CAFCASS GRADUATE JOB PROFILE
Job Title:
Cafcass HR Graduate
Accountable to:
Senior HR Business Partner
Area/Location:
Leeds
Key Working
Relationships:
HR Senior Management Team, Corporate Management
Team and other Senior Managers, National Business
Centre, and Internal and External Stakeholders
Role Requirements:
(See attached person specification)
Salary:
£20,000 (with scope to progress to £22,000 after 12
months subject to effective performance)
Term:
2 years on a fixed term basis (successful applicants will
have the opportunity to apply for any suitable roles within
Cafcass as they arise, in line with Cafcass recruitment
policies and procedures)
Superannuation:
The pension scheme used by Cafcass is the West
Yorkshire Pension Fund (a Local Government Pension
Scheme). This is also our auto enrolment scheme.
Contribution rates are based on a tiered system.
Annual Leave:
28 days rising to 33 days after 5 years reckonable service,
inclusive of 3 privilege days to be taken between
Christmas and New Year plus any of the bank/public
holidays.
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JOB SUMMARY:
As an entrant onto the Cafcass graduate scheme, you will be responsible for
supporting the national Human Resources service in delivering projects to meet
business needs. This will include: supporting improvement initiatives; managing
deadlines; contributing to the team at an exceptional standard.
The HR Graduate will also assist the Corporate Management Team with long-term
project work through research and analysis, and by taking ownership of specific work
strands. With a focus on continually improving outcomes, you will develop and use
best practice in delivering services, applying theoretical learning within a practical
environment.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:
Safeguarding
1. Understanding the values and purpose of Cafcass, and its commitment to
safeguarding children.
2. Supporting and contributing to organisational wide activities to meet statutory and
professional responsibilities with regard to safeguarding children.
Service Effectiveness Including Information Management
1. Working within the HR service and in a range of other project teams, taking
responsibility for the delivery of specific strands of project work including research
activities, analysing and presenting information, liaison and negotiation with
internal and external stakeholders and arranging meetings and briefings.
2. Undertaking research on a variety of topics and issues, and presenting findings in
a confident and professional manner using a variety of media.
3. Collating and analysing information as required, ensuring accuracy in delivery and
to agreed timescales.
4. Ensure compliance with data protection legislation and the Cafcass information
assurance policy and procedure at all times.
5. Constantly reviewing systems and processes, making recommendations for
improvements in effectiveness and identifying potential efficiencies.
6. Responsible for internal records, including input into databases and systems,
maintaining office records and filing systems (physical and digital).
Support to Achieve Effective Service Delivery
1. Developing and maintaining: policies; management guidance; processes and
systems.
2. Demonstrate strong problem solving approaches, including the ability to analyse
and implement changes to service delivery, and directly contribute to continuous
service improvements.
3. Demonstrate strong written communications on a daily basis, by producing
reports, papers, briefings, policies, articles and other documentation, as required.
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4. Assisting in the implementation of recommendations from inspections, including
monitoring and reviewing of action plans.
5. Preparing business reports and communications appropriate to the intended
audience that deliver the required impact and outcomes.
Engagement & Partnership Working
1. Liaising between Cafcass National Office and a number of key stakeholders, such
as: Local Offices; Heads of Service; inspectors and auditors; Government
departments; others as necessary
2. Developing and maintaining effective working relationships with all those within
the host function, project teams and other key contacts, internally and externally,
at all times.
3. Becoming a pro-active team member, playing a full part in meetings and events,
as appropriate and required.
4. Maintaining communications materials, such as intranet and internet pages,
ensuring guidance, policies and procedures are accessible to staff and service
users.
5. Promoting diversity and equality to ensure that practice and engagement is free
from discrimination, in accordance with Cafcass policy and equal opportunities
legislation.
General
1. Taking responsibility for your continuing professional and personal development.
2. Contributing to the wider planning of Cafcass as required.
3. At all times acting in accordance with legislation, National Directives and Cafcass
policies and procedures.
4. Being seen as an effective representative for Cafcass, and acting at all times in a
professional manner conducive to promoting a positive Cafcass image.
This job profile is not a definitive list of responsibilities but identifies the key components of
the role. The specific objectives of the post holder will be subject to review as part of the
individual performance review process.
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HR GRADUATE PERSON SPECIFICATION
Key:
Assessed by Application Form:
Assessed at Interview:
Assessed by Exercise
Documentary Evidence
A
I
E
D
A
I
X
X
E
D
Qualifications
Degree at 2:1 or above.
X
Skill Areas
1. Service Effectiveness & Information Management
Skills to be demonstrated
 Ability to apply intellectual rigor and understanding, analyse, interpret,
explain and summarise complex data and issues in a logical manner.
 Ability to think ahead and demonstrate effective problem solving skills
 Ability to use a wide range of Microsoft Office packages particularly in
the areas of Word, Excel and Outlook.
 Excellent word processing skills, a good working knowledge and
comprehension of written English, including grammar.
 Excellent customer service and client care skills.
 Excellent listening and oral communication skills including the ability to
adapt oral and written communication methods and styles to suit the
audience.
 Excellent level of numerical ability.
 Analytical skills and the ability to analyse and interpret numerical data.
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
2. Support to achieve Effective Service Delivery
Skills to be demonstrated
 Knowledge of general office practice.
 Ability to prioritise conflicting tasks and a challenging workload.
 Ability to react appropriately to short and long-term issues and to be
decisive.
 Ability to adapt to a changing environment.
 Ability to plan and complete work to agreed timescales.
 Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
 The use of a variety of problem solving techniques to develop and
improve the service.
 Ability to work pro-actively and with minimal instruction.
 Able to act on own initiative within agreed limits.
 Ability to remain calm, confident and professional.
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X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X


Ability to apply theoretical learning within a practical environment.
Self motivated and committed to achieving targets.
A
I
E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
3. Engagement and partnership working
Skills to be demonstrated
 Ability to deal tactfully and sensitively with people and have an
understanding of confidentiality issues.
 Highly developed teamwork skills, interpersonal skills and the ability to
work with minimal supervision.
 Able to be assertive at times.
 Ability to pass on instructions without losing clarity.
 Ability to encourage positive working relationships.
4. General and Personal Qualities
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




A collaborative team worker who can build positive relationships and
work effectively across boundaries and achieve results through others.
Personal conduct, integrity and credibility that commands the
confidence of senior managers and staff at all levels, external partners
and stakeholders.
Responds constructively to difficult situations.
Understands the role of the Children and Family Court and Advisory
Support Service.
A commitment to social justice, equality and the needs of children.
A pro-active self-starter able to manage multiple priorities within
timescales which may mean reconciling the demands of corporate and
service requirements.
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D