National Technical & Valuation Lead - Mineral Surveying

The Built Environment and Minerals Surveyors (BEAMS) team is a highly specialist team of surveyors within the National Valuation Unit (NVU) responsible for providing technical advice and guidance across all the workstreams in the VOA Network. It’s Building, Quantity and Mineral Surveyors also take the lead as expert witnesses in complex litigation matters. This role is an exciting opportunity to join the team and bolster its existing Senior Technical Leadership Cohort.
The postholders will support both the Head of BEAMS and the Head of Mineral Surveying in providing technical advice, guidance, and support in operational delivery. The successful candidate would ensure a consistent approach is adopted in all matters pertaining to mineral surveying, valuation of minerals and waste management properties across the VOA network.
The National Technical & Valuation Lead - Mineral Surveying posts are required to support all aspects of the technical work undertaken by the team and will be assigned to responsibilities that could include the management of professional services in respect of valuation advice delivered to other public bodies, National taxation, Mining Subsidence Reports, Non-Domestic Rating (NDR) Revaluation and NDR Check Challenge, Appeal and Maintenance casework. The role holders may also be required to act as expert witness and will be required to undertake peer reviews and quality assurance.
The successful candidates will also have the opportunity to consider studying for the RICS Rating Diploma qualification whilst in post.
National Technical & Valuation Lead - Mineral Surveying – Key responsibilities
+ Providing technical leadership, guidance, and support on operational delivery through supporting and advising specialist caseworkers within the team and dealing directly with complex, litigious, and politically sensitive casework across all the Agency’s work streams.
+ Assisting with monitoring operational performance of the Team against strategic targets and objectives, identifying issues and making recommendations on action to be taken.
+ Assisting with the delivery of NDR revaluations on mineral, waste management and emerging waste diversification properties (including energy from waste and other similar emerging technologies).
+ Supporting the Head of Mineral Surveying and wider BEAMS Management Team in setting the strategic overview and continuous development of the team (succession planning, training, and specialist surveyor pipeline) including the embedding of the VOA vision and values.
+ Providing technical & valuation advice and briefing material to the network and other stakeholders.
+ Undertaking Peer Review and Valuation Assurance as required on highly complex, high risk, or high-profile casework.
+ Negotiating valuations with national agents and appearing at Valuation Tribunal, Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) and higher courts as necessary.
+ In these roles you will liaise with and provide support on mineral surveying and valuation matters to representatives of other jurisdictions (Scottish Assessors and Northern Ireland Land and Property Services) on a commissioned and harmonisation basis.
+ Dealing with new and emerging areas of technical complexity and legal/professional practice, whilst developing solutions that are appropriate, practical and in accordance with managing risk.
+ Both roles are pivotal in the development of the next generation of surveying professionals and therefore the post holders will be required to provide technical support and training to those on development schemes or undertaking professional qualifications., We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
+ Leadership
+ Making Effective Decisions
+ Developing Self and Others

Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
+ As part of the interview you will be asked technical questions to assess your technical skills., A Personal Statement (maximum 750 words), please outline your suitability for the role. Please pay particular attention to the ‘Essential Criteria’ and ‘Person Specification’ outlined in the advert when providing your answer.
Sift - 23/10/2024
We will assess you on your CV, Personal Statement, Qualifications and Memberships.
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift will be made on the first and second essential criteria via the personal statement:
+ MRICS/FRICS qualified in the Mineral Surveying pathway or Valuation Pathway with advanced technical expertise relevant to the Minerals and Waste sectors.
+ Strong leadership experience with the ability to coach, support and motivate individuals to improve their performance and achieve their potential.
Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to interview.
Interviews - 06/11/2024
Please note these dates are provisional and may be subject to change. These will be confirmed should you be invited to interview.
Interviews are currently taking place using Microsoft Teams Video. We will provide more detail if you are shortlisted for interview.
We will assess you on the Behaviours listed in the job description Strengths, Technical Questions and a 10-minute Presentation .
At the interview, the panel can then probe further and ask applicants to provide further specific examples that show how they best demonstrate their skills.
Behaviours
The distinguishing Behaviours (the required skills, knowledge and behaviours) for this role are set out in the Civil Service Behaviours Framework 2018 (Success Profiles - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)) and should be referred to when making this application.
You are required, under the Behaviours approach, to describe how you have dealt with a specific situation.
You must give evidence of your knowledge, skills and behaviours and how you have applied this, such as what you did or said and how you interacted with other people.
When you are giving your examples, do not spend too many words on description and background information. Avoid using general or unspecific statements. Instead say what the situation was, what you did what your thought process was and so on.
Presentation
You will also be required to conduct a 10-minute presentation on “a recent difficult, complex or challenging piece of work they have undertaken relevant to the essential experience required for this role”.
Technical
As part of the interview you will be asked technical questions to assess your technical skills.
Application Hints and Tips
For more information on Success Profiles, tips on how to write a successful application and find out more about what’s involved in the application process please visit About the application process , Civil Service Careers (civil-service-careers.gov.uk)
Further Information
As part of the application process you will be asked to tell us which of the locations available you can work in. You will be able to specify up to 2 options. Please be aware that you can be posted to any location that you put in your preferences. If you would only like to be posted to one location, please confirm one location only.
Successful candidates must select one of the locations noted in this advert as their base office and will be expected to undertake regular travel to this location under the Agency’s hybrid working policy.
A full UK Driving Licence is essential to this role. However, if you are considered disabled under the Equality Act 2010 and do not hold a full driving licence, we will consider your application. Please contact resourcingteam@voa.gov.uk with your details to discuss this further.
Any move to VOA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
The VOA is an office-based organisation that supports flexible working. By default, everyone in the VOA is a hybrid worker with options to work in the office, at home or out and about, depending on the work they’re doing that day and where it’s best done.
VOA employees only: If you are currently in receipt of DTA as a result of a VOA office closure/restructure and it is agreed for you to take up this role in your current location, you may continue to receive DTA for the remainder of the period you can claim for. Please check with the Vacancy Holder on preferred locations for this role before you apply.
If you would require a Certificate of Sponsorship from the VOA to undertake this role, please contact resourcingteam@voa.gov.uk before submitting your application.
Pre-employment Checks
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Reasonable Adjustment
We want to make sure no one is put at a disadvantage during our recruitment process because of a disability, condition, or impairment. To assist you with this, we will reduce or remove any barriers where possible and provide additional support where appropriate.
If you need a reasonable adjustment or a change to be made so that you can make your application, please click here for more information:
Reasonable Adjustments , Civil Service Careers (civil-service-careers.gov.uk) and contact voarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible.
Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process.
Terms & Conditions
Voluntary terms apply.
Reserve Lists
If we have more successful candidates than available vacancies, we will hold a 3-month reserve list as standard.
During that time, we may use the list to fill the same, or similar roles with closely matching essential criteria, without further testing of merit. Any appointments from the Reserve list will be made in strict merit order.
Starting Work
The successful candidates will normally take up duty within one month from notification of successful completion of pre-employment checks.
Applying
All applications for these vacancies must be made online. There are limited exceptions to this. Paper applications will only be considered if you have a disability that will prevent you from applying online. If this is the case, please email voarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Once you have submitted your application it cannot be amended; only submit your application when you have completely finished and answered all the relevant questions.
Please note that late applications will not be accepted.
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
Use of AI
You may utilise artificial intelligence (AI) tools and platforms to support you during the application process however, as with any application all information submitted must be factually accurate and all examples provided must be taken directly from your own experience. All presented information will be assessed at interview. Any applications where factual inaccuracy, plagiarism or copying of examples/answers from internet sources is detected will be withdrawn from the process. Further action, including disciplinary action, may be considered in such cases involving internal candidates.
Concerns/Complaints
The Valuation Office Agency’s recruitment processes are underpinned by the Civil Service Commissioner’s Recruitment Principles, which outlines that selection for appointment is made on merit based on fair and open competition.
If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the values in the Civil Service Code and/or if you feel the recruitment has been conducted in such a way that conflicts with the Civil Service Commissioner’s Recruitment Principles, you may make a complaint, by contacting the Central Recruitment Team at the following address: resourcingteam@voa.gov.uk
If you are not content with the outcome of your complaint you have the right to complain to the Civil Service Commissioners.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
+ UK nationals
+ nationals of the Republic of Ireland
+ nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
+ nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
+ nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
+ individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
+ Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).
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We are seeking a strong leader who has advanced technical expertise in the minerals and waste management property sectors. They will have the ability to interpret and apply general legislation and case law and use strong analytical and judgement skills to consider a range of evidence to reach an informed decision.
The successful candidate will be highly motivated and have demonstrable leadership capabilities to lead a diverse team to deliver results. The postholder will have a personal and professional commitment to the profession, keeping technical knowledge up-to-date and using it to provide advice, guidance and training to others.
Essential Requirements
+ MRICS/FRICS qualified in the Mineral Surveying pathway or Valuation Pathway with advanced technical expertise relevant to the Minerals and Waste sectors.
+ Strong leadership experience with the ability to coach, support and motivate individuals to improve their performance and achieve their potential.
+ In depth technical knowledge of mineral valuation for rating, national taxation, and wider public sector interests.
+ Ability to demonstrate the application of technical knowledge and legal requirements along with an understanding of commercial, economic and policy environments to make informed decisions and deliver results.
+ Excellent communication skills with the ability to deal with a wide range of customers, and stakeholders and present complex details clearly at Tribunal.
+ Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills - to use high levels of negotiating, consulting, and interpersonal skills to achieve co-operation over mutually acceptable solutions.
+ Good report writing and presentation skills.
+ Responsibilities stretch across the whole of the UK but primarily England and Wales and therefore you must be willing to travel. We are reasonable with our expectations and provide flexible working arrangements to support this need.
+ Able to undertake site visits and occasional overnight stays. Some sites are difficult to access via public transport and therefore a full UK Driving Licence is deemed essential to the role, MRICS/FRICS qualified in the Mineral Surveying pathway or Valuation Pathway.

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) are the public sector’s property valuation experts and advisers with a vision to be a world-leading provider of public sector valuations. As one of the largest employers of surveyors in the country, our work is vital to the collection of over £60 billion of revenue which goes back into communities, touching every citizen and every business across England and Wales.
We champion the values of professionalism, integrity, respect and innovation. We are committed to providing a collaborative and supportive working environment that encourages every colleague to contribute, grow and excel together. With opportunities to drive your own development and growth, we empower our colleagues to succeed by ensuring support at every step of their career journey.

Alongside your salary of £54,631, Valuation Office Agency contributes £15,826 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
We offer a range of flexible working options, a generous leave allowance that starts at 25 days and goes up to 30 days after 5 years’ service and a Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
+ Learning and development tailored to your role.
+ An environment with flexible working options.
+ Family friendly policies including 26 weeks full pay for maternity, adoption or shared parental leave.
+ Employee Assistance Programme offering comprehensive wellbeing support.
+ To learn more about the extensive benefits we can offer you as a VOA employee please download our Benefits Booklet: VOA_benefits_booklet.pdf (publishing.service.gov.uk).