Policy Adviser Financial Services Redress Strategy

About the Group Financial Services GroupThe Financial Services Group advises the government on how to promote a stable and efficient financial services sector, to deliver excellent outcomes for consumers and business, enhance the UKs position as a global hub for financial services and support economic growth across the country.The financial services sector is important to the UK economy providing significant numbers of jobs and making a large contribution to the UKs economic output. It also provides essential services to individuals for example, helping them to purchase goods with ease, buy their first home, and plan for their retirement. During the COVID pandemic, it played a critical role in supporting individuals and businesses for example, in providing payment holidays for individuals and businesses affected by the pandemic and working with the government to deliver Bounce Back Loans.We ensure that financial services businesses such as banks, investment firms, financial advisors and insurers are well-regulated. Ensuring firms treat customers fairly, customers have access to a range of financial services as a result of competition in the market, and there are appropriate remedies in place when things go wrong.We work on a significant international agenda which includes promoting openness and trading links between the UK and countries all around the world, including through Free Trade Agreements and other international dialogues and negotiations. To do this we work closely with colleagues in offices overseas from the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office and the Department for International Trade.Working with stakeholders is key in Financial Services for example, we work closely with the independent regulators to help them fulfil their roles, consult consumer groups on issues affecting them, and work with the sector on wider issues like the net-zero agenda.About the TeamThe Financial Services Strategy (FSS) team is a diverse, collaborative and inclusive team. It sits in the centre of the Financial Services Group and is responsible for ensuring a coordinated approach to the department's overarching financial services strategy.We provide a central hub to develop and drive overarching strategy and co-ordination on a range of sector wide initiatives. This includes leading the group's input into key events in the financial services and economic calendar such as Mansion House and Budget. We are also responsible for the groups governance structures and programme management processes to monitor the delivery of financial services priorities.We have responsibility for the Treasurys regulatory strategy for financial services. This includes the relationship and key accountability mechanisms between HMT and the FS regulators, and cross-cutting compensation issues in the financial services sector.The team works very closely with Treasury Ministers and senior leaders. Our work is fast-paced and wide-ranging, setting strategic direction and supporting the implementation of the governments objectives across the financial services sector.About the JobThis role sits within the redress branch, which is responsible for leading the governments relationship with the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) and the Office of the Financial Services Regulators Complaints Commissioner. The branch also leads cross-cutting matters related to financial services redress.This is an exciting role that will see the successful candidate work across a varied and politically important set of issues, to contribute to HMTs strategic approach to the regulation of financial services. The role will have a particular focus on the redress framework, which provides alternate routes for firms and consumers to resolve complaints, giving individuals the confidence to participate in financial services, which plays a central role in the UK economy. Key accountabilities include:Leading on the policy development and strategy for specific elements of the financial services redress framework. This will involve advising ministers and senior civil servants on key developments and risks across the post holders policy areas, including both written and verbal briefings.Leading the day-to-day elements of the sponsor relationship with the Financial Ombudsman Service and the Office of the Complaints Commissioner. This includes reviewing annual reports and laying them in Parliament, briefing seniors for strategic meetings, and supporting Ministers with Parliamentary Questions and correspondence.Developing expertise on the financial services redress framework, including the role and operation of the Financial Ombudsman Service and the Financial Regulators Complaints Commissioner. You will build in-depth understanding of key policy areas and use this to draft compelling, clear written advice to Ministers and senior management.Building strong relationships with a range of stakeholders, including within the Financial Services Strategy team and the wider Treasury as well as external partners, to ensure a collaborative and informed approach to policy making and work towards achieving HM Treasurys strategic objectives.Playing an active role in the Financial Services Strategy Team by getting involved in wider corporate work to contribute to making make HM Treasury a great place to work. Were a flexible team and respond to the needs of Ministers and senior officials, so you should be comfortable in an environment where priorities may change.You dont need to be a policy professional or have any specific qualifications to apply to work as a Policy Adviser at HM Treasury. We are looking for people who have the right set of skills for the role, who demonstrate the values of our organisation, and who are motivated to come and work with us on a range of issues that are at the heart of how we spend money and deliver public services.Candidate Drop-In Session The hiring manager will be running a candidate drop-in session for this role to give you greater insight about the role as well as the chance to learn more about HM Treasury and ask any questions you may have. If you would like to join us, then use the appropriate link below to join the call at the right time. Thursday 12th September 2024 @ 13:00 Join the meeting nowIf you would like to speak to the hiring manager informally prior to the closing date for applications to find out more about the job, please contact Will Geeson ([email protected]).