Programme Director
| Posting date: | 10 June 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £73,900 to £85,690 per year |
| Additional salary information: | National pay locations: Manchester, Solihull £73,900-£81,290; London pay locations: Croydon, Westminster £77,900-£85,690 |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 23 June 2025 |
| Location: | Croydon |
| Company: | Government Recruitment Service |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 409768/1 |
Summary
The Science, Technology, Research and Analysis (STAR) Group sits at the heart of the Home Office. The group ensures the best evidence and analysis are used to address the strategic issues facing the department. We also provide the science, technology, data, and international insights and collaboration capabilities to drive delivery.
STAR provides capabilities and the evidence base underpinning Home Office policies and operational practice across law enforcement, counter terrorism and borders, immigration and citizenship.
The HO Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA), Professor Jennifer Rubin, provides independent scientific advice to the Home Secretary informing strategy, policy making and operational decisions. She works closely with the Government Chief Scientific Adviser and network of departmental CSAs, and other high profile national and international bodies, to share scientific best practice.
The Deputy CSA (DCSA) leads key areas of pertinent and timely advice across the Home Office remit including the strategic science advisory councils, covering the use of animals in science, ethical oversight, age estimation, and the misuse of drugs.
This Programme Director sits in the DCSA's Unit. This is an exciting, varied role in which you will be given the space and autonomy to be successful in your role. You will present to senior leaders and address some of the most challenging questions facing the country.
Key Responsibilities
- Head up the Secretariat for the advisory councils established under the CSA’s and DCSA’s overview, developing and maintaining a diverse and responsive capability able to provide timely expert advice to three Home Office Arms-Length Bodies, the Advisory Council for the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD), the Animals in Science Committee (ASC) and the Biometrics and Forensics Ethics Group (BFEG).
- Give direction for the lifecycle of the committees, including the creation of new committees and drive collaboration across the science advisory community.
- Work closely with the CSA and DCSA as well as with the Chairs of ACMD , ASC and BFEG in identifying emerging cross-sector issues in need of a robust evidence base, and ensure that Home Office Science is in a position to provide the necessary advice.
- Manage and lead the strategic relationships between the advisory councils and the rest of the Home Office, and wider Government.
- Collaborate with a range of internal and external stakeholders to ensure the delivery of the workplan, providing a hub to co-ordinate and manage workplan delivery goals.
- Member of the DCSA’s Senior Leadership Team, setting the strategic direction for the secretariat and identifying development opportunities for the team.
- Efficiently manage and prioritise your team’s work and its budget, ensuring it is consistently delivered to the highest quality. You will have line management responsibility for a small team of around 12 overseeing the science expert panel offices.
Work Pattern
Due to the business requirements of this role, it is only available on a full-time basis with the option of compressed hours working.
Travel
Occasional travel to other HO locations may be required subject to business need.
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