Director, Personal Tax, Welfare and Pensions

4 weeks ago

Darlington, County Durham, United Kingdom HM Treasury Full time

The Treasury is the United Kingdom’s economics and finance ministry. 

We are responsible for formulating and implementing the government’s financial and economic policy. Our aim is to raise the rate of sustainable growth and achieve rising prosperity and a better quality of life with economic and employment opportunities for all.  

A Treasury career offers an exciting opportunity to be part of decision making that affects the whole of the UK. 

The Treasury plays a meaningful role at the heart of Government in the UK and, together with the Cabinet Office and Number 10, forms the centre of the Government and wider Civil Service. 

The Treasury is a small, agile and professional institution organised around thematic Director-led groups of standing and project teams. 

This role can be based in either London or Darlington with an expectation of regular travel to the London office especially during significant peak periods throughout the year, where in-person meetings are likely to be required.

The Darlington Economic Campus is a ground-breaking new cross-government hub which brings together departments and public organisations which lead on some of the most important economic issues of the day. 

Job description


The Director Personal Tax, Welfare and Pensions is a member of the Tax and Welfare family and a part of the collective leadership of the Treasury, a department of c2000 staff. The Director jointly leads this group with one other Director. Together they operate at the heart of the Treasury to develop policy and strategy for personal taxes, the welfare system and labour markets. As a Group, PTWP is responsible for over £400bn of tax receipt and £285bn welfare spending and plays a crucial role in supporting the government’s Growth Mission and Opportunity Mission in particular. The Directors work closely with policy partners in His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), with other parts of government, and with a wide range of internal and external partners including No 10, think tanks, unions and business rep organisations.


The Directors run the Group jointly but split policy responsibility, the post holder is currently responsible for:


  • Welfare Policy and Reform, covering the working age benefits system
  • Spending Control for the Department for Work and Pensions
  • Labour Market Policy and Analysis, including in support of the Growth Mission
  • Distributional and Equalities Analysis across HMT policies
  • Supporting Women in the Economy

There is some scope to review the current policy portfolio split with the co-Director in response to changing priorities or strategic objectives.


Key responsibilities:


  • Provide strong leadership to the 110 employees in the Group, working together with your co-Director to create a supportive and inclusive environment, promote well-being, and develop talent.
  • Act as the lead adviser to the Chancellor on working age welfare and labour market strategy and reform, including for fiscal events, working effectively with colleagues across the Treasury, other parts of government, and external stakeholders like the OBR.
  • Have responsibility for the spending settlement for DWP, advising the Chief Secretary to the Treasury as part of the overall spending approach, and working closely with spending colleagues across the Treasury, and in DWP.
  • Lead on distributional and equalities analysis, developing and deploying analytical capability including to ensure HMT’s distributional analysis techniques remain at the cutting edge, and are deployed in support of the whole department.
  • Lead the Treasury’s relationship with DWP, building trust and credibility with senior colleagues and working together on key welfare and labour market issues.
  • Be part of the visible leadership of HM Treasury as a whole. The postholder will report to the Director General Tax and Welfare, Dan York-Smith and will lead PTWP jointly with the other Director, Laura Webster.


The post-holder will report directly to the Director General for Tax and Welfare.


Person specification


While in post, the successful candidate will be expected to perform well across the full range of Senior Civil Service behaviours set out in the Success Profile framework and demonstrate commitment to the Civil Service values.


The criteria for the purpose of selection are:


  • Outstanding people leadership skills, with experience of leading large, high-performing and multidisciplinary teams to deliver at pace in an inclusive way
  • Sound judgement and strong strategic vision, with a track record of leading in uncertain and complex policy environments
  • Excellent influencing and interpersonal skills with a proven ability to gain the confidence of and work effectively with senior stakeholders such as ministers (or Board-level equivalents) and to work collaboratively across an organisation
  • Ability to absorb and interrogate data and analysis quickly and communicate it clearly and credibly to support decision making
  • An understanding of welfare policy, the Budget process, and/or fiscal and spending frameworks

To apply for this post please apply via Civil Service Jobs by no later than 23:55 on the 11th November. We can only accept applications via the Civil Service Jobs platform. 

Applications should consist of a CV and personal statement outlining your experience and skills against those detailed in the person specification. 

The benefits of working for us include:

  • 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 (job-share, condensed hours) 
  • A Civil Service Pension which provides an attractive pension, benefits for dependants and average employer contributions of 28% 
  • Generous parental leave packages 
  • 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 (e.g. analysts, music society, sports and social club) and diversity (e.g. women in the Treasury, ethnic minority network, LGBT* network, faith and belief network) 


At HM Treasury we have an exceptionally 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 are able to realise their potential and achieve a healthy work-life balance. 

If you need any reasonable adjustments to take part in the selection process, please tell us about this in your online application form or speak to the recruitment team. 

  • Policy Adviser, Corporate Tax

    4 weeks ago

    Darlington, County Durham, United Kingdom HM Treasury Full time

    Are you looking to join a welcoming, friendly and diverse team, working at the heart of Government's economic and fiscal objectives? If so, we'd love to hear from you!About the TeamThe Corporate Tax (CT) team work on high-profile and politically important policy measures that are central to the government’s economic and fiscal objectives. This...

  • Deputy Director – Workforce Pay and Pensions

    1 month ago

    Darlington, County Durham, United Kingdom HM Treasury Full time

    The Workforce Pay and Pensions (WPP) team sits at the heart of Public Spending group, working closely with teams across Whitehall to set, deliver and maintain Government’s overarching policy positions on public sector pay and pensions. The team is also responsible for leadership of the implementation of the McCloud remedy. WPP is of crucial importance to...

  • Policy Adviser – Employment Rights and Regulation

    4 weeks ago

    Darlington, County Durham, United Kingdom HM Treasury Full time

    Government Policies – the plans we make and actions we take – shape lives. Great policy making is about understanding what needs to change, what problems need to be solved and supporting Ministers to arrive at the best solution to deliver the change. If you’re interested in becoming a Policy Adviser and working on priority issues for the Government,...

  • Senior Policy Adviser, Asset Management Unit

    1 month ago

    Darlington, County Durham, United Kingdom HM Treasury Full time

    This is an exciting, stretching, and varied leadership role! The successful applicant will be heading a branch to deliver the government’s priorities and shape the long-term domestic framework for the Asset Management sector, ensuring it remains the global powerhouse that it is today. About the Team The Asset Management Unit is a team of seven which sets...

  • Senior policy Adviser – Covid Strategy and Inquiry

    14 hours ago

    Darlington, County Durham, United Kingdom HM Treasury Full time

    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. About the Team The...

  • Care Assistant

    3 weeks ago

    Darlington, UK, County Durham, United Kingdom City and County Healthcare Group Ltd Full time

    Company DescriptionLocation: DarlingtonPay Rate: £11.90 per hour plus 30p mileageShifts available: Full & Part Time Shifts AvailableWhat we offer?We’re creating brighter days. Fresh challenges. Exciting opportunities. Plenty of ups, downs, and curveballs. With a career as a Care Assistant at Care Line, every day will be different to the next. Each will...

  • Registered Nurse

    7 days ago

    Darlington, County Durham, United Kingdom BMI Healthcare Full time

    The Woodlands Hospital in Darlington is part of Circle Health Group, Britains leading provider of independent healthcare with a nationwide network of hospitals & clinics, performing more complex surgery than any other private healthcare provider in the country. Circle Health Group has an exciting opportunity for a Registered Nurse to join our friendly and...

  • Policy Adviser, Cryptoassets

    14 hours ago

    Darlington, County Durham, United Kingdom HM Treasury Full time

    Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to develop specialist expertise in cryptoassets? If so, we’d love to hear from you ! About the Team The Cryptoassets Unit leads on HM Treasury policy development for cryptoassets as financial services, including work to update the UK's regulatory framework address the risks and opportunities posed by this new...

  • Policy Adviser, Asset Management

    1 month ago

    Darlington, County Durham, United Kingdom HM Treasury Full time

    Are you looking for an exciting and stretching role that provides the opportunity to see a policymaking process through from beginning to end, developing, testing, and implementing proposals ? If so, we’d love to hear from you !About the Team Personal Finances and Funds team brings together the strategic oversight of the asset management and consumer...

  • Account Executive

    14 hours ago

    Darlington, UK, County Durham, United Kingdom Ardonagh Advisory Full time

    We are seeking a motivated and skilled Insurance Account Executive to manage client relationships and cater to their individual insurance needs. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of the insurance industry, coupled with outstanding sales abilities. This role is a hybrid role based in Darlington.Key Responsibilities:Develop and maintain...

  • Regional Sales Manager

    3 weeks ago

    Darlington, UK, County Durham, United Kingdom The ONE Group Ltd Full time

    Job Opportunity: Area Sales Manager – Construction Materials (Plumbing Fixtures)About Our Client: Join an eco-responsible manufacturer who’s approach helps reduce drinking water consumption by up to 90%, improves hygiene in public places, and effectively combats nosocomial diseases in healthcare facilities. They have a reach to over 90 countries and...

  • Head of Underwriting

    3 weeks ago

    Darlington, UK, County Durham, United Kingdom Darlington Building Society Full time

    About the role:With a strong heritage in the Northeast and the mortgage market, Darlington Building Society has a great story to tell. We bring diversity and choice to the financial services marketplace by offering innovative products and a commitment to personal service and quality advice.In recent years, we’ve modernized and transformed the Society...

  • Director, Personal Tax, Welfare and Pensions

    4 weeks ago

    Darlington, United Kingdom HM Treasury Full time

    The Treasury is the United Kingdom’s economics and finance ministry.We are responsible for formulating and implementing the government’s financial and economic policy. Our aim is to raise the rate of sustainable growth and achieve rising prosperity and a better quality of life with economic and employment opportunities for all.A Treasury career offers an...

  • Director, Personal Tax, Welfare and Pensions

    3 weeks ago

    Darlington, United Kingdom HM Treasury Full time

    The Treasury is the United Kingdom’s economics and finance ministry.     We are responsible for formulating and implementing the government’s financial and economic policy. Our aim is to raise the rate of sustainable growth and achieve rising prosperity and a better quality of life with economic and employment opportunities for all.      A...

  • Director of Personal Tax and Welfare Policy

    3 weeks ago

    Darlington, United Kingdom HM TREASURY-1 Full time

    Job Title: Director of Personal Tax and Welfare PolicyHM Treasury is seeking a highly skilled and experienced individual to join our team as a Director of Personal Tax and Welfare Policy. As a key member of our Tax and Welfare family, you will play a crucial role in developing and implementing policy and strategy for personal taxes, the welfare system, and...

  • Director of Personal Tax and Welfare Policy

    3 weeks ago

    Darlington, United Kingdom HM TREASURY-1 Full time

    Job Title: Director of Personal Tax and Welfare PolicyHM Treasury is seeking a highly skilled and experienced individual to join our team as a Director of Personal Tax and Welfare Policy. As a key member of our Tax and Welfare family, you will play a crucial role in developing and implementing policy and strategy for personal taxes, the welfare system, and...

  • Director, Personal Tax, Welfare and Pensions Specialist

    3 weeks ago

    Darlington, Darlington, United Kingdom HM Treasury Full time

    Job Title: Director, Personal Tax, Welfare and PensionsThe HM Treasury is seeking a highly skilled and experienced individual to fill the role of Director, Personal Tax, Welfare and Pensions. This position is a key part of the Tax and Welfare family and plays a crucial role in supporting the government's Growth Mission and Opportunity Mission.Key...

  • Director, Personal Tax, Welfare and Pensions Specialist

    3 weeks ago

    Darlington, Darlington, United Kingdom HM Treasury Full time

    Job Title: Director, Personal Tax, Welfare and PensionsThe HM Treasury is seeking a highly skilled and experienced individual to fill the role of Director, Personal Tax, Welfare and Pensions. This position is a key part of the Tax and Welfare family and plays a crucial role in supporting the government's Growth Mission and Opportunity Mission.Key...

  • Director of Personal Tax and Welfare Policy

    3 weeks ago

    Darlington, United Kingdom HM TREASURY-1 Full time

    Job Title: Director of Personal Tax and Welfare PolicyHM Treasury is seeking a highly skilled and experienced individual to join our team as a Director of Personal Tax and Welfare Policy. This is a unique opportunity to lead a team of experts in shaping the UK's tax and welfare policies.About the RoleThe Director of Personal Tax and Welfare Policy will be...

  • Director of Personal Tax and Welfare Policy

    3 weeks ago

    Darlington, United Kingdom HM TREASURY-1 Full time

    Job Title: Director of Personal Tax and Welfare PolicyHM Treasury is seeking a highly skilled and experienced individual to join our team as a Director of Personal Tax and Welfare Policy. This is a unique opportunity to lead a team of experts in shaping the UK's tax and welfare policies.About the RoleThe Director of Personal Tax and Welfare Policy will be...

  • Director of Tax Policy and Welfare

    3 weeks ago

    Darlington, Darlington, United Kingdom HM Treasury Full time

    Job Title: Director, Personal Tax, Welfare and PensionsHM Treasury is seeking a highly skilled and experienced individual to join our team as a Director, Personal Tax, Welfare and Pensions. This is a unique opportunity to lead a team of experts in tax policy and welfare, and to contribute to the development of the UK's economic and financial policies.About...

  • Director of Tax Policy and Welfare

    3 weeks ago

    Darlington, Darlington, United Kingdom HM Treasury Full time

    Job Title: Director, Personal Tax, Welfare and PensionsHM Treasury is seeking a highly skilled and experienced individual to join our team as a Director, Personal Tax, Welfare and Pensions. This is a unique opportunity to lead a team of experts in tax policy and welfare, and to contribute to the development of the UK's economic and financial policies.About...

  • Director of Taxation and Welfare Policy

    4 weeks ago

    Darlington, Darlington, United Kingdom HM Treasury Full time

    Job Title: Director, Personal Tax, Welfare and PensionsHM Treasury is seeking a highly skilled and experienced individual to join our team as Director, Personal Tax, Welfare and Pensions. This is a unique opportunity to lead a team of experts in shaping the UK's tax and welfare policies.About the RoleThe Director, Personal Tax, Welfare and Pensions will be...

  • Director of Taxation and Welfare Policy

    4 weeks ago

    Darlington, Darlington, United Kingdom HM Treasury Full time

    Job Title: Director, Personal Tax, Welfare and PensionsHM Treasury is seeking a highly skilled and experienced individual to join our team as Director, Personal Tax, Welfare and Pensions. This is a unique opportunity to lead a team of experts in shaping the UK's tax and welfare policies.About the RoleThe Director, Personal Tax, Welfare and Pensions will be...

  • Director, Taxation and Welfare Policy

    4 weeks ago

    Darlington, United Kingdom HM Treasury Full time

    Job DescriptionThe Treasury is the UK's economics and finance ministry, responsible for formulating and implementing the government's financial and economic policy. Our aim is to raise the rate of sustainable growth and achieve rising prosperity and a better quality of life with economic and employment opportunities for all.A career at the Treasury offers an...

  • Director, Taxation and Welfare Policy

    4 weeks ago

    Darlington, United Kingdom HM Treasury Full time

    Job DescriptionThe Treasury is the UK's economics and finance ministry, responsible for formulating and implementing the government's financial and economic policy. Our aim is to raise the rate of sustainable growth and achieve rising prosperity and a better quality of life with economic and employment opportunities for all.A career at the Treasury offers an...

  • Director, Taxation and Welfare Policy

    3 weeks ago

    Darlington, United Kingdom HM Treasury Full time

    Job DescriptionThe Treasury is the UK's economics and finance ministry, responsible for formulating and implementing the government's financial and economic policy. Our aim is to raise the rate of sustainable growth and achieve rising prosperity and a better quality of life with economic and employment opportunities for all.A career at the Treasury offers an...

  • Director, Taxation and Welfare Policy

    3 weeks ago

    Darlington, United Kingdom HM Treasury Full time

    Job DescriptionThe Treasury is the UK's economics and finance ministry, responsible for formulating and implementing the government's financial and economic policy. Our aim is to raise the rate of sustainable growth and achieve rising prosperity and a better quality of life with economic and employment opportunities for all.A career at the Treasury offers an...

  • Director of Taxation and Welfare Policy

    3 weeks ago

    Darlington, Darlington, United Kingdom HM Treasury Full time

    About the RoleThe HM Treasury is seeking a highly skilled and experienced individual to fill the role of Director, Personal Tax, Welfare and Pensions. This is a key position within the Tax and Welfare family, and the successful candidate will play a crucial role in shaping the department's policy and strategy for personal taxes, the welfare system, and...

  • Director of Taxation and Welfare Policy

    3 weeks ago

    Darlington, Darlington, United Kingdom HM Treasury Full time

    About the RoleThe HM Treasury is seeking a highly skilled and experienced individual to fill the role of Director, Personal Tax, Welfare and Pensions. This is a key position within the Tax and Welfare family, and the successful candidate will play a crucial role in shaping the department's policy and strategy for personal taxes, the welfare system, and...

  • Director, Taxation and Welfare Policy

    4 weeks ago

    Darlington, Darlington, United Kingdom HM Treasury Full time

    Job DescriptionThe HM Treasury is the United Kingdom's economics and finance ministry, responsible for formulating and implementing the government's financial and economic policy. Our aim is to raise the rate of sustainable growth and achieve rising prosperity and a better quality of life with economic and employment opportunities for all.A career at HM...

  • Director, Taxation and Welfare Policy

    4 weeks ago

    Darlington, Darlington, United Kingdom HM Treasury Full time

    Job DescriptionThe HM Treasury is the United Kingdom's economics and finance ministry, responsible for formulating and implementing the government's financial and economic policy. Our aim is to raise the rate of sustainable growth and achieve rising prosperity and a better quality of life with economic and employment opportunities for all.A career at HM...