Deputy Senior Lead - Governance, Operations and Finance (GOF)

About the Government Legal Department

From healthcare to artificial intelligence, energy to national security, we provide legal advice to government departments on nation-changing subjects.

At Government Legal Department we have a vital, single-minded purpose: to help the Government govern well within the rule of law. This is complemented by our exciting vision to be an outstanding legal organisation, committed to the highest standards of service and professionalism and a brilliant place to work where we can all thrive and fulfill our potential.

Our work touches almost every aspect of public life. We are the largest provider of legal services across government, working on high profile matters.

Our respected professionals are involved in everything from regulation and litigation to advice on drafting legislation. They provide expertise to the full range of government departments. We are at the heart of delivering the governments priorities and our success depends on our people.

GLD is a non-ministerial government department headed by the Treasury Solicitor, our Permanent Secretary, and employs nearly 4000 people, including nearly 3000 legal professionals. We have offices nationwide, in Bristol, Leeds, inner and outer London and Manchester. Our lawyers can also be located within other departments and overseas.

GLD also depends on a range of cross-functional professionals to provide our corporate services. There are nearly 1000 colleagues playing an essential part in helping GLD to achieve its purpose and truly deliver much more than law.

This is an exciting time to join GLD, with cutting edge legal work on global issues and a transformation agenda which is ensuring the Department exemplifies the Modern Civil Service .

To find out more about what we do you can view our introductory film . On our website y ou can hear from team members, find out how to apply and learn about the benefits of working for GLD. You can also read more about the future vision for GLD in our GLD Strategy 2024 2027 .

About Bona Vacantia Division (BVD)

Bona Vacantia Division (BVD) plays a vital role in handling assets that have no legal owner, ensuring they are managed effectively and benefit the general exchequer.

The Latin term 'bona vacantia' means 'vacant goods', and is the name given to ownerless property, which by law passes to the Crown.

BVD work primarily involves:

• collecting the beneficial assets of dissolved companies
• administering estates of individuals who pass away without a valid will or entitled heirs
• handling other miscellaneous ownerless assets

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Governance, Operations and Finance (GOF) team, which sits at the heart of the Division and plays a key role in helping it deliver its objectives effectively and efficiently.

The GOF team provides secretariat support to the Head of Division and works closely with colleagues across the organisation, including Private Office, to deliver a range of essential business functions such as budget management, invoicing and expenses.

The team also oversees the Divisions strategic planning and supports the successful delivery of the programmes that underpin its priorities and objectives.

About the Role

As a Grade 7 within GOF, you will provide senior operational leadership across financial management and stakeholder engagement, playing a central role in ensuring delivery aligns with divisional and organisational priorities.

You will lead the development and oversight of robust financial planning and performance management, supporting delivery of the Divisions 20252028 strategy.

Working within a financial model unique to the Bona Vacantia Division (BVD), you will maintain effective oversight of the Divisions financial arrangements with the Government Legal Department (GLD), including the re-charge process for staffing, accommodation, and corporate services.

You will apply strong financial discipline and sound judgement to ensure value for money, effective control, and full compliance with departmental standards.

You will be responsible for delivering high-quality reporting and governance, providing clear, timely and insightful advice to senior leaders to support decision-making.

You will build and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including acting as the primary liaison with HM Treasury (the client), auditors and GLD colleagues on all matters related to the Crown Nominee Accounts.

The role includes leading and developing people, setting clear direction, supporting line managers, and strengthening capability across the whole of the BVD through effective learning and development.

Key Responsibilities :

• Lead end-to-end budget management, including planning, in-year monitoring, forecasting and reporting, ensuring accuracy, control and timely delivery
• Oversee day-to-day financial operations alongside forward planning to support strategic priorities
• Provide high-quality financial insight, including variance analysis, risks and opportunities, to inform senior decision-making
• Play a key role in developing and embedding a proportionate quality assurance framework across bona vacantia casework, ensuring decisions are consistent, evidence-based and aligned with legislation and policy
• Prepare clear, concise briefings, reports and corporate returns for the Deputy Director and senior leadership team
• Support and advise on the financial aspects of strategic projects, working closely with project leads to shape delivery and outcomes
• Build and maintain effective relationships with GLD and wider stakeholders, acting as a trusted and credible point of contact
• Lead coordination of the annual Crown Nominee Accounts audit, ensuring timely and accurate engagement with auditors and partners set and communicate levels of delegated financial authority
• Line manage and develop the HEO GOF Manager, setting clear expectations and supporting performance and development
• Mentor and support new line managers, promoting strong and consistent people management practice
• Lead the development and delivery of the Divisions Learning and Development plan to strengthen capability
• Maintain oversight of BVDs Risk Registers, ensuring risks are actively identified, well-managed and that the Deputy Director is supported in any requirement to attend the Audit & Risk Committee (ARAC)
• Chair the Fraud Working Group, strengthening governance, controls and compliance across the Division

Behaviours

Below are details of the Success Profiles that make up this role. Demonstrating all the behaviours listed below is essential at either application or interview. You can read more ...