Defence Business Services (DBS) Case Officer

Ministry Of Defence; Upavon; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A government body in the UK is seeking a dedicated individual to manage criminal legal aid applications for Armed Forces personnel. The role involves overseeing case management and financial aspects while ensuring compliance with legal regulations. Ideal candidates will have strong decision-making and communication skills, with prior experience in legal services preferred. This full-time position is based in Upavon and offers a salary of £29,580 with various benefits.

Benefits

Civil Service pension with employer contribution

Flexible working options

25 days annual leave

Family-friendly policies

Qualifications

• Experience in legal aid case management.
• Ability to negotiate and manage legal fees.
• Familiarity with civilian legal aid scheme regulations.

Responsibilities

• Head legal aid applications for service personnel.
• Manage cases ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Liaise with stakeholders to facilitate legal processes.

Skills

Decision Making

Communication Skills

Case Management

Job description

Overview

Are you a dedicated person who is passionate about making a difference? Would you like to work for the Ministry of Defence? Defence Business Services (DBS) is one of the largest shared service organisations in Europe, providing a wide range of services to over 1.2 million end users including serving and past military personnel, their families, MoD civil servants and industry. DBS delivers large scale administration and smaller specialist services to enable the wider MOD to focus on its core aims, maintaining the UK's Defence and Security. Services include Human Resources, Pay, Veterans, Finance and Procurement. Our vision is to support UK defence customers with outstanding service every time. Our mission is: Together we will proudly support Defence, continuously improving and delivering flexible, timely, sustainable and value for money services that underpin the whole force and enhance operational capability. DBS is committed to creating a great place to work for all colleagues and aims to build an inclusive culture and respectful environment that reflects the diversity of society.

We offer opportunities to develop your skills and experience, flexible working patterns where possible, and support to make a fulfilling career accessible. A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 28.97% is available where your role permits, and hybrid working may be supported.

Role note

The post holder is associated with AFCLAA (Armed Forces Criminal Legal Aid Authority). The Authority is a tri-service organisation that sits outside all Service Chains of Command and is responsible for the provision of criminal legal aid for Armed Forces personnel and eligible civilian members subject to service law outside the UK. The post involves handling applications for legal aid, managing cases from initial application to final settlement of fees, and liaison with stakeholders including the Service Prosecution Authority, Military Court Service and others as appropriate.

Responsibilities

• Head Armed Forces Criminal Legal Aid Authority for handling applications for legal aid by service personnel, their dependents, and civil servants both in the UK and overseas.
• Manage all aspects of legal aid provision and case management from initial application to final settlement of fees, up to 200 live cases at any one time, ensuring procedures and timelines are met in accordance with civilian legal aid scheme regulations.
• Oversee all financial aspects of case management, including negotiating fees with legal representatives and others, in line with The Criminal Legal Aid (Remuneration) Regulations; discuss options to secure outcomes within financial constraints and MOD regulations.
• Consider and make informed decisions in response to requests for prior authority to incur additional costs from legal representatives.
• Determine (review) all bills from legal representatives and authorise appropriate fees, including re-determination where payments are challenged.
• Liaise with units and interact with the Service Prosecution Authority (SPA), Military Court Service (MCS) and other stakeholders to support efficient legal aid processes.
• Promote AFCLAA's role and responsibilities and the principles/benefits of legal aid; present at Army/RAF Discipline Courses regularly.

Location and working arrangements

Please note this post is full-time and based in Upavon, Wiltshire, SN9 6BE with no public transport available. Interviews will be held in person at the location.

Behaviours and assessment

• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Managing a Quality Service
• Delivering at Pace

Applicants should provide truthful, experience-based examples and review the Success Profiles Framework during application and interview. Assessments will consider the stated behaviours and career experience.

Application and selection process

Experiences and statements should demonstrate how criteria are met. Where scores are exact, merit order will consider the specified behavioural and career elements. A reserve list may be kept for 12 months. Interviews are likely to be face-to-face, with at least 2 full working days’ notice. Dates are subject to change based on business needs.

Security and nationality

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check and meet security requirements. This role requires UK nationality or specific eligible statuses as detailed by MOD guidelines. See the MOD vetting charter for details. Baseline security checks apply for those working with government assets. The job is not open to sponsorship under the points-based system for business-critical roles unless specified.

Working for the Civil Service and diversity

The Civil Service Code sets out expected standards of behaviour. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair competition and are committed to diversity and inclusion, including Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for eligible candidates. The Civil Service also offers redeployment interviews for those at risk of redundancy.

Benefits and hours

• Salary: £29,580; Civil Service pension with employer contribution of £28.97%
• Flexible working options; hybrid working where role permits
• 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days after 5 years; 8 public holidays; birthday leave
• Family-friendly policies; learning and development opportunities
• Special leave for volunteering; opportunity for recognition
• 32.0 hours per week (advertised at 37 hours per week)

Notes

There is a six-month probation period for external recruits who join MOD and are new to the Civil Service. The post may include occasional travel and the role involves handling sensitive legal matters with discretion.