Job summary
We are running an information session where prospective applicants can find out more about the role. This will be hosted virtually by Jon Martin, and will take place on:
- Friday 7 March at 12:00pm
The session will be an opportunity to hear more about the role, the team and wider directorate and the department.
It will also be an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about the application, and the interview and assessment process.
Please register your interest by filling out this form and you will be sent an invitation.
This will take place virtually, via Google Meets.
Job description
As the Deputy Director of Ceremonials you will be a visible senior leader in the department, expected to contribute to contribute to our corporate objectives and support an inclusive, open and engaged culture.
This is an opportunity to work in the Ceremonials Team, part of the Project Delivery and Major Events Directorate at DCMS.
The team is responsible for planning and delivering major projects, events and commemorations. Most recently it coordinated the delivery of Their Majesties’ Coronation and Remembrance Sunday, as well as parts of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Funeral. The team also supports the delivery of State Visits, and in future the responsibilities may extend to supporting other major national events.
As well as leading the team of 15 you will have oversight of the Event Management Company who deliver the event planning services. The team have considerable engagement with operational partners in London including the Police, Local Authorities and The Royal Parks.
Key responsibilities include:
- Lead the planning and testing and exercising of plans for future State funerals, via our Event Management Company and in partnership with operational partners across London and with other government departments
- Lead the planning and delivery of annual Ceremonial events including Remembrance Sunday and inbound State visits, via our Event Management Company and in partnership with operational partners across London and with other government departments.
- Lead Ceremonials related policy (e.g. Union Flag flying and silences).
- Manage a team of 15 and an annual budget of £5,371,201
- Working closely with Commercial, develop future procurement activity for major events
- Work closely with others across DCMS, other Government Departments and partners to support and improve event delivery skills and capabilities.
Person specification
This is an opportunity to work in the Ceremonials Team, part of the Project Delivery and Major Events Directorate at DCMS.
The team is responsible for planning and delivering major projects, events and commemorations. Most recently it coordinated the delivery of Their Majesties’ Coronation and Remembrance Sunday, as well as parts of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Funeral. The team also supports the delivery of State Visits, and in future the responsibilities may extend to supporting other major national events.
As well as leading the team of 15 you will have oversight of the Event Management Company who deliver the event planning services. The team have considerable engagement with operational partners in London including the Police, Local Authorities and The Royal Parks.
Essential requirements
- The ability to lead and inspire a diverse and inclusive high-performing team, fostering a collaborative environment that effectively manages competing priorities and delivers exceptional results under pressure.
- Extensive experience in operational delivery and a proven track record of sound risk management and decisive decision-making in complex operational environments. You will be collaborating with external partners (e.g. police), to achieve shared objectives.
- Exceptional stakeholder management skills, with a proven ability to cultivate and maintain strong, credible relationships with diverse stakeholders, including those external to government. Experience influencing and negotiating with senior leaders across various sectors.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate complex information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences. The ability to demonstrate political acumen and sound judgement.
- Significant experience in managing contracts for external service providers, including negotiating service level agreements, monitoring performance, and ensuring value for money.
Dersirable requirements
- Experience of working within Public Safety, Resilience, National Security, Crisis Management or emergency services organisations.
- Experience of leading complex projects or programmes.
Behaviours
We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Delivering at Pace
- Leadership
- Making Effective Decisions
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Working Together
Benefits
DCMS values its staff and offers a wide range of benefits to everyone who works here. We’re committed to developing talent, and supporting colleagues to have great careers in our department. To support with that, some of the benefits we offer include:
- Flexible working arrangements and hybrid working – DCMS staff work on a flexible basis with time spent in offices, and time spent working from home
- 26.5 days annual leave on entry, increasing to 31.5 days after 5 years’ service
- A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
- Access to the Edenred employee benefits system which offers discounts to popular retailers and access to various useful resources such as financial and savings advice
- 3 days of paid volunteering leave
- Up to 9 months maternity leave on full pay + generous paternity and adoption leave
- Staff reward and recognition bonuses that operate throughout the year
- Occupational sick pay
- Access to the Employee Assistance Programme which offers staff 24/7 confidential support and resources such as counselling, debt guidance and management advice
- Active and engaged staff networks to join including the LGBT+, Ethnic Diversity, Mental Health and Wellbeing and Gender Equality Networks
- Exceptional learning and development opportunities that you can explore alongside your day to day work
- Season ticket loan, cycle to work scheme and much more!
Terms and conditions at SCS grades will vary. Those applying for SCS roles should refer to the candidate information pack for more information on terms and conditions.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
To apply for this vacancy, you will need to submit the following documents which will assessed against the essential requirements for the role:
- A CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Please ensure you provide employment history that relates to the essential and desirable criteria, and that any gaps in employment history within the last 2 years are explained. The CV should not exceed more than 2 x A4 pages and you should insert your CV into the “Job History” section on Civil Service Jobs on the Civil Service Jobs application form.
- A Statement of Suitability (max 1250 words) explaining how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role in reference to the essential requirements highlighted.
For the shortlist, we will select applicants who demonstrate the best fit for the role by considering the evidence provided in your application and how this meets the essential requirements.
In the event of a large number of applicants, an initial sift will be conducted on the statement of suitability. Those who are successful in the initial sift will then be scored on all elements of the application.
Should you encounter any issues with your online application please get in touch with: scscandidate.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
As part of accepting this role you will be agreeing to the expected assignment duration set out above. This will not result in a contractual change to your terms and conditions. Please note this is an expectation only, it is not something which is written into your terms and conditions or indeed which the employing organisation or you are bound by. It will depend on your personal circumstances at a particular time and business needs, for example, would not preclude any absence like family friendly leave. It is nonetheless an important expectation, which is why we ask you to confirm you agree to the assignment duration set out above.
Security
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
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).
Diversity and Inclusion
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : SCS Recruitment
- Email : scscandidate.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : scsrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
