Graduate Trainee Actuary

We are the centre of actuarial expertise within government providing advice and analysis to government across a range of significant policy initiatives. We enable government to better understand and quantify risks and in turn result in better outcomes for the UK public.

We are now looking for graduate trainees to join our actuary team. As a graduate trainee, you will play a crucial role at the Government Actuary’s Department (GAD) by working with other professionals to produce high quality advice and analysis for government. This will include actuarial advice to across government in a wide range of areas including:

• Applying actuarial and modern data science techniques to allow government to better understand and manage risks for important policies affecting the entire UK
• Managing costs and risks across the public service workforce, including the design and operation of public service pension schemes
• Understanding insurance risks and costs affecting government, including clinical negligence in the NHS
• Delivering bespoke advice on financial and demographic risks facing government, including social security benefits

Our goal is to integrate modern analytical and actuarial techniques into the business of government to achieve better outcomes for decision-makers and the public.

Typical areas of our work include the effective management of social security, pensions and risk-pooling arrangements, as well as bespoke advice including disaster risk protection. We are an inclusive organisation which values the strength of a diverse team, supported through staff networks and an active Diversity and Inclusion strategy. We encourage everyone to apply to join us.

Job Description

Our trainee programme will support you in reaching your full potential as an expert adviser within the heart of government, including generous support through your actuarial exams and opportunities to develop your consultancy skills.

Government has a wide need for actuarial advice which is growing over time as the world becomes more complex. GAD’s staff need to be equipped to work across a range of different areas to rise to the challenges of the future.

As a Trainee Junior Actuary in GAD, you will develop both your technical and consulting skills through our structured rotation programme. This programme will help you develop your communication, client engagement and project management skills, as well as your understanding of key actuarial and analytical techniques.

We also encourage trainees to undertake secondment opportunities and work directly with clients and colleagues in major government departments.

Responsibilities

• Produce actuarial analysis to inform GAD’s advice to government departments, across areas of insurance, investments, pensions, and risk.
• Support client engagement by drafting reports and advice as well as providing support in meetings and presentations.
• Manage your time to deliver your work to time and budget. You may also be responsible for assisting with broader project management and development of junior staff.
• Proactively develop your knowledge and understanding of actuarial methods and analysis, data science, the issues and risks facing government as well as how GAD can best provide advice to our clients.
• Identify and suggest new ways of working and areas where GAD can provide advice.
• Work within GAD’s professional standards and departmental procedures and guidance notes.
• Use MS Office and modern data science languages such as R and Python to carry out analysis and prepare advice for clients.

Behaviours

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

• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace
• Working Together

Benefits

As well as competitive salaries, we offer a substantial package of benefits:

• Extensive talent, career and personal development
• 25 days annual leave per year, increasing to 30 days after 5 years’ service. In addition we offer 9 days public and privilege days leave per year (pro rata for part time staff)
• Generous defined benefit Civil Service pension scheme
• Family-friendly policies such as help with caring responsibilities, special leave, generous paid maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• Access to employee assistance programme and occupational health
• Community volunteering programme, the opportunity to join a trade union, and discounted membership of local and national sports and social groups
• A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity
• Salary advances for travel costs, including annual season tickets and cycle-to-work schemes
• Complimentary BUPA health check for permanent staff

Security

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check. People working with government assets must completebasic personnel security standard checks.

Selection Process Details

• This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours and Strengths.
• Shortlisting: W/c 9 January 2023
• Interviews: TBC
• Interview location: London, EC4A 1AB

Please DO NOT email your CV as shortlisting will be carried out based on information provided in your application form only.

Shortlisting criteria is based on the Person Specification as set out in the Assessment Criteria section of the Job Description. Please ensure you provide examples of how you meet the Assessment Criteria; a strong application will also demonstrate that you meet the required criteria that are identified as key for this role.

Applications will be shortlisted in line with the essential criteria for the role. Behaviours will be assessed at interview stage. Candidates who are successful at shortlist will be contacted as soon as possible and advised of the interview process and assessment (exact times and dates will also be confirmed). A reserve list will be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Nationality Requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with settled or pre-settled status or who apply for either status by the deadline of the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service
• relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Service
• certain family members of the relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals