Digital Service Assessor

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP); Birmingham; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) seeks a Digital Service Assessor to lead independent, evidence-based assessments across digital services. You will evaluate evidence, chair discussions, manage disagreement and communicate outcomes to support governance decisions.

The role offers broad exposure to DWP's digital portfolio and opportunities to join assessor accreditation programs. Based in Birmingham, you will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and senior stakeholders, developing

Qualifications

• Provide quality assurance and independent review across complex digital services and programmes.
• Lead assessments from preparation to outcome with evidence-based decisions.
• Apply strong analytical skills to evaluate evidence and align with the Government Service Standard.
• Help develop assurance methods and share knowledge across teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide quality assurance by planning and conducting independent reviews across complex digital services.
• Lead assessments from preparation to outcome, supporting service teams to present evidence.
• Communicate assessment findings clearly to service teams, senior stakeholders and governance forums.
• Plan and organise assessment activity, manage priorities and produce concise reports and recommendations.
• Build an influential network across DWP and cross-government assessor community.

Job description

As a Digital Service Assessor in DWP's Service Standard Assessment and Assurance Team, you will lead independent, evidence-based assessments that help make sure services are accessible, sustainable, secure and focused on genuine user needs. Working with multidisciplinary specialists and senior stakeholders, you will use sound judgement to bring together complex evidence, chair constructive conversations, manage disagreement, make difficult decisions and communicate clear outcomes that support service improvement and governance decisions. You will gain broad exposure across DWP's digital portfolio, build influential networks and develop highly transferable skills in assurance, leadership, decision-making and communication, while being supported by experienced colleagues to deepen your knowledge of the Government Service Standard and become a trusted critical friend to service teams. Subject to eligibility, programme availability and business need, you may also have the opportunity to join the assessor accreditation programme and work towards the Level 5 Diploma in Service Standard Assessor Accreditation, certificated by NCFE, an Ofqual-regulated awarding organisation. This will support your professional development within the assessor profession.

• Provide quality assurance and independent review by planning and conducting independent reviews, assessments, audits or other assurance activity across complex digital services and programmes. You will evaluate evidence, assess compliance with the Government Service Standard and relevant controls, identify and report findings and risks, ensure agreed actions are progressed, and use recurring issues to improve assurance methods.
• Lead assessments from preparation to outcome, creating a supportive environment in which service teams can present evidence and respond to constructive challenge.
• Apply strong analytical skills and sound judgement to evaluate complex or incomplete evidence, determine how effectively services meet the Government Service Standard, and make impartial, evidence-based decisions and recommendations.
• Communicate, influence and challenge constructively by leading structured discussions, bringing together different professional perspectives, managing disagreement and making difficult decisions when required. You will explain assessment findings clearly and fairly to service teams, senior stakeholders and governance forums to reach a clear outcome.
• Plan and organise assessment activity, managing competing priorities and deadlines while producing clear, concise reports and recommendations that support progression through the service lifecycle.
• Act as a trusted critical friend, building effective relationships and providing practical advice before and after assessment so teams can strengthen their evidence, address risks and improve outcomes for users.
• Apply strategic awareness by aligning assessment activity with wider organisational priorities, recognising emerging issues and trends, and sharing knowledge to support the diverse needs of stakeholders.
• Champion quality and capability by delivering guidance or learning sessions, sharing good practice and helping colleagues embed the Service Standard throughout delivery.
• Build an influential network across DWP, Arm's Length Bodies and the wider cross-government assessor community, learning from different services and contributing to the continuous improvement of assurance methods.
• Learning and development: You will be supported to build your knowledge of the Government Service Standard and develop your assessment practice. Subject to eligibility, programme availability and business need, you may have the opportunity to join the assessor accreditation programme and work towards the Level 5 Diploma in Service Standard Assessor Accreditation, certificated by NCFE, an Ofqual-regulated awarding organisation. Reasonable adjustments and accessible learning support will be available throughout the programme where required, so participants can engage fully with the learning and assessment activities.