Join to apply for the Director of Strategy and Policy role at Infected Blood Compensation Authority
Infected Blood Compensation Authority provided pay range
This range is provided by Infected Blood Compensation Authority. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range
Location: Based in Benton Park View in Newcastle, moving to Newcastle City Centre in Summer 2026 or our Glasgow office currently at Atlantic Square.
Working Pattern: This role is available for full‑time, and or flexible working arrangements (including job share partnerships and condensed working hours) but you should discuss your needs with the hiring manager if you are invited to interview.
The IBCA premium allowance is an extra payment in addition to the spot rate that will be paid to employees on IBCA terms and conditions at Levels 1‑8. It exists to recognise that employment with IBCA will be time‑limited.
The premium allowance rate is set at 7.5 % of the spot rate and applies to the spot rate only. It is an annual allowance that will be paid monthly with salary.
On completion of probation, employees will become eligible to receive the allowance which is non‑pensionable and non‑contractual. Non‑contractual means employees on IBCA terms and conditions do not have a contractual right to receive the payment. It can be increased, decreased or removed at IBCA’s discretion.
About Infected Blood Compensation Authority
In recognition of the hurt caused by the infected blood scandal and highlighted by the Infected Blood Inquiry (IBI), the government has accepted the moral case for a compensation scheme to pay compensation to those infected and affected.
The Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA) is a new arm’s‑length body set up, at unprecedented pace, to administer compensation to people whose lives have been impacted by the infected blood scandal.
IBCA will ensure payment is made in recognition of the wrongs experienced by those who have been infected by HIV, Hepatitis B or C, as well as those who love and care for them. They have been frustrated and distressed by the delays in achieving proper recognition, and we must help put this right.
We are committed to putting the infected and affected blood community at the centre of every decision we make and every step we take to build our organisation to deliver compensation payments.
IBCA employees will be public servants. If successful in this role you will be appointed directly into IBCA, on IBCA terms and conditions as a public servant. Successful applicants will join the Civil Service Pension Scheme.
Please note that the mission of IBCA means that it is likely to be fully operational for a period of approximately 5‑7 years, after which IBCA will become a smaller residual service. When IBCA’s work begins to wind down, IBCA employees will receive support and practical guidance to find a new role, whether in the Civil Service, another Arms Length Body (ALB), or an external employer.
IBCA is the independent body responsible for designing, delivering and closing a compensation scheme for victims of the infected blood tragedy.
Working in a highly scrutinised, multi‑stakeholder environment, IBCA develops policy and oversees delivery of compensation and ongoing support payments in a way that is lawful, value‑for‑money and resilient to fraud. The post‑holder will be a core member of Exco, guiding strategy and policy at a critical moment in public service reform and community engagement.
Role at a glance
* Provide strategic leadership across IBCA’s strategy, policy, governance and planning functions.
* Lead a high‑profile, start‑up‑to‑close‑down lifecycle within a multi‑billion pound delivery environment.
* Working with the CEO to manage executive relationships with the IBCA Board and sponsors in central government, Parliament, and key delivery partners.
* Build a trusted, community‑informed policy environment and a high‑performing, diverse team of over 70 staff.
* Drive auditable decision making, governance, and cross‑government engagement to deliver circa £11.8 billion in compensation.
What you’ll get
* An influential role at the heart of a landmark public service programme.
* The opportunity to lead a high‑calibre team through a significant period of change and impact.
* A supportive governance framework with a clear path to senior leadership within the public sector.
* If you’re ready to shape policy, drive delivery and build trust with communities and government partners, this is a unique, high‑profile opportunity to lead IBCA’s strategy and policy function.
Key Responsibilities
* Steer the organisation’s strategy and delivery as an Exco member, overseeing multi-billion pound budgets to secure value for money and advising on associated risks and mitigations.
* Lead IBCA governance at executive and board levels; manage relationships with Cabinet Office, HMT, Parliament and wider government; support the Chief Executive and Chair in all engagements; coordinate with the Infected Blood Inquiry as required.
* Provide policy leadership for cross‑cutting strategic issues; design and develop policies that align with complex legislation and operational realities.
* Champion Community Driven Development by ensuring the community’s voice informs policy and process design, building trust through transparent, user‑centred approaches.
* Manage development and delivery of professional services and external contracts; oversee relationships with service providers, including law firms.
* Represent IBCA in negotiations with government, and communicate policy and delivery plans clearly to ministers, Parliamentary committees and the community.
* Build organisational capability and promote continuous professional development; lead strategic change initiatives to improve efficiency and agility while maintaining high standards.
* Ensure sustainable planning for the start‑up, steady‑state delivery and eventual wind‑down of IBCA, balancing speed, quality, fraud risk and value for money.
* Maintain effective executive and board‑level decision‑making processes; ensure compliance with Managing Public Money and robust risk management practices.
Person specification
It is important that, through your CV and supporting statement, that you provide evidence of the professional skills, breadth of experience and personal qualities for this post.
* Strategic, high‑impact leadership experience in a large, complex public sector organisation; proven ability to shape and deliver policy and governance at scale.
* Outstanding political awareness and stakeholder management skills; able to build trust and influence senior officials, ministers, Parliament, and diverse community groups.
* Strong policy development capability within legally complex environments; demonstrable success in translating policy into practical, compliant delivery plans.
* Exceptional people leadership and organisation design capabilities; track record of building resilient teams, managing multi‑site delivery and driving change in demanding contexts.
* Financial and commercial acumen; experience in managing substantial budgets and professional services contracts with robust risk management and value‑for‑money focus.
* Commitment to public service values and community engagement; ability to foster transparency, accountability and a user‑centred service ethos in a high‑profile, high‑trust environment.
How to Apply
To apply for this post, you will need to complete the online application process, outlined below via the CS Jobs Website. This should be completed no later than 23:55, 17th December 2025.
1. A CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Please ensure you have provided reasons for any gaps within the last two years.
2. A Statement of Suitability (no longer than 1,000 words) explaining how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with particular reference to the essential criteria in the person specification. Please click here for more information: https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/how-to-write-your-ps/
Failure to complete both sections of the online application form (CV and Statement of Suitability) will mean the panel only have limited information on which to assess your application against the criteria in the person specification.
As part of the online application process, you will be asked a number of diversity‑related questions. If you do not wish to provide a declaration on any of the particular characteristics, you will have the option to select ‘prefer not to say’.
Should you encounter any issues with your online application please get in touch with us via: scscandidate.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
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