Reform and Accountability Lead

Government Recruitment Service; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A government office in the UK is seeking a Windrush Reform and Accountability Lead to shape the Windrush response and drive accountability in the Compensation Scheme. This role involves leading strategic projects, developing evidence-based recommendations, and engaging with affected communities. Ideal candidates should possess strong strategic thinking skills and a commitment to social justice. The position is full-time but offers flexibility with job-share, compressed hours, and homeworking options.

Qualifications

• Intellectual rigour and strategic thinking required.
• Deep commitment to social justice is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic projects aligned with the Commissioner’s priorities.
• Develop evidence-based recommendations for senior decision-makers.
• Produce authoritative briefings and reports reflecting Commissioner’s priorities.

Job description

Overview

The Office of the Windrush Commissioner supports the work of Reverend Clive Foster MBE, the UK’s first independent Windrush Commissioner. Reverend Foster has been appointed to advocate for people affected by the Home Office Windrush Scandal, in which people predominantly from Commonwealth countries — who had every right to live in the UK — were unable to prove their status, leading to loss of employment, housing, access to healthcare, and in some cases, wrongful detention and deportation. Although appointed by the Home Secretary, the Commissioner and his office operate independently of the Home Office. His focus is on holding the Government to account, ensuring that the Windrush Compensation Scheme is fair, transparent, and shaped by the voices of people affected by the Scandal. The Commissioner works to ensure that lessons are learned and embedded across Government to ensure the scandal can never be repeated.

This is an exciting time to join the team at the beginning of the Commissioner’s tenure. You will have the opportunity to help shape the direction of the office and deliver justice for people who have experienced significant loss and trauma. You’ll be working with passionate colleagues and inspiring organisations who are committed to justice and to supporting those affected.

This is an important opportunity to shape the direction of the Windrush Commissioner’s response to the Home Office Windrush Scandal. As Windrush Reform and Accountability Lead, you will translate lived experience, data, and community insight into clear, actionable recommendations that challenge systemic failings and ensure the Windrush Schemes work for the people they have been established to help.

You will lead strategic projects on behalf of the Commissioner, working closely with lived experience engagement leads and analysts to ensure that the voices of those affected are central to everything we do. This role demands intellectual rigour, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to social justice.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead strategic projects: Deliver high-impact initiatives aligned with the Commissioner’s priorities.
• Develop evidence-based recommendations: Synthesise insights from research, engagement, and lived experience into clear, compelling proposals for change, tailored to influence senior decision-makers.
• Develop the Commissioner’s improvement plan for the Windrush Compensation Scheme: Be the Commissioner’s expert on the Windrush Compensation Scheme including leading the creation of a comprehensive improvement plan for the Windrush Compensation Scheme, addressing trauma-informed processes, communications, and barriers to access.
• Drive accountability: Monitor and assess the implementation of Government commitments, including the implementation of the Windrush Lessons Learned Review recommendations, and scrutinise decision-making practices, delays, and discrepancies in compensation awards.
• Produce strategic outputs: Draft authoritative briefings, reports, and strategic documents that reflect the Commissioner’s priorities and resonate with senior audiences.
• Advisory Board lead: Manage the Commissioner’s Advisory Board, including developing agendas, coordinating meetings, and driving follow-up actions.
• Lead local government and international engagement: Coordinate work with councils across the UK to support affected communities, share best practices, and strengthen local responses. Lead on international engagement with countries where affected individuals may be unaware of their entitlements.

This post is being offered on a Fixed Term Appointment (FTA) & Loan basis in order to complete a finite piece of work.

Existing Civil Servants are eligible to apply on a loan basis or accredited Non Departmental Public Bodies on secondment.

Prior agreement to be released on a loan basis must be obtained before commencing the application process. The terms of the loan will be agreed between the home and host department and the Civil Servant. This includes the potential recognition of promotion on return.

Working Pattern

Due to the business requirements of this role, it is only available on a full-time basis. However, job-share, compressed hours and homeworking are available.