The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) was established by the Chancellor in May 2010 to provide independent assessments of the economy, public finances, and fiscal sustainability. We provide independent forecasts of the economy and public finances to inform the Government's fiscal policy decisions, examine the impact of the Government's policy decisions on the public finances, and assess the prospects for achieving the Government's fiscal targets and welfare cap. We publish reports on long-term fiscal sustainability, fiscal risks, and trends in welfare spending, and run a wider work programme of research and analysis into economic and fiscal issues.
The OBR is comprised of the Budget Responsibility Committee (BRC) – Richard Hughes (Chair), Professor David Miles, and Andy King – who are currently supported by around 45 civil servants, including economists, public finance analysts, and business support staff. As we are a small organisation with a flat structure, all roles offer direct exposure to senior staff and the opportunities to manage relationships with stakeholders across government and to project manage work programmes. You would get the chance to work flexibly across a range of high-profile issues, responding to policy developments and other demands. At times, this would involve working with experts to analyse technical issues, such as changes to tax or spending policy. A role here also provides a great opportunity to develop your ability to communicate your insights concisely to non-experts – for instance, by authoring sections of published reports.
We encourage applications from candidates who may be concerned they have less experience in some of the desired criteria, and recognise that gaps can be developed on-the-job and with training, which is available.
The OBR is committed to having a diverse workforce that brings together the best people across government. If you have any concerns, we are happy to discuss any potential obstacles you think you might face. This post is available on a full time, part time, or job share basis. Flexible working hours and remote working can be accommodated. We have a number of staff working flexible hours as well as managing childcare responsibilities and/or other commitments throughout the year, including our forecast events.