About us. Dermot Nolan Chief Executive

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1 OFGECON Economists

2 About us Ofgem is Great Britain s gas and electricity regulator. Our goal is to protect energy customers interests, now and in the future. We make sure competition encourages great customer service and bears down on companies prices and profits. We do this by scrutinising costs and checking that companies stick to the rules we set. If a company falls short, we act. Since 2010, we ve imposed over 100 million in fines. We also control the revenue that network companies earn from running gas and electricity grids. This way we make sure customers get value for money from a 6 billion a year programme to upgrade Britain s networks. And we are planning for the future too, with the rollout of smart metering over the next few years, and looking ahead to make sure there s enough capacity in the system to meet demand. About a third of our staff work in Ofgem E-Serve, a division that runs government environmental and social schemes. These include the Energy Companies Obligation, the Domestic and Non-Domestic Renewable Heat Incentives, the Renewables Obligation, the Feed-In Tariff scheme, and the Climate Change Levy exemption. The total value of these schemes is approximately 6 billion per year; our costs for administering them are just 0.6% of this. We are a diverse and vibrant organisation, with the majority of our staff working in our London (Canary Wharf) and Glasgow offices. You can find the Ofgem structure chart here. We aim to attract, support, retain and motivate our staff by making sure that they have the skills and knowledge to perform their roles effectively and provide them with development opportunities to build a career. We offer a variety of development including formal training, on-the-job training and coaching. There is also a comprehensive management development programme and support for further education and professional qualifications. Ofgem is a great place to work, and we hope to be welcoming you soon. Dermot Nolan Chief Executive 2

3 Ofgem Privacy Notice Registration on Ofgem Recruitment Portal When you register on the Ofgem Recruitment Portal your personal data and information about any applications you have made, will be collected and stored on the platform in order for you to access your details and simplify the recruitment application process. How Ofgem will handle your data and job applications As part of our external recruitment process, personal information will be collected and will only be used to process the application and monitor recruitment statistics. Where we want to disclose information to any other third parties (for example where we want to take up a reference or obtain a disclosure from either CIFAS, the Disclosure and Barring Service or Disclosure Scotland), we will not do so without informing you beforehand unless the disclosure is required by law. Personal information about unsuccessful candidates will be held on file for six months. After the recruitment exercise has been completed, it will then be destroyed or deleted. We retain personalised statistical information about applicants to help inform our recruitment activities, but this is only available to HR. Full details of the Ofgem Privacy Policy and how your data is used can be found at 3

4 Your data when applying for open vacancies Each time you submit an application the data that we collect will be stored and utilised in line with the Ofgem Privacy Policy, as outlined above. Your rights to have your data removed and/or destroyed All candidates have the right to have their data deleted at any point and this can be done by ing Your Consent and confirmation By submitting an application, you are consenting to us using, and storing your data, as outlined in this Privacy Notice, full details can be found in the Ofgem Privacy policy as outlined above. If you have any concerns you can view the Civil Service Privacy Statement by clicking here. This privacy policy will be kept under regular review. 4

5 Role Profile Role Details Role Title Band Directorate Location Number of positions and contract type Economist c ORE London/Glasgow several Purpose Energy is an essential service, key to every aspect of modern life. We use gas and electricity to heat our homes and workplaces, power the phones we hold in our hands, the appliances we cannot live or work without and, increasingly, our cars. There are three elements to supplying energy to homes and businesses in Britain: generating electricity and producing gas (wholesale markets); transporting them through the gas and electricity infrastructure (networks); and selling them to homes and businesses (retail markets). Ofgem regulates all of these elements and our economists play an integral part in the decision-making process, ensuring that decisions are based on sound evidence and analysis. The work you will do as an economist will contribute to Ofgem achieving the following outcomes for consumers: Lower bills than would otherwise have been the case; Reduced environmental damage both now and in the future; Improved reliability and safety; Better quality of service, appropriate for an essential service; Benefits for society as a whole, including support for those struggling to pay their bills. This is an exciting time to be joining Ofgem as the way in which energy is produced, generated, transported, stored and supplied to consumers is changing. The push to reduce carbon emissions and the deployment of new technologies means the energy system is in transition to one that is low carbon, more decentralised, smart and flexible. 5

6 Our economists typically work in three main areas: Consumers and Markets, which focuses on the wholesale and retail markets, as well as conduct and enforcement; System Operation and Networks, which focuses on RIIO (1&2), system transition and commercial, as well as charging and access; and The Office of the Chief Economist, located within the Delivery directorate, which leads our analytical strategy and development, research hub, analytical assurance work, behavioural insights and annual report on energy markets. As part of Ofgem s network of economists you will be expected to contribute to the ongoing coherence and robustness of economic analysis that we undertake to inform our policy decisions. Our economists typically work closely with senior economists, managing and leading defined tasks, policy issues, and technical processes. They are expected to apply appropriate economic concepts, using model-based arguments and other standard techniques to address issues and problems. We also expect economists to contribute to Ofgem research on energy market issues and keep up to date with developments in economic theory and practice. In addition, they are expected to present the analyses, findings and policy recommendations in form of policy papers and/or oral presentations. Key responsibilities Report to Band D Potential to line manage one or more Band B analyst Carry out high quality analysis Draft reports or parts of reports Contribute to knowledge sharing, including showcasing our analytical skills, and developing links with economists inside and outside the organisation Participate in Ofgem s economist recruitment activities Potentially management of external consultants Key outputs and deliverables An economist can expect to: Provide advice with regards to appraisal, impact assessments, and policy analysis and evaluation Undertake analysis of qualitative or quantitative data for the purposes of producing evidence for policy advice. Assess the reliability and relevance of evidence and give objective advice. Review economic models, challenge input data and assumptions and interpret output data 6

7 Ensure that all assumptions are transparently presented with results and that key risks and sensitivities are assessed Contribute to producing both internal and external documents Facilitate effective internal stakeholder engagement, specifically presenting or communicating analysis in ways which non-economists can readily understand. Contribute to Ofgem research on energy market related issues Key stakeholder relationships Economists must be able to establish strong stakeholder relationships both internally and externally. They will be expected to: Develop good working relationships at working level with policy and other analytical colleagues across the organisation Build a network of contacts both internally and externally, to share knowledge, experience and good practice on economic analysis Participate in the network of economists at Ofgem to contribute to the coherence and robustness of our economic analysis Consider perspectives of key stakeholders when formulating policy solutions Communicate effectively to stakeholders Contribute positively to our reputation for good quality economic expertise for example through research work and showcasing other analytical work. Specific skills and capabilities Essential A degree in economics, or equivalent qualification/expertise Excellent analytical skills, both quantitative and qualitative Demonstrable expertise in applying economic concepts to policy appraisal and evaluation using a broad range of techniques Ability to simplify and analyse complex concepts and communicate them effectively both in written papers and oral presentations Experience of managing and working effectively with diverse sets of stakeholders Desirable: An advanced degree (Master s or PhD) in economics or related subjects Experience in regulatory and competition economics Knowledge and experience in econometrics or statistics Experience or a working knowledge of the GB electricity and gas markets Intermediate or advanced Microsoft Office skills (eg Word, Excel, Power Point) Familiarity with statistical programmes and programming languages (e.g. R, Stata). 7

8 Competencies These are the competencies that are relevant for this role and a selection of these will be assessed at interview. Seeing the Bigger Picture Making effective decision making Leading and communicating Collaborating and Partnering Delivering at pace 8

9 How to apply To apply for this role, you are required to submit a CV and Suitability Statement. Completed applications should be submitted by midnight on the closing date. Applications received after that time will not normally be considered. Your application should consist of: CV (saved as forename. surname CV) Suitability Statement As part of your application process, we will check your details against CIFAS fraud prevention databases. Should our investigations identify fraud or the commission of any other criminal offences by you when applying for, or during the course of your employment with us, we will record the details of this on the relevant fraud prevention databases. This information may be accessed from the UK and other countries and used by law enforcement agencies and by us and other organisations to prevent fraud. Further details of the CIFAS fraud prevention databases, through which we share information, can be obtained by contacting recruitment@ofgem.gov.uk Your details will also be checked against the Civil Service Internal Fraud Database (IFD) of employees dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. Where an applicant to Ofgem is successful in interview, we will check your name and date of birth against the IFD. Any applicant who is included in the IFD will be refused employment. This information will be retained by the Cabinet Office on the IFD for a period of five years from the date of dismissal (or the date employment ended). GRS and other recruitment teams will share with the Cabinet Office the outcome of the checks for monitoring and analysis purposes. The Cabinet Office will use this information for research on the prevention and detection of fraud. This will not be shared outside Cabinet Office, GRS, and other recruitment teams, except on an anonymised basis. 9

10 Overview of process Your completed application will be acknowledged and you will be notified of the outcome of the application. Your invitation to interview correspondence will give details of specific date and time. We will also notify you of any presentations / tests etc (not all roles require this). The interview will be a combination of competency questions and role specific questions. Please see the competency framework below relevant to this role. Please note, Ofgem do not cover the cost of travel to and from your interview. Competencies You will be assessed against a selection of the Band C Competencies at interview stage. These are specified in the role profile. The competencies can be found here. Please ensure you download and keep this document in preparation for your potential interview. 10

11 Terms and conditions Role Title Economist Salary Glasgow 30,950-42,390 London 33,400-45,700 Location London/Glasgow Hours of work London: 36 hours per week Glasgow: 37 hours per week Annual leave entitlement As a new starter you are entitled to 25 days annual leave which will rise to 30 days after 2 years service. If you are transferring from another Government Department, and have 2 years continuous service your annual leave will be 30 days on joining. You will also receive 10.5 days public, Bank and privilege holiday. Please note the dates vary in England, Wales and Scotland. If your appointment is for less than a year then you will receive a pro-rata and public/privilege allowance. Pension The civil service offers excellent pension arrangements. For further information, please visit: Other benefits Cycle to work Childcare vouchers Season ticket loan Employee wellbeing Enhanced maternity /paternity pay Subsidised Gym 11

12 Our values Making a positive difference for energy consumers Our priority is to protect and to make a positive difference for all energy consumers. We work to promote value for money, security of supply and sustainability for present and future generations. We do this through the supervision and development of markets, regulation and the delivery of government schemes. We work effectively with, but independently of, government, the energy industry and other stakeholders. We do so within a legal framework determined by the UK government and the European Union. Our values are: Dedication Committed to making a positive difference for all energy consumers today and for a sustainable future Making time to hear and understand views and be open to new ideas Being experts in our field - learning from everything we do developing our skills Integrity Acting with independence Being transparent and straightforward in our dealings with each other and our stakeholders Basing our decisions on the best available evidence and impartial assessment Determination Finding a way to make things happen To deliver - focusing on the consumer outcome, working collaboratively with each other, and in partnership with stakeholders Thinking ahead, and leading thinking 12

13 Equalities and diversity As an employer we are committed to equality. We want to be an organisation that people are proud to be part of. We welcome applications from all people across all sections of our diverse communities. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity in our employment practice and processes. This is irrespective of disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or religious affiliation, working pattern and responsibility for dependents. We believe that every employee should be treated with openness, honesty and respect. We won t tolerate unfair treatment or discrimination. We aim to have a workforce that reflects the diverse community that we serve. We value and make the best use of this diversity of talent, so that our people fulfil their potential and create the conditions for business success. 13