The Role Terms Candidate pack Software Engineer Up to: 52,925 per annum + benefits 1
The Role Terms Working with DWP Digital, we re reshaping the digital landscape of UK government. Our people, our biggest asset, use their expertise to design, build and run secure and intuitive digital services used by 20 million UK citizens, often during critical times in their lives. Based in six vibrant digital hubs across the country, we re embracing agile ways of working to ensure what we deliver exceeds our customer s needs. Working across one of the largest and most complex IT estates in Europe, we get to tackle intriguing challenges. We use cutting-edge design, data and a full range of innovative technologies to try out new ideas, experiment, iterate and innovate at pace. Loveday Ryder BPDTS CEO Our people want and need to keep up with rapidly evolving digital technology to be masters of their craft. An excellent range of learning and development is available to tap into, that enables our people to build the skills they need and move their careers forward. View a short welcome video from Loveday 2
The Role Terms Every one of our people is different. We care about what s going on in their lives, we want to help them be happy and healthy, both at and away from work. We value people for their differences and will do everything we can to create a positive, safe and healthy environment for everyone to be themselves at work. Working on digital services millions of people rely on can often be reward enough, but we believe in celebrating successes together. We recognise and reward our people for their creativity, commitment and dedication. Loveday Ryder BPDTS CEO If this sounds like the kind of place you d like to work, we re looking for great people like you to join us. BPDTS CEO 3
The Role Terms About Our Organisation We re a new company that has been set up to provide specialist digital technology services to DWP. We already employ more than 600 people and have ambitious growth plans that will see us more than double in size over the next 12 months alone. Our experts include: technical architects, infrastructure engineers, software and testing engineers, agile delivery managers, business analysts, data specialists and IT service managers to name but a few. We re co-located with experts from DWP Digital in six vibrant digital hubs across the country. We re looking to fill positions in all of these locations at the moment. We re able to work in innovative ways together, using the latest technologies and tools. Visit our 2018/19 business plan for more information about our organisation, goals and ambitions. 4
The Role Terms Together at BPDTS One team, united in what we re trying to achieve, we support one another to deliver our goals, realise our ambitions and make our organisation a great place to work. Pride Striving for success is part of our DNA. We take great pride in what we do and enjoy, celebrate, recognise and reward success when it happens. Inclusivity We trust each other, value and respect one another s perspectives and create a happy, safe and healthy work environment for everyone. Opportunity Being creative and curious, we continuously aim to seek out new opportunities, experiment and take bold decisions to improve our services, organisation and ourselves. Simplicity Breaking down blockers that get in the way, we aim to focus on the interesting things that matter most. We want to make difficult things simple and easy to do. Expertise We aim to keep up to date with digital trends and learn new technologies to master our craft. We share best practice, bounce ideas around and learn new things together. 5
The Role Terms About Our Software Engineers Our engineers work collaboratively in multi-disciplinary teams to help DWP Digital accelerate their transformation and modernisation of the UK welfare system. We build and test quality, reliable and accessible digital services using a range of software to meet the needs of people using them. We write code to create applications and infrastructure, with automated and manual testing being used to make sure it works, is high quality and bug free. We use cutting-edge design, data and a full range of innovative technologies to try out new ideas, experiment, iterate and innovate at pace. 6
The Role Terms At BPDTS, we work closely with experts from across DWP Digital s wider community to achieve shared goals. Click on the images and see more about services we work together on and what s great about being a software engineer. 7
The Role Terms Software Engineer (VME-R) - Background Each year DWP administers 176bn of welfare benefits and payments to UK citizens, the majority of which is processed through a set of core business applications hosted on the VME platform. The VME Replacement (VME-R) programme has been established to deliver the range of technology changes required to re-platform the existing ageing VME Mainframe based OPSTRAT application systems and host these on a more modernised technology platform. The programme is actively taking these critical benefit paying systems on to the new platform and utilising modern technology to continue to support the most vulnerable in society. 8
The Role Terms Software Engineer (VME-R) - The role As a Software Engineer (Working) you will be responsible for the development of products, which make up our citizen services. You will be responsible for the operational stability of the products you build, and be in a position to affect change in the on-going robustness, resilience and stability of those products. You will contribute to the overall Software Development Lifecycle Process within Software Engineering, following the agreed Architectural & Software Engineering principals to ensure the products developed are fit for purpose. 9
The Role Terms The person we need in the role As a Software Engineer you will be experienced in delivering software products transforming business requirements in to production ready code. As well as: Ensure system robustness, resilience and stability. Design and develop reusable libraries and services and promote reuse across the department. Produce comprehensive suites of automated unit and integration tests to ensure code quality. Assure there is a fit for purpose, robust automated test suite. Assist in the development of medium-long term strategies for products. Define version control strategies for the source code of the product. Identify and resolve issues preventing delivery or continuation of software engineering activities. Collaborate across teams and liaise with Principal Software Engineers and Technical Architects to investigate technical solutions. Produce comprehensive technical documentation for wider consumption. Carry out agreed infrastructure maintenance tasks. Provide 3rd line support on products developed, including out of hours support as and when required. Contribute to community discussions about best practice within Software Engineering. Provide coaching and mentoring to Software Engineers colleagues and peers. 10
The Role Terms Key You will have significant and demonstrable experience of the Cobol Language; ideally Microfocus Cobol but also VME Cobol / System Control Language. You will have significant and demonstrable experience implementing Software Engineering best practices You will have experience with SQL databases, Visual Studio and/or Eclipse and SCL Emulation (TSCL). You will have experience of the GIT revision control system. You will have had some exposure to Python. Experience of leading other Software Engineers, delivering products within specific time-scales, being able to quickly comprehend and convert business requirements into technical solutions and engaging with multiple stakeholders. 11
The Role Terms Desirable Data Dictionary Emulation. Advance Screen Handler. Batch Architecture. Oracle RDMS. Oracle Tuxedo. Integration Solutions. DWP VME Benefit Systems. Working in an Agile environment utilising SCRUM & KANBAN. Problem analysis and application maintenance experience. 12
The Role Terms T&Cs highlights at a glance We offer an attractive range of benefits, terms and conditions. These include: an attractive salary of up to of up to 52,925 p.a. For exceptional candidates there may be scope to offer a higher amount. up to 10% annual performance bonus. 25 days leave if you re full time, with another day added for each 5 years of service you complete (up to a maximum of 30 days). an Aviva Master Trust pension scheme, including employers contributions of up to 10%. Life assurance and income protection. flexible working, family friendly policies and a range of other employee benefits. access to an excellent range of learning and development opportunities. See the following pages for more detailed terms and conditions available. 13
The Role Terms Terms & Conditions Permanent, BPDTS Standard terms. Locations Blackpool. Working arrangements These roles are open to people who work either fulltime, part time or as part of a job share arrangement. New entrants to BPDTS will work a 37.5 hour week excluding meal breaks. Salary range A remuneration of up to 52,925 p.a. For exceptional candidates there may be scope to offer a higher amount. Performance related bonus Up to 10% per annum. Pension Our pension scheme is a Master Trust with Aviva. You d make contributions of at least 3%. We ll double contributions you make up to a maximum 10% employer contribution. Read more at http://friendslifepension.co.uk/bpdtslimited. You ll be able to decide into which funds your pension contributions are invested. We automatically enrol new employees into the Scheme. Aviva will contact you with more information - including giving you a 30 day option to opt-out of your membership if you wish. Aviva will write to you before your selected retirement age to explain more about your pension options. 14
The Role Terms Leave allowance We provide our people with a generous holiday. You ll get 25 days leave if you re full time. Another day is added for each 5 years of service you complete (up to a maximum of 30 days). There s then the 8 public/bank holidays too. These leave allowances are all pro-rata if you re part time. You can also buy and sell holiday leave. Flexible working With competitive maternity, paternity and parental leave, we recognise the importance of a good work-life balance. We offer flexible working and a family friendly approach to work. Disability Confident We re an accredited Disability Confident Employer. We're committed to removing barriers to disabled people in employment and ensuring that everyone has the chance to realise their aspirations. This reflects our belief in the benefits of a diverse workforce. Other benefits include: A voucher reward scheme, flexible benefits e.g. cycle to work, employee discount scheme, group income protection, group life assurance and much more. 15
The Role Terms Write a cover letter telling us about your relevant software engineering experience. Complete and return your application online. We ll aim to let you know if your application has progressed to the next stage within 2 weeks of you applying. Interviews will take place across the locations advertised. Bring specific ID documents we ask for to prove your identity. Demonstrate how you meet the skills and experience criteria needed. We ll make successful candidates a conditional offer. If you aren t successful, we can keep your details on file and notify you of new opportunities. We ll hold a reserve list for 6 months for similar vacancies. We'll complete preemployment checks before we make a formal offer and agree a start date. Some roles require additional security checks. If security checks aren t passed, we ll have to withdraw the conditional job offer. 16
The Role Terms How to apply Applicants will be required to complete a Personal Statement and upload their most relevant CV. This will be your opportunity to detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role and this information will be used to assess you. You will also need to answer the following question: In no more than 1,000 words please explain what skills and experience you have and how this meets the Essential Criteria? To apply: https://jobs.bpdts.co.uk/vacancies/vacancydetails.aspx?vacancyid=138 If you have applied for this role within the last 6 months and been unsuccessful we will not on this occasion be able to consider your application. If you are an existing BPDTS employee please speak to your line manager before applying for this role. 17
The Role Terms At the interview We expect you to demonstrate how you meet the essential and desirable criteria through a discussion with the panel members. Interview assessment process: Following CV sift, and if the candidate is invited to Interview, the candidate will undertake an Interview and Technical Assessment. Interview expenses Expenses incurred by candidates during the recruitment process will not be reimbursed except in exceptional circumstances and only when agreed in advance. 18
The Role Terms After the interview We ll make successful candidates a conditional offer. You ll need to complete pre-employment checks before we can make you a formal offer and agree a start date. Some roles require additional security checks (please see below for more information). Whilst you may have indicated the level to which you are applying any offer made will be based on the capability you demonstrate during assessment. Pre-appointment enquiries To enable these enquiries to be completed quickly, initially you will need to bring specific ID documents with you to interview to confirm identity and nationality. You will be notified of these if invited to interview. Please ensure the ID you provide is the same as the name you ve used on your application Please note this also applies to current BPDTS contractors. If you are recommended for appointment further enquiries will be carried out on other matters depending on the nature of the role. A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required for all new entrants. To avoid delay we will send completed Criminal Disclosure checking forms to the Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. 19
The Role Terms Things you need to know Security Any offer of employment will be subject to the successful candidate meeting the required security clearance. The level of security clearance needed is Baseline Personnel Security Standard. You may also be required to undergo security check (SC) Clearance at a later stage. You are advised to make sure you read the guidance to understand this requirement e.g. SC level clearance may require up to 5 years continuous UK residency. If a candidate is offered employment but does not meet the security requirements, BPDTS will withdraw the job offer. You are encouraged to contact us (via the contact details in the advert) if you have any questions we will be happy to assist you. 20
The Role Terms Contact Us We hope you have all you need to apply for the role we re advertising. Please contact bpdts.applications@dwp.gsi.gov.uk if you ve any questions. 21