Working for GAD

How to apply for jobs with the Government Actuary's Department (GAD).

Joining the Government Actuary’s Department

  • We typically recruit for:

    • qualified actuaries

    • trainee actuaries

    • analysts

    • specialists in finance, HR, project management, facilities management and IT

Our vacancies are advertised on the Civil Service Jobs website.

The work we do

We advise government on significant policy initiatives where understanding and quantifying financial risks are critical elements of good decision-making. In particular we provide advice on pensions, student loans and risk-pooling arrangements such as those for clinical negligence claims.

Our goal is to integrate analytical and actuarial techniques into the business of government to achieve better outcomes for decision-makers and the public. Further details of our work can be found in the GAD Services section.

Who we look for

Over the course of a career with GAD you will engage in different projects. We look for actuaries, analysts and trainees who are able to adapt to, and become experts in, our wide range of work.

We expect our people to be able to confidently explain the results of our analysis to decision-makers in government. Staff also need to work closely with clients to help them best use our analytical support.

We recruit actuarial staff in 2 ways. Directly, when specific specialist vacancies arise, or as entrants to our analyst and trainee programmes. We place a special emphasis on developing a broad range of skills and experience across our portfolio of work.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion. Our Equality Objectives 2021 to 2025 sets out our objectives and action plan.

What we offer

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

    • flexible working arrangements, subject to operational requirements, including flexi time, working from home, part time working

    • extensive talent, career and personal development, including a minimum 5 days training each year for all staff and study support for actuarial trainees

    • 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

    • dedicated team providing technical and professional support for actuarial staff including regular opportunities to gain CPD/Professional Skills Training and support on professional standards

    • 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

    • salary advances for travel costs, including annual season tickets and cycle-to-work schemes

Vacancies at GAD

Graduate Analyst (Permanent) - Closing Date: 31st December

Graduate Trainee Actuary (Permanent) - Closing Date: 31st December

How we recruit

Our recruitment processes follow the principle of selection on merit based on fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles.

If you feel your application has not been treated in line with these principles and you wish to complain, please email our recruitment inbox: recruitment@gad.gov.uk.

If you are not satisfied with the response you can contact the Civil Service Commission.

All potential employees intending to work in a government department must complete appropriate vetting checks. All GAD employees and contractors have to meet the minimum standard of vetting - the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). It is one of 4 levels of personnel security controls.

Further guidance can be found at:

• https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hmg-personnel-security-controls

• https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/security-policy-framework

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