Senior Debt Policy and Practice Adviser

About the Team

The centre for the Government Debt Management Function (GDMF) is a team of 14 specialists providing expertise and strategic direction to unify debt management across government. We work to enhance how overdue debt is addressed. Ensuring payment or repayment by people and businesses is key to protecting public finances and sustaining confidence in our systems. When debts emerge, we act fairly, effectively and efficiently. Recovering money owed to government or collected on its behalf boosts funding for public services, lowers the need for additional borrowing or taxes, and prevents unfair advantage by those who do not pay. We partner with private and debt advice sectors to identify individuals unable to pay due to financial, mental, or physical vulnerabilities, connecting them to relevant support. This approach ensures recovery focuses on those intentionally avoiding repayment. Our Government Debt Strategy 2026-30, alongside Functional Standards, Guidance, and Toolkits, defines management expectations and strategic aims. Our Debt Capability initiatives maintain a professional and innovative workforce equipped to handle debt resolution.

About the Job

As Senior Debt Policy and Practice Adviser, you will contribute to creating policies that promote efficient, fair, and effective debt management across government agencies. This position provides an excellent opportunity to impact procedures, cultivate positive connections, and guide initiatives that secure public funds and support equitable outcomes for individuals and businesses.

Key Responsibilities

• Progress the function’s work in preventing avoidable debt by embedding risk identification and prevention into new policy builds. This includes developing training campaigns for civil servants and crafting flexible payment systems.
• Work with the Professions team to keep communication channels open. Provide regular updates to collaborators. Develop timely, accurate content that aligns with GDMF priorities. This promotes teamwork and supports standards.
• Lead distinct projects supporting the implementation of the 2026-30 Government Debt Strategy, adjusting approaches to accommodate various debt types and departmental requirements.
• Build and maintain positive relationships across teams, government departments, and external collaborators to ensure alignment with government strategic priorities.
• Maintain an up-to-date repository of debt-related policies and provide authoritative advice to departments, ALBs, and Ministers as needed.
• Lead press and public enquiries in collaboration with the HMT Press Office to ensure accurate and timely responses.
• Cultivate an inclusive and effective team environment by being adaptable in your responsibilities and supporting the wellbeing of all team members.

About You

You are an exceptionally skilled professional with a proven history in policy development and debt management. Your strong communication skills and ability to cultivate collaborative relationships will help you propel high-reaching projects ahead. You possess the determination to confront challenges head-on and implement flawless solutions. Your expertise will be vital in developing effective debt management methods and ensuring fair outcomes for all!

Some of the Benefits our people love! 

• 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). Additionally, we operate flexitime systems, allowing employees to take up to an additional 2 days off each month 
• Flexible working patterns (part-time, job-share, condensed hours) 
• Generous parental and adoption leave packages 
• Access to a generous Defined Benefit pension scheme with employer contributions of 28.97% 
• Access to a cycle-to-work salary sacrifice scheme and season ticket advances  
• A range of active staff networks, based around interests (e.g. analysts, music society, sports and social club) and diversity  

For more information about the role and how to apply, please follow the apply link.

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