Policy Adviser

Details
Reference number

434938

Salary

£34,820 - £40,000

If the successful candidate is a current Civil Servant joining on level transfer, HM Treasury will honour their current substantive salary if higher.

A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

GBP

Job grade

Higher Executive Officer

Contract type

Permanent

Business area

HMT - International - Sanctions and Illicit Finance Team

Type of role

Policy

Working pattern

Flexible working, Full-time, Part-time

Number of jobs available

1

Contents

• Location
• About the job
• Benefits
• Things you need to know
• Apply and further information

Location

This post is based in Darlington (Feethams House). This role cannot be worked from any other HM Treasury office.

About the job
Job summary

If you're interested in making a difference to people's lives, the Treasury can offer you an exciting opportunity to influence decision making that affects the whole of the UK. Working at the heart of government, we collaborate across government to promote responsible public spending and drive strong and sustainable economic growth.

Our work ranges from protecting customers through the regulation of the financial sector, helping to reduce carbon emissions and creating a greener economy, to promoting British trade around the world and supporting people across the country on jobs, growth and more.

We are part of the Darlington Economic Campus, a pioneering new cross-government hub which brings people together to play an active role in the most important issues of the day whilst working closer to the communities we serve. The campus provides the opportunity for people from all over the UK to help shape the future of the country, and our flexible working practices ensure you can collaborate effectively with our partners. It's central government, made more accessible to you

Job description

About the Group

International Group

Do you want to advise ministers on promoting and protecting the UK's economy and its competitiveness internationally in a fast-changing environment? If so, read on

International Group provides opportunities to work on areas including - spending control on international development, trade policy, climate change, health, cooperation on Ukraine, economic security, financial sanctions and tackling illicit finance. We also manage economic relationships with Europe, US, China and other advanced economies and emerging markets.

We build relationships with external and international partners and represent the UK in a range of international groupings and institutions, including the G7, the G20, the International Monetary Fund and at some of the Multilateral Development Banks. We also analyse international comparisons and the wider global economic context, including for fiscal events. Although international travel is an important part of some roles, it is not required for every role in the group and will be specified if required.

About the Team

Economic Crime and Sanctions Directorate

The Economic Crime and Sanctions Directorate is part of the international family of groups in HMT. ECAS brings together HMT's interests in promoting the UK's prosperity, competitiveness and economic security by combatting economic crime through effective but proportionate policy, regulation and enforcement.

ECAS is made up of the Sanctions and Illicit Finance Team (SIF), and the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI). SIF leads policy to tackle economic crime and illicit finance, protecting growth and the financial system, including designing financial sanctions to counter threats to the UK. OFSI implements financial sanctions and works to ensure they are properly understood, implemented and enforced in the UK.

The Sanctions and Illicit Finance team (SIF) is a friendly, busy, outward-facing team of c.35 people. We develop policies and legislation to address economic crime and illicit finance in the UK and overseas, to help protect the stability of the global financial system.

The team is made up of 6 branches:

• Economic Crime Strategy Unit (ECSU), one of the team's domestic-focused branches, which works with the Home Office, DBT, law enforcement and the private sector to deliver economic crime strategy.
• Anti-Money Laundering Unit (AMLU), which owns the Money Laundering Regulations and the supervisory system which oversee compliance with them.
• Sanctions and Counter Terrorist Financing branch, which works with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) and others to craft financial sanction regimes.
• Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and International branch. This branch leads our strategy towards, UK preparations for, and input into, meetings of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and leads work on tackling international illicit finance. FATF sets global anti-money laundering and counterterrorist financing standards, and peer reviews countries against them.
• Technical Assistance Unit, which works with developing countries to assist their compliance with international standards on countering illicit finance.
• FATF Mutual Evaluation Preparation Unit. The team's newest branch is leading preparation across the UK's anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing regime for the UK's upcoming evaluation by the Financial Action Task Force.

The branches of the SIF team work closely together, and you will be encouraged to work flexibly with other branches in response to particular pressures. SIF encourages flexible working arrangements. We put a high importance on wellbeing and a good work-life balance, with regular team social activities. We are committed to being an open and inclusive team, please speak to the hiring manager about our approach to fairness and diversity in recruitment.

About the Job

Policy Adviser – Anti-Money Laundering Unit

We're looking for someone to improve the UK's world-leading system of anti-money laundering checks and controls. Sitting at the core of HMT's interests across economic security and growth, this is a stretching role which would suit someone looking to gain experience in understanding and applying legislation, using data to make evidence-based decisions and building relationships with industry and regulatory stakeholders.

Anti-Money Laundering Unit

You will be joining the Treasury's Anti-Money Laundering Unit. We are a small team of eight people with policy responsibility for the UK Money Laundering Regulations and the system which enforces them.

The Money Laundering Regulations are legal obligations which set out rules that certain types of businesses must follow (such as carrying out "Know Your Customer" checks) to detect and prevent customers from laundering money or financing terrorist organisations. Around 100,000 businesses are subject to the Money Laundering Regulations including banks, casinos, lawyers, accountants, estate agents and art dealers. Each regulated sector also has a supervisor which oversees their work and issues penalties for any non-compliance with the rules.

You will have the opportunity to contribute to the full range of projects we are undertaking to improve the regulations, strengthen the supervision of regulated firms, ensure the checks and controls done by firms are proportionate to the risks involved, and align our work with the cross-Government effort to combat economic crime. We are an outward-facing team and as part of your work you will engage directly with the financial, property, accountancy and other sectors, work with HMRC and other regulators, and feed into engagement with the Financial Action Task Force and other international bodies.

Key accountabilities are likely to include:

• Leading on the collection and analysis of data on the effectiveness of the UK's anti-money laundering regulations and supervision regime.
• Supporting cross-Government preparations for the upcoming evaluation of the UK's regime by the Financial Action Task Force.
• Managing the team's relationship with HMRC, and providing oversight for HMRC's function of anti-money laundering supervisor for the property, accountancy, money service and art sectors.
• Improving our understanding of the cost of compliance with the Money Laundering Regulations for regulated firms.
• Leading on regulations relating to enhanced due diligence for Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs).
• Helping to deliver changes to the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Regulations via an upcoming statutory instrument.
• Supporting the wider branch with drafting correspondence, briefing seniors, and Parliamentary handling in relation to economic crime.
• Being an active member of a diverse and inclusive team, including by contributing to corporate activities at team, group or HMT level.

Previous knowledge of anti-money laundering regulation or compliance, tackling economic crime, FATF standards, or regulatory oversight and supervision would be useful. However, prior experience is not essential and we would welcome applicants with a diverse range of experience. If the successful candidates do not have relevant knowledge, the postholder(s) will be supported with development opportunities to get to grips with the subject matter and develop core skills.

Candidate Drop-In Session

The hiring manager will be running a candidate drop-in session to give you greater insight about the roles as well as the chance to learn more about HM Treasury and ask any questions you may have. If you would like to join, then use the Microsoft Teams link below to join the call at the right time.

Friday 31st October 2025 @ 13:00 - 14:00 Join the meeting here

If you would like to contact the hiring manager with any questions outside of the drop-in session, please email:

Person specification

We are looking for the below skills, experience and behaviours and we will ask you to demonstrate these in your application form. Please review the Candidate FAQ document that is attached to the advert for guidance on how to complete your application form.

• Ability to undertake detailed analysis of a range of quantitative and qualitative data to support decisions related to policy development, clearly identifying issues, and presenting options, benefits and risks. (Making Effective Decisions).
• Be proactive at identifying and reassessing when and how to prioritise different projects to deliver on team priorities, and communicating this up the branch (Delivering at Pace)
• Build relationships with a diverse set of stakeholders with differing objectives, and leverage understanding of stakeholders' objectives and drivers to build consensus on decisions (Working Together)

The lead criterion is: Making Effective Decisions

If we receive large volumes of applications, we will conduct an initial sift on the lead criterion only

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Delivering at Pace
• Working Together

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £34,820, HM Treasury contributes £10,087 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• 25 days' annual leave (rising to 30 after 5 years), plus 8 public holidays and the King's birthday (unless you have a legacy arrangement as an existing Civil Servant)
• Flexible working patterns (part-time, job-share, condensed hours)
• Generous parental and adoption leave package.
• A Civil Service Pension which provides an attractive pension, benefits for dependants and average employer contributions of 28%
• Onsite restaurant and coffee bar. The London office also offers a gym, showers and prayer room
• Access to a cycle-to-work salary sacrifice scheme, season ticket advances and payroll giving
• Access to a retail discounts and cashback site
• A Rental Deposit Advance Scheme to help meet the total costs of deposits for privately rented homes
• A range of active staff networks, based around interests and diversity

Flexible Working Arrangements

HM Treasury views flexible working as essential in enabling us to recruit and retain talented people, ensuring that they can enjoy a long-lasting career with us. All employees have the right to apply for flexible working and there are a range of options available including; part-time, compressed hours and job sharing. Additionally, we operate flexitime systems, allowing employees the flexibility to adjust their working patterns throughout the week which is subject to operational needs and line management approval.

At HM Treasury we have an incredibly broad remit; our work touches every citizen of the country. So, it's important our employees come from the widest possible range of backgrounds, bringing us the widest possible range of perspectives and ways of thinking. We are committed to ensuring that all staff can realise their potential and achieve a healthy work-life balance.

HM Treasury operates an office based working approach across all Treasury sites - Darlington, London, and Norwich, and along with the rest of the Civil Service, has an expectation of a minimum of 60% attendance in the office, along with working remotely. This blended working approach allows you to work collaboratively, meet stakeholders face to face, support others and promotes a healthy work life balance (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone's circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review. All our offices have been recently modernised and designed to collaborate and connect with colleagues as well as desk and quiet space to allow a range of ways to work.

The office working expectation is linked to the location of the role. If you apply to a post in a single location, then you will not be able to meet this expectation at any of our other sites or move your role to another location.

Things you need to know
Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles , and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.

Recruitment Timeline

• Closing date: Monday 10th November 2025
• Shortlisting: From 11th November 2025
• Interviews: w/c 24th November 2025

This timeline is indicative and may be subject to change. We will inform you if there is a substantial change to the recruitment timeline.

If your contact details change at any time during the selection process, please ensure you update your Civil Service Jobs Profile.

Please note that only applications submitted through Civil Service Jobs will be accepted.

Reserve Lists

You will be placed on a reserve list if your application is successful, but we cannot offer you a post immediately. Where more than one location has been advertised, candidates will be approached for roles in merit order according to the first preferred location stated on your application form.

Please note that a place on the reserve list does not guarantee an offer. We would still encourage you to apply for other HM Treasury opportunities that you are interested in. If you are offered a role in your first preferred location and you decline the offer or you are unable to take up the post within a reasonable timeframe, you will be removed from the reserve list, other than in exceptional circumstances.

Those on the reserve list may also be approached for similar roles at a lower grade. If you are offered a role at a lower grade and choose to decline, you can remain on the reserve list.

Eligibility Statement

A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role in the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government. Checks will be performed as part of pre-employment checks in line with this. Please refer to the Candidate FAQ document attached to the advert for more information.

Everyone working with government assets must complete Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks. Additionally, individuals appointed to the Treasury group will be subject to National Security Vetting. The level of security vetting required for this role is Counter Terrorist Check (CTC)

To allow for meaningful checks to be carried out, applicants will need to have lived in the UK for at least 3 out of the past 5 years. In exceptional circumstances, for example if you have been working abroad on a government posting, a lack of residency would not be a bar to security clearance however the Department will need to consider eligibility on a case-by-case basis once the advert closing date has passed.

Please read the Vetting Charter for information on what to expect during the vetting process and what will be expected from you. Many areas of your life may be explored during your vetting journey, and it is important that every individual, regardless of their background and experiences, should feel comfortable going through this personal process, whilst having confidence that it is fair, proportionate, and inclusive.

These short videos address common concerns and preconceptions which applicants may have about national security vetting. If you have questions relating to security clearances, please contact

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check .

See our vetting charter .

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles .

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy .

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative.

The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants
Job contact :

• Name : Ben Young, Head of Domestic Anti Money Laundering
• Email :
• Telephone :

Recruitment team

• Email :

Further information

Complaints Process: Our recruitment process is underpinned by the principle of appointment based on fair and open competition and appointment on merit, as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners' Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should in the first instance contact HMT by email at: If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission, which regulates all Civil Service recruitment.

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