of the commitment we make to diversity and

inclusion and of the progress we have made. We have active & vibrant
staff networks, special leave policies and workplace adjustments put
in place for those who need them. We are continuing to build a
diverse DfE, in an inclusive environment which nurtures and realises
potential in all, at all levels.

Equality and Diversity - Department for Education

(https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-
education/about/equality-and-diversity)

The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) ESFA plays a

meaningful role in delivering the Department for Education’s (DfE) key
objective of striving for world-class education, training, care for
everyone whatever your background.

Data Science is a fast-paced data service providing services to the

ESFA, the Department for Education and the Education sector.

https://cshr.tal.net/vx/lang-en-GB/mobile-0/appcentre-11/brand-2/user-2280455/xf-cf7f66487244/candidate/eform/27101446/page/1 1/7
19/05/2023, 17:15 Advert - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK
We are looking to recruit graduate roles within the Data Science
division. For these roles you will have a mathematics-based or
computer science-based degree.

The opportunities that exist are wide ranging and reflect the
importance placed on the use of data within the sector. We are
responsible for:

Developing and providing high quality data management and governance services,
including developing a single education data store
Developing and delivering a suite of interactive predictive analytical tools for the
agency to predict financial and academic performance (including risk and profile
assessment tools, geo-spatial impact models and intervention policy modelling)
Interactive management information reports and dashboards to support the funding
allocations and provider management functions of the agency
Analytical support to help forecast the costs of the Government programmes,
including the development of innovative financial forecasting models
Collecting and automating provider data via online forms and data file upload
systems

The roles available will give you the opportunity to build on the
knowledge gained in your studies with practical application of your
skills. To enable you to get the most from this opportunity we will offer
a range of roles in the team to give you exposure to a variety of
exciting placements and projects. We will also provide opportunities to
develop your own skills through our excellent graduate Learning and
Development programme, including accreditation in software tools.

We welcome applications from recent graduates and non-graduates

with industry experience. We are looking for someone who can start in
Summer 2023.

What will the successful We are looking for junior developers who want to hone and advance
candidate be doing? their craft as software developers. The job will involve developing,
running, and improving software that meets user needs as well as
being responsible for writing clean, tested, and secure code following
a test-driven approach.

You will work in a multi-disciplinary team on a wide range of digital

projects, you will be expected to become familiar with the use agile
methodologies like pair programming and Test-Driven Development
(TDD). You therefore need to be at ease with rapidly changing
deadlines, workloads, and goals.

This role will focus on developing current and new online data
collections to meet business and user needs; developing business
requirements and using an array of digital tools to progress project
delivery. Some of our products require either Government Digital
Service (GDS) or internal DfE assessment at the end of each Agile
development phase, regardless of this all are built upholding the GDS
standards.

Main activities will include:

Design, develop and unit test applications in accordance with established standards.
Design and model solutions that fit the problem domain.
Participating in peer-reviews of solution designs and related code.
Resolve and fixing software bugs.
Pairing with other developers and learn the software development process and life
cycle.
Work with an agile team to develop, test and maintain online forms.

Other activities will include:

Continue to learn and hone skills as software developer.

Focus on depth of knowledge and expertise in a certain language, tool set and area
of the stack.
Raise questions and clarify any ambiguity the junior developer has with an idea or
process.
Package and support deployment of releases.
Work with stakeholders throughout the development of new and existing software
applications.
Assist in the collection and documentation of user's requirements, development of
user stories and contribute to estimating the size of them.
Developing, refining, and tuning integrations between applications.
Adhering to high-quality development principles while delivering solutions on-time
and within budget.

Who are we looking for?

https://cshr.tal.net/vx/lang-en-GB/mobile-0/appcentre-11/brand-2/user-2280455/xf-cf7f66487244/candidate/eform/27101446/page/1 2/7
19/05/2023, 17:15 Advert - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK
It is essential that you can evidence skills against the following
criteria:

A mathematics-based or computer science-based degree

Basic coding skills in C#.NET.
Basic understanding of SQL and relational databases
Basic understanding of the Software Development Life Cycle
Ability to work with testers and an understanding of test-driven development
Ability to research and learn new programming tools and techniques
Some experience of agile development although full training will be provided.
A willingness to learn how to communicate technical concepts to a non-technical
audience both internally and externally
Good interpersonal and communication skills

Desirable criteria:

C# and .Net Core Framework, ASP.NET MVC

Angular, jQuery, JavaScript
HTML, CSS
SQL Server
Microsoft CRM Dynamics
Previous Work Experience
Knowledge of Agile Methodologies

Desirable criteria will only be assessed in the event of a tie break

situation to make an informed decision.

As part of the assessment, we will also be looking for you to have an

understanding of the essential skills from the Digital, Data and
Technology Profession relevant for this role. More details can be
found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/software-developer#junior-
developer (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/software-developer#junior-
developer)

Benefits we offer Applicants currently holding a permanent post in the Civil Service
should note that, if successful, their salary on appointment would be
determined by the Department’s transfer / promotion policies.

As a member of the DfE, you will be entitled to join the highly

competitive Civil Service Pension Scheme, which many experts agree
is one of the most generous in the UK.

You will have 25 days leave, increasing by 1 day every year to a

maximum of 30 days after five years’ service. In addition, all staff
receive the King's Birthday privilege holiday and 8 days’ bank and
public holidays.

Most DfE employees will be working a hybrid pattern, spending at

least 60% of their time in an office or work setting. Changes to these
working arrangements are available in exceptional circumstances, but
must be agreed with the line manager and in line with the
requirements of the role.

Travel to your primary office location will not be paid for by DfE, but
costs for travel to an office which is not your main location will be
covered.

We offer flexible working arrangements, such as job sharing, term-

time working, flexi-time and compressed hours.

As an organisation, which exists to support education and lifelong

learning, we offer our staff excellent professional development
opportunities.

Selection process details Application

As part of the application process, we will assess you on your

Experience through a CV and personal statement.

The personal statement (maximum 1000 words) should focus on how

you meet the Experience listed within the person specification section
of the advert.

The CV and statement will be assessed against the essential criteria.

https://cshr.tal.net/vx/lang-en-GB/mobile-0/appcentre-11/brand-2/user-2280455/xf-cf7f66487244/candidate/eform/27101446/page/1 3/7
19/05/2023, 17:15 Advert - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK
Interview

We will invite candidates successful at sift to a video interview. At the

interview, we will ask you questions covering the Technical skills and
Experience needed for the role.

You will be require to present a presentation to the panel, details of

this presentation will be sent to successful candidates prior to the
interview.

Interviews will be carried out over Microsoft Teams from the week
commencing Monday 19th June 2023.

Other Information

We reserve the right to raise the minimum pass mark in the event of a
high volume or strong field of candidates.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK from the
location options provided and not from overseas.

The government is committed to supporting apprenticeships, enabling

people to learn and progress in a role whilst earning. We want to
monitor the number of people who have completed apprenticeships
who are now applying to progress further in their career and are
asking this question to all candidates, on all vacancies. You will be
asked a question as part of the application process about any
previous apprenticeships you have completed. Your response to this
question will not affect your application and it is not a requirement of
the role to have completed a previous apprenticeship.

For this role the department would not consider sponsoring a

Certificate of Sponsorship/visa. Please note we are unable to offer
advice on any Visa and Immigration cases.

If successful and transferring from another Government Department a

criminal record check maybe carried out.

In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a

Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your
behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstance some
candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will
be doing this, please advise Department of Education of your intention
by emailing Pre-Employment.Checks.DFE@education.gov.uk
(mailto:Pre-Employment.Checks.DFE@education.gov.uk) stating the
job reference number in the subject heading.

Department for Education do not cover the cost of travel to your

interview/assessment unless otherwise stated.

A reserve list may be held for a period of 6 months from which further
appointments can be made.

Candidates will be posted in merit order based upon location

preference. Where more than one location is advertised you will be
asked to state your preferred location.

New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-

employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud
Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees
who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check
also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being
dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued.
Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.

https://cshr.tal.net/vx/lang-en-GB/mobile-0/appcentre-11/brand-2/user-2280455/xf-cf7f66487244/candidate/eform/27101446/page/1 4/7
19/05/2023, 17:15 Advert - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK
Terms and conditions of candidates transferring from ALBs and
NDPBs

Bodies that are not accredited by the Civil Service Commission and
are not able to advertise at Across Government on Civil Service jobs
will be treated as external new starters and will come into DfE on
modernised terms and conditions with a salary at the band minimum.

Bodies that are accredited by the Civil Service Commission but do not
have civil service status will be offered modernised terms and will not
have continuous service recognised for leave or sickness benefits.
Salaries should be offered at band minimum, but there is some
flexibility where this would cause a detriment to the individual.

Bodies that are accredited by the Civil Service Commission and do

have Civil Service status will be treated as OGD transfers. Staff
appointed on lateral transfer will move on to pre-modernised DfE
terms (unless they were on modernised terms in their previous
organisation). Staff appointed on promotion will move on to
modernised DfE terms. Staff will transfer over on their existing salary
(on lateral transfer) and any pay above the DfE pay band maximum
will be paid as a mark time allowance. Staff moving on promotion will
have their salaries calculated using the principles set out in the
attached OGD transfer supplementary information.

Reasonable adjustment

If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage

compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make
reasonable changes to our processes. If you need a change to be
made so that you can make your application, you should:

Contact Department of Education via

centralrecruitment.operations@education.gov.uk
(mailto:centralrecruitment.operations@education.gov.uk) soon as
possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.

Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional

requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or
help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For
instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re
deaf, a Language Service Professional.

Any move to Department for Education (DfE) will mean you will no
longer be able to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. This includes
moves between government departments. You may however be
eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare.
Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/
(https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/)

Technical skills We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection
process:

Presentation

Understanding of coding languages and technical processes

Things you need to know

Security
Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window)
(https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/success-profiles) and will
assess the following areas: Experience, Technical Skills.

https://cshr.tal.net/vx/lang-en-GB/mobile-0/appcentre-11/brand-2/user-2280455/xf-cf7f66487244/candidate/eform/27101446/page/1 5/7
19/05/2023, 17:15 Advert - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Nationality requirements
Open to UK, Commonwealth (opens in a new window) (http://thecommonwealth.org/member-
countries) and European Economic Area (EEA) (opens in a new window) (https://www.gov.uk/eu-
eea) and certain non EEA nationals. Further information on whether you are able to apply is
available here (opens in a new window). (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-
rules)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service code (opens in a new window)
(http://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/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 (opens in a new
window)
(https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/recruitment/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.

Further information
Contact point for applicants

Name Sam Brennan

Email Sam.Brennan@education.gov.uk
Recruitment team email AdvertsRecruitment.DFE@education.gov.uk

Online test instructions

Complaints process The Department for Education’s recruitment processes are
underpinned by the Civil Service Commissioners Recruitment
Principles, which outlines that selection for appointment is made on
merit based on fair and open competition. You have the right to
complain if you feel a department has breached the requirement of the
Recruitment Principles. In the first instance, you should raise the
matter directly with the department concerned via
CentralRecruitment.Operations@education.gov.uk. If you are not
satisfied with the response, you may bring your complaint to the
Commission. For further information on bringing a complaint to the
Civil Service Commission please visit their
<ahref="https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/recruitment
/recruitment-complaints/" target="_blank">web pages</a>

Attachments
Attachment 1 (https://cshr.tal.net/vx/lang-en-GB/mobile-0/appcentre-11/brand-2/user-2280455/xf-
cf7f66487244/candidate/application/8675757/download_opp_file/20709/1/0/447f20ebdb399f4530db37
b57d71488beb340940)

Attachment 2 (https://cshr.tal.net/vx/lang-en-GB/mobile-0/appcentre-11/brand-2/user-2280455/xf-
cf7f66487244/candidate/application/8675757/download_opp_file/20710/1/0/a4a66d752e772b21dd3322
268d45bc0ae76d3cbb)

https://cshr.tal.net/vx/lang-en-GB/mobile-0/appcentre-11/brand-2/user-2280455/xf-cf7f66487244/candidate/eform/27101446/page/1 6/7
19/05/2023, 17:15 Advert - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK

Submit

https://cshr.tal.net/vx/lang-en-GB/mobile-0/appcentre-11/brand-2/user-2280455/xf-cf7f66487244/candidate/eform/27101446/page/1 7/7