Strategic Prioritisation & Insight Lead
10 hours ago
London
Location: London Borough of Croydon, UK; Liverpool, UK; Manchester, UK; Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; Nottingham, UK; Stratford-upon-Avon CV37, UKSalary: 58,541 - 72,711 per yearEmployment: FlexibleCategory: PolicyPosted: 2026-08-10Valid to: 2026-09-01Employer: HM Revenue and CustomsJob summaryDiscover what it’s like to work in a compliance role that makes an impact. Could you help us shape a stronger, fairer future? Your next career move starts here.Compliance Strategy Delivery (CSD) sits at the heart of HMRC’s compliance system. We guide the whole department on tax gap and compliance priorities, shaping decisions that inform ministers and our Executive Committee. We set strategy in a live operational environment - this is practical, real‑world work that directly influences how HMRC focuses effort and delivers results. CSD's a multi‑disciplinary directorate with varied, high‑profile work across strategy, insight and delivery. We value curiosity, creativity and collaboration, and encourage people to connect ideas, challenge thinking and turn insight into action. If you want to shape priorities and make a tangible difference, now is the time to join us. You’ll join our newly formed Strategic Prioritisation and Insight (SPI) team, one of three Deputy Director-led teams in CSD. This is an exciting opportunity to help build a team from the ground up, working across Grade 6-led areas Tax Risk Analysis and Strategic Prioritisation to influence HMRC-wide decisions. You'll lead a portfolio of projects that shape HMRC’s strategic compliance priorities. You’ll bring together data, analysis and insight to answer critical questions such as: - Where are the most significant compliance risks? - What should HMRC prioritise to have the greatest impact? - How can we improve the evidence that underpins these decisions? Your work will directly influence senior leaders and help determine how HMRC tackles the tax gap. This includes: - Analysing complex data and evidence, understanding both its strengths and limitations - Translating analysis into clear, actionable insight for decision-makers - Developing recommendations that shape strategy and priorities - Developing the tools, methods and evidence we use to assess and mitigate risk - Communicating complex issues in a clear and compelling way You’ll be comfortable working with ambiguity, applying judgement and collaborating to deliver high-quality outcomes.Job descriptionThe job requires individuals to operate at the interface of policy, strategy and evidence. SPI heads two G6-led programmes on ‘Tax Risk Analysis’ and ‘Strategic Prioritisation’. Postholders will: (a) Lead a number of projects across these programmes, (b) Support colleagues on wider projects, (c) Contribute to programme planning, (d) Support more junior colleagues in their work, and (e) Contribute to wider corporate, business and people objectives. You will work in a collaborative inter-disciplinary manner. You will be allocated work according to both the fit to your professional skillsets plus projects that will provide stretch – with support in place to promote your learning and development. Thus you will have opportunity to develop new skills by working across areas in a collegiate and supportive environment. To illustrate our work, below a list of anticipated SPI projects. Successful candidates should expect to lead in one of these areas and support and develop experience across several others. - Translate data and evidence produced by others into targeted business insight, prioritisation frameworks and options: For example: highlight developing strategic choices and recommendations to senior stakeholders to advance HMRC compliance strategy; shape future evidence needs; prioritise targets, activity and resources. - Develop prioritisation pathways and support cross-HMRC adoption. For example: work with stakeholders to build a shared understanding of priorities; develop persuasive narratives and options for senior leaders (incl. ExCom) that enable cross-HMRC mobilisation; support continuous improvement of prioritisation approaches and products, including commissioning analysis. - Develop SPI’s data and evidence function to produce targeted tax risk assessments and recommendations of key HMRC priorities: For example: triangulate (existing) reviews of management information data, qualitative and quantitative evidence and opinion; lead targeted secondary analyses and support strategic target setting. - Further develop a prototype model of residual tax risk to help ensure HMRC interventions are optimal in closing the tax gap: Design and deliver stakeholder workshops to refine the model; introduce more quantitative inputs; embed application to ensure the model is used to prioritise strategic direction and plans. - Develop forward-looking macro-economic trends, foresight and application. For example: identify emerging risks across tax regimes, behaviours and customer groups; interpret external trends e.g. in technology, society and macro-economic futures. Develop applied business propositions and influence senior stakeholders’ decision‑making.Roles will typically include line management of 1-2 colleagues, alongside leading priority projects. You’ll work flexibly across different work areas, collaborating with colleagues from a range of disciplines to solve complex problems.We are also currently recruiting a number of SO vacancies in the team – these vacancies align with the G7 posts. Candidates are welcome to apply for both G7 and SO roles, reference number 474133.Person specificationWe particularly encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented in our workforce and as a team we are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where everyone can thrive. Key professional skillsets:Our roles are designed to bring together people with different professional backgrounds. We welcome applications from candidates with experience in policy, strategy, analysis, operations or related fields, and we encourage multi-disciplinary working across the team. However, you must have demonstrable knowledge, capability and experience across all, and/or depth experience in at least one, of the following three ‘key professional skillsets’: 1. Evidence into strategy and improvement – Experience collaborating with stakeholders to apply evidence and business insight to strategy, prioritisation and decision-making. For example: Responding to political, economic and organisational contexts; Applying judgment to complex decisions and uncertainty; Providing senior advice and recommendations including business recommendations from data and evidence; proposing recommendations when evidence is incomplete. 2. Applied quantitative data analysis and insight - Working with management information systems or large quantitative databases. Understanding approaches to and the strengths and limitations of using quantitative data in strategic decision-making – including knowing when and how to triangulate with qualitative evidence. Experience in appraisal and/or modelling techniques. Experience in analytical assurance. 3. Macro-economic trends and horizon scanning - Using structured futures and foresight techniques e.g. environmental scanning or scenario planning. Analysing and applying macro-economic trends to strategy contexts. Experience applying forward‑looking insight into strategic decision‑making that impacts policy, strategy, direction or decisions. Essential CriteriaSuccessful candidates could come from any background – what is critical is that you can operate at the interface of policy, strategy and evidence. As such successful applicants will need to demonstrate evidence against the following ‘essential criteria’:- Strong communication and influencing skills, including the ability to: Explain complex or technical issues clearly to non‑specialist audiences; Develop clear recommendations on complex issues; Build support for proposals with both senior leaders and operational colleagues. - Ability to work effectively across organisational boundaries, collaborating with policy, operational and analytical colleagues. This includes understanding different perspectives and adapting your approach to deliver shared outcomes. - Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to: Use or interpret both quantitative and qualitative evidence; Identify key issues, risks and insights; Develop strategic level recommendations. - Sound judgement and decision-making, including the ability to form clear views even where evidence is incomplete or uncertain. - Ability to deliver at pace, managing competing priorities in a high‑profile or time‑sensitive environment. Desirable Criteria- Experience working in a tax, economic or fiscal policy context, or in a strategy, prioritisation or investment decision‑making function. - Experience in policy, strategy or analytical roles. (For existing civil servants: membership of the Policy Profession and/or any Analytical Profession e.g. economist, statistician, social or operational research. For external candidates: equivalent professional credentials). Further Location InformationPlease ensure that you only apply for a location that you are willing and able to work from, as we will only make one offer of employment. Any additional notes included in a ‘Further Location Preferences (optional)’ field within the application form, will not be considered. Please be aware that you cannot change your location preference after submitting your application.Office ClosuresIf your location preference is for the following site, it’s important to note that this is not long-term site for HMRC and we will require you to move to a new building in the future, subject to our location strategy and the applicable employee policies at that time.For more information on where you might be working, review this information on our locations (opens in a new window)This site is:Benton Park View, Newcastle - moving to Pilgrims Quarter, NewcastleYou will be given more information about what this means at the job offer stage.BehavioursWe'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:Making Effective DecisionsSeeing the Big PictureBenefitsAlongside your salary of 58,541, HM Revenue and Customs contributes 16,959 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).HMRC operates both Flexible and Hybrid Working policies, allowing you to balance your work and personal commitments. We welcome applications from those who need to work a more flexible arrangement and will agree to requests where possible, considering our operational and customer service needs.We offer a generous leave allowance, starting at 25 days and increasing by a day for every year of qualifying service up to a maximum of 30 days.Pension - We make contributions to our colleagues’ Alpha pension equal to at least 28.97% of their salary.Family friendly policies.Personal support.Coaching and development.To find out more about HMRC benefits and find out what it’s really like to work for HMRChear from our insiders or visitThinking of joining the Civil ServiceThings you need to knowArtificial intelligenceArtificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.Selection process detailsThis vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.How to ApplyAs part of the application process, you will be asked to provide the following:A name-blind CV including your job history, qualifications and previous experiences. Your CV should cover your recent and relevant job history, detailing your responsibilities and key achievements and experience of the three Key professional skillsets outlined in the person specification.A 750-word Personal Statement. Your Personal Statement should clearly demonstrate how your skills and experience meet the essential criteria. Please provide impact, outcomes and results where applicable in your examples.Please evidence any Desirable Criteria where applicable (up to 250 words max). This is not essential for the role but may be considered by the vacancy holder where candidates have the same score at interview.After submission of the first stage of your application, you will be invited to complete a Civil Service Verbal Test and Civil Service Numerical Test. If you successfully pass these tests, you will be invited to complete the final stage of the application.Please complete the online tests as soon as possible (within 24-48 hours is recommended) and ensure you allow sufficient time to complete and submit the final stage of your application after submitting your online test.The deadline for both the test and the application is 31st August at 23:55.Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.SiftAt full sift your CV and your Personal Statement will be assessed, with the successful candidates being invited to interview. We may also raise the score required at any stage of the process if we receive a high number of applications.InterviewDuring the panel interview, your experience and behaviours will be assessed in order to determine your suitability for the role.You will give an experience based presentation. Further details will be provided prior to interview.Interviews will take place via video link. Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.Online Tests - Banked ScoresWhen an applicant hasa banked score they are not asked to retake the same test, providing it is:-set at the same job level, andwithin the same system.Scores will be banked for six months, or until a new score benchmark is applied, whichever is sooner. This means that if a candidate applies for another vacancy at this grade they may not have to retake the test within that time, and their previous score will be used for the new vacancy.EligibilityPlease take extra care to tick the correct boxes in the eligibility sections of your application form. Mistakes sometimes happen but if you contact us later than two working days (Monday-Friday) before the vacancy closes, we may not be able to reopen your application for you. If you do make a mistake with your eligibility form, or have withdrawn yourself in error and need your application reinstated whilst the campaign is still live, please contact us via: unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk – Use the subject line to insert appropriate wording for example – ‘Please re-open my application – [insert vacancy ref] & vacancy closing date [insert date]’.To check that you are eligible to apply for this role, please review the eligibility information before submitting your application.Exceptionally, candidates who are not successful at this grade may be considered for appointment to similar roles at a lower grade where the eligibility criteria are met. If this applies, we will contact you directly.The HMRC app can help you with your applicationThe HMRC app can provide you with your past 5 years' employment history, making the process of filling in your application quicker and easier.If successful in your application, you will need your National Insurance number for the onboarding process.Download the HMRC app now and save your National Insurance number to your digital phone wallet.How to download the HMRC app and sign up for an account Download the free HMRC app from the App Store or Google Play store. If you have an HMRC online account already, sign straight in using your ID and password. If not, you can prove your identity by answering some questions or providing your photo ID.You’ll then be able to access the app quickly and easily by signing in using a 6-digit PIN, your fingerprint, or facial recognition.You can find guidance for technical issues on GOV.UK: Technical support with HMRC online services.Reserve ListA reserve list may be held for up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made for the same or similar roles – if this applies to you, we’ll let you know via your Civil Service Jobs account.Merit List After interview, a single merit list will be created, and you will only be considered for posts in locations you have expressed a preference for. Appointments will be made in strict merit order in line with the set number of roles in each location.Criminal Record CheckApplications received from candidates with a criminal record are considered fairly in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice and the Recruitment of ex-offenders Policy.Hybrid working at HMRCHMRC is an office-based organisation, and colleagues are expected to spend 60% of their working time in the office. Our offices provide opportunity for interaction, collaboration which aids learning and development and a sense of community. Where the role allows it, and where the home environment is suitable, colleagues can work from home for up to 2 days a week, averaged over a calendar month (or a proportionate amount of time for colleagues who work less than full time). Reasonable AdjustmentsWe want to make sure no one is put at a disadvantage during our recruitment process. To assist you with this, we will reduce or remove any barriers where possible and provide additional support where appropriate.If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should: Contact the UBS Recruitment team via unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk as 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.Will you require a reasonable adjustment during the online tests? The tests required for this vacancy do not have a time limit. You don't need to ask for additional time. If you need any other adjustment, you can find further information in the Reasonable adjustment guide for online tests (opens in a new window). If you contact us later than two working days (Monday-Friday) before the vacancy closes, we may not be able to assist prior to the vacancy closing.Technical SupportIf you are experiencing problems that cannot be resolved by our ‘help’ section, then technical support is available. You will receive a reply in 2 working days.Important information for existing HMRC contractual homeworkersThis role may be suitable for existing HMRC employees who are contractual homeworkers. Occasional attendance to the office will be required where there is a business need. Please consider the advertised office locations for this role when applying and only select locations from the ‘location preferences’ section that you can travel to.Terms and Conditions Customer facing roles in HMRC require the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English and/or Welsh where required. Where this is an essential requirement, this will be tested as part of the selection process.HMRC has a presence in every region of the UK. For more information on where you might be working, review this information on our locations (opens in a new window).The Civil Service values honesty and integrity and expects all candidates to abide by these principles. The evidence you provide in your application must relate to your own experiences.Any instances of plagiarism or other forms of cheating will be investigated and, if proven, the relevant application(s) will be withdrawn from the process. Recording of interviews is prohibited unless explicit agreement is sought in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulations.Questions relating to an individual application must be emailed as detailed later in this advert.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. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.New entrants will join on the minimum of the pay band.Please note that, if you are applying for roles on a part-time basis, the salary agreed will be pro-rata, reflective of the working hours agreed within your contract.If you experience accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.For more Information for people applying for, or thinking of applying for, roles at HM Revenue and Customs, please see link: Working for HMRC: information for applicants - GOV.UK.Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.SecuritySuccessful candidates must undergo a standard (or equivalent) criminal record check.People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.Nationality requirementsThis job is broadly open to the following groups:UK nationalsnationals of the Republic of Irelandnationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UKnationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil ServiceFurther information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)Working for the Civil ServiceThe Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) 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).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.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.Diversity and InclusionThe Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).Apply and further informationThis vacancy is part of the
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