London (Hybrid)
Permanent, Full time
No DBS check required
£28,624 to £32,654.
About Us
Our work at the Valuation Tribunal Service (VTS) is relevant to everyone in their day-to-day lives as our remit covers business rates and council tax. We are an organisation that provides technical expertise and advises the Valuation Tribunal for England (who hear business rates and council tax appeals) on technical and procedural matters.
We currently have job opportunities to join our development programme for Trainee Clerks – initially on a two-year fixed term contract. If you are successful during the initial training programme we will then look to transition you into permanent clerking roles.
During your structured training programme, you will be supported to build your expertise in local taxation and gain professional qualification status with the professional body, the Institute of Revenues, Rating & Valuation (IRRV).
You will find our work is varied and interesting. If you are successful in being appointed, you will receive:
· a structured training programme delivered by expert professionals
· an experienced mentor to support your development along the way
· career-developing experiences and an opportunity to network with a wide range of property professionals
· help and support to achieve membership of the Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation (IRRV).
Our trainees can expect a competitive salary ranging from £28,624 to £32,654. Further progression will be based on successful performance and successful progress in your professional studies.
Among our benefits we offer membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme; a generous leave allowance that starts with 26 days, increasing to 28 after three years’ service and 31 days after five years of service; plus, the normal bank holidays and two additional days determined by us, usually over Christmas/New Year. Our leave year starts on 1 April each year, so if you join us after that then your leave will be pro-rationed accordingly.
Ideally you will have some employment experience relatable to our work in local property taxation and/or dispute resolution. You will be required to attain the required professional qualification with the IRRV. Whilst not essential, based upon individuals who have been successful in these roles in the past, it is likely that you will also have a degree relevant to the role – such as a law degree or similar. Our eligibility criteria to be considered for these roles is listed below.
Our commitment is to train you to understand the full appeal journey from first receipt of an appeal to writing a decision.
This will be a home working position, but you will be expected to travel and regularly attend our London office and any other locations around England as part of your training and development.
If successful during the fixed term contract our intention would be to transition you into the permanent role of Tribunal Clerk where you will be picking up your own caseload and facilitating Tribunals in an advisory capacity. The full clerking role can command a maximum salary up to £45,718.
Eligibility and Application: Trainee Clerk
• Highly engaged, self-motivated, IT literate individuals.
• Working under pressure and being able to manage your own time to meet strict deadlines are key requirements in all our trainee and clerking roles.
• Demonstrable organisational skills accompanied by excellent customer care skills with high levels of communication and interpersonal skills.
• Able to demonstrate an ability to pick up complex matters quickly
• Likely to be degree educated (although that is not essential) in a discipline relevant to our work in local taxation such as Law, dispute resolution, or similar; we do though welcome applicants from all backgrounds who are looking to develop a specialist career in local taxation coupled with attainment of a recognised professional qualification.
• Excellent analytical skills and have an ability to communicate clearly and concisely in English both orally and in writing.
• Able to distil information quickly from a range of sources and be able to summarise the key issues that require discussion and decision.
• Ideally you will have some work experience which is relatable to the activities you will be expected to carry out as a trainee clerk and as exemplified in the job description and person specification
To apply you will need to provide us with a personal statement telling us how you all meet the key criteria for the job as detailed in our job description, person specification and this advert. You should also provide an up-to-date CV which details current salary and notice period if you are currently in work. Both documents should be submitted as part of your application, and unfortunately if the statement is not attached - or is insufficiently detailed - then we will not be able to progress with your application. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the job posting may close early if we receive a large number of suitable applicants. We would therefore advise you to make your application as fully as possible and as soon as possible if you are interested in working for us. For further information, please contact us by email at HR.admin@valuationtribunal.gov.uk Alternatively access the vacancy details online at https://valuationtribunal.gov.uk/about-vts/vts-vacancies/
The closing date for received applications is 23:55 on Monday 31 March 2025.
Face-to-face interviews are likely to take place during April 2025 and those who are successful in progressing to interview will be expected to undergo appropriate tests and make a presentation to the selection panel.