Department for Transport The Commercial Fast Track Programme Moving Britain Ahead MIS765 9/15
Moving Britain Ahead
Contents Introduction...4 Why commercial?...5 The placements...6 7 What will I gain?...8 The professional qualification...9 Fast Tracker Support...10 What will I need?...11 Commercial Fast Tracker blogs...13 14 Rewards and benefits...15 How do I apply?...15
Introduction As ambassadors for the Commercial Fast Track (CFT) programme at the Department for Transport (DfT), we are delighted to present you with this opportunity to start a challenging and rewarding career with us. The Department for Transport is an important component to the UK s infrastructure, as it is vital for economic growth and prosperity. Transport keeps Britain on the move, whether that be the daily commute to work or supplying businesses up and down the country, without it, business sectors cannot function efficiently and effectively. If you are a driven and motivated individual who seeks a challenging and rewarding career within a commercial role, then the Department for Transport will provide you with first-class training and development and an opportunity to work on major and high profile projects. We look forward to you joining the programme. Jonathan Moor Lucy Chadwick Head of Profession for Commercial Director General Resources and Strategy Programme Sponsor Director General International Security and Environment Moving Britain Ahead
Kick start your career with the Commercial Fast Track programme The Commercial Fast Track is a three year programme that has a diverse range of commercial based roles across the department. The programme is divided into three one year placements where you will continually be exposed to rapidly growing areas of the business and will utilise your newly acquired skills by putting them into practice. You will have full support throughout the programme to enable you to drive your career forward to reach your goals and full potential. Why commercial? The Department for Transport is responsible for delivering some of the largest infrastructure projects in the country and is at the heart of the development of transport policy. This includes creating and managing many varied and complex commercial relationships in the public and private sector as well as creating an environment in which private sector transport can flourish. Ultimately, we need to improve our capability so that our commercial thinking underpins robust and effective policy outcomes, drives out inefficiency and maximises value. This will support the department with its future aims, high priorities and key deliverables. Therefore, we are offering a specific commercial programme to talented individuals that aims to develop commercial capability and transport leaders of the future. 5
The placements The placements could be in any part of the organisation with a commercial focus. The below will provide you with an idea on where you could be placed. Fast trackers Nishani Balendra High speed rail The High Speed Rail Directorate is sponsor and client of the High Speed Rail Project and works closely with HS2 Ltd (Delivery Body), to deliver the HS2 Programme. This will increase capacity and connectivity on North South rail routes and drive economic growth. Chloe White Pia Bahal Rail franchising The Rail Franchising Directorate is a part of passenger services, running rail franchise competitions to award new contracts to the most effective operating company. These franchising teams work on specifying and procuring the franchise with the aim of improving passenger experience, delivering value for money and driving economic growth. Complex commercial procurement The Group Commercial Services directorate manages some of the most significant, challenging and exciting procurement activities in government. We deliver optimum procurement solutions to meet DfT s business objectives contributing to economic growth, delivering value for money and embedding best practice through new and improved assurance processes. Moving Britain Ahead
Stephanie Hargraves Ross Duggan Major contract management The Major Contract Management team are part of the Rail Executive directorate within the department. They monitor and manage performance against key contracts and achieve value for money through a comprehensive understanding of the market. This includes the recognition of opportunities for improved efficiency. Project financing The Rail Finance team is part of the Rail Executive directorate within the department. The team work closely with both the rail franchising and rail commercial teams to provide financial advice and expertise to support the delivery of rail operations throughout the UK. Nathan Harlatt Major rail projects The Major Rail projects team are part of the Rail Executive Directorate within the department. They predominantly focus on delivering complex and high value procurements, as well as developing relationships with key industry partners; whilst ensuring they continually achieve value for money through all negotiations. Oliver Bradley Corporate finance The Corporate Finance team is a small, specialised unit within the department that functions to provide high quality commercial and financial advice across the department s portfolio of activities, including: private finance in transport infrastructure; regulatory finance; asset sales; and, corporate governance. The team also leads on the management of the department s commercial shareholdings. 7
What will I gain? As a fast tracker you will develop many skills which include the following: Gain an understanding of how the public sector buys goods and services and to ensure their effective delivery Learn from industry experts and experience first-hand complex negotiations Learn how major infrastructure projects are designed, financed and managed Build contract management skills and play a part in ensuring key services are delivered to the public Learn about the financial market and how it can support or impact on front line delivery Understanding of how major commercial transactions are treated in accounting terms. Moving Britain Ahead
The professional qualification As part of the programme you will study towards a professional qualification to further develop your commercial skills and expertise. This will be through either the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) or the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS). Additionally, to build upon your project management skills, you will have the opportunity to undertake the Association for Project Management foundation level qualification. On completion of the Commercial Fast Track Programme After you have successfully completed the programme we will give you our full support by providing you with advice and guidance to ensure that you make the right choice for your future development in the Department for Transport. 9
Fast track support The programme has been tailored to ensure our fast trackers receive the best possible experience and learning during their time on the programme. The support on the programme is available on three levels: Mentor You will have access to a Senior Civil Servant (SCS) outside of your line management chain who will have extensive industry experience within the commercial field. They will assist and support you during your time on the programme. Buddy You will be assigned an existing commercial fast tracker to help you settle into your role and answer any work related questions you might have. Your cohort Your peers on the programme are a great resource to share information and knowledge with or to seek help and advice. Moving Britain Ahead
What will I need? All our people need to demonstrate the skills and behaviours that help us deliver the department s strategy and vision. Therefore, we will expect you to be fully committed, flexible and passionate when undertaking the exciting, stretching and challenging roles we have to offer. We will also expect you to demonstrate your ability to communicate and influence effectively, as well as showing your potential and desire to lead people. In order to meet the Department for Transport s entry requirements you will need to have the following: To have or be predicted a 2:1 degree in any subject, or to have attained a Master s degree in any subject To be highly numerate To be prepared to commit to a three year development programme, including undertaking a professional qualification. 11
James MacAulay Joined September 2014 Background Prior to joining the Department for Transport (DfT) I worked in political risk analysis, after having studied history at the LSE and modern languages at Durham University. I had, however, always wanted to work in the civil service in a job that makes a difference and so I was delighted to gain a place on the DfT s new Commercial Fast Track programme. Professional development and support Professional development is the key element of the Commercial Fast Track. The scheme offers the opportunity to undertake a professional qualification, while simultaneously working in a stretching environment. Support is offered by mentors, buddies, the dedicated fast track team and the rest of the cohort, which means that each fast tracker has a fantastic network with whom to tackle any of the challenges that come with taking part in a challenging scheme. My first placement My first role was in passenger services, where I was involved in the contract management of the largest rail franchise ever let by the department. During this placement I managed the project to integrate two active rail franchises, which was an extremely challenging but a rewarding undertaking. Other responsibilities included regular meetings with industry stakeholders; preparing ministerial briefings; and contributing to the management of the interface between London rail franchises and major projects, such as the Thameslink and On-Train Wi-Fi programmes. The work proved varied, interesting and stretching, but the key aspect for me was working with enthusiastic and talented people. The future I have recently started my second placement, working on the funding and financing of new airport capacity. I am excited about working on such a high-profile project, and have already gained a wealth of experience during my first few weeks. I know that the placement will be challenging as all Commercial Fast Track roles are but I know that I will also develop a great deal of commercial skills and knowledge working in this environment. Moving Britain Ahead
Nishani Balendra Joined September 2014 Background Before joining the Commercial Fast-track, I had just qualified as a solicitor after graduating from Oxford University in Law. The attraction of the commercial fast track was not only that I would be developing key, in-demand commercial skills, but also the variety of work that would be open to me through the three one year placements. I also looked forward to the prospect of working on large projects and grappling with some of the key challenges in infrastructure. Professional development and support The Commercial Fast Track provides you with the opportunity to undertake a professional qualification, which will add to and enhance the commercial work experience you gain on the programme. In addition there is a comprehensive support network through mentors (including a senior civil service mentor and mentor to assist with professional qualifications) and a buddy, which helped me to fit into the culture and work practices of the DFT relatively quickly, whilst at the same time providing me with invaluable guidance on work and career development. First placement My first role was as an assistant commercial adviser on the HS2 Project. I helped to develop, track and implement contract management and change processes arising from DFT s contract with HS2 Ltd, which involved me working closely with commercial consultants and regularly attending and contributing to meetings with senior managers at both HS2 Ltd and the DfT. My first role exposed me to the sheer breadth and complexity of a project worth over 50 billion, and proved to be a fast-paced, challenging but ultimately rewarding environment to work in. Second placement I have recently started my second placement in the Corporate Finance Directorate and I am really looking forward to working on a range of projects across the DFT, such as the sale of Kings Cross, the funding and financing of new airport capacity and performance of the shareholder function for Highways England. I would highly recommend the Commercial Fast Track to anyone who is thinking of applying not only will it offer the opportunity for accelerated career progression and an interesting, challenging breadth of work, but will also develop highly sought after commercial skills in a supportive environment. 13
Oliver Bradley Joined September 2014 Background Before joining the Department for Transport (DfT) I had recently graduated from the University of Leeds and I wanted to work in the civil service. I was drawn to the Commercial Fast Track (CFT) because it s a challenging programme that provides a broad exposure to different commercial areas through three one-year placements. Transport is an industry that affects everyone on a daily basis, where you can see your work come to fruition on an unrivalled scale. My first placement My first role was in Corporate Finance, where I worked on a range of the most significant projects, programmes and policy initiatives across the department s portfolio of activities, such as: the refinancing of the multi-billion pound Thameslink and Intercity Express Rolling Stock PFI procurements; funding and financing of new airport capacity in response to the Airport Commission s recommendation; the sale of Kings Cross; and, corporate governance and assurance of departmental Arm s Length Bodies. I worked closely with stakeholders across industry, Whitehall and the corporate world, including HM Treasury, law firms, Big 4 consultancy firms and investment banks. I found the scope of work broad as well as stretching, and I ve had the opportunity to work with very talented and intelligent individuals at DfT. Professional development and support The CFT supports you to undertake a professional qualification with associated study leave and time off for exams. For me, it is crucially important to be on a programme that invests in your professional development. The future I ve recently started my second placement on secondment at HS2 Ltd in the Procurement Operations team, and I am very much looking forward to working on what will be the largest infrastructure project in Europe once construction starts. CFT roles are challenging, but I know that the skills and knowledge that I develop at HS2 Ltd will give me a different, valuable perspective when I return to DfT, making me more effective in my future career. Moving Britain Ahead
Rewards and benefits Salary: Approximately 28,000 Annual leave: 25 days Pension: Pension schemes are available and more information will be provided to successful candidates. For further information on these schemes please refer to the following website www.civilservice.gov.uk/pensions Benefits The department offers its employees a great range of lifestyle benefits including discounted gym membership, free health screens, savings on cycles for work and discounts on high street shopping. How do I apply? The vacancy advert for the Commercial Fast Track Programme will be advertised on Civil Service jobs between 4th January 2016 and 29th February 2016. Please apply via the Civil Service Jobs website: www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk Contacts: For queries on the programme please contact Jon Bray on commercialfasttrack@dft.gsi.gov.uk or alternatively phone 0207 944 4040 Recreational The department has an active sports and recreation association (SPARTA), which offers activities such as yoga, fitness classes, golf, table tennis, choir singing, discounted massages, and more. There is also a strong emphasis on staff health and wellbeing, with a range of events put on throughout the year, including an annual day encouraging participation in a variety of sports (Fit for Business). 15
Email: commercialfasttrack@dft.gsi.gov.uk Phone: 0207 944 4040