Software Developer
Role details
Job location
Tech stack
Job description
- Building digital services and software solutions to serve a variety of users needs and complying with the Digital by Default service standard.
- Software development using Agile methodologies (particularly Scrum) as part of a dynamic team of other developers, testers, business analysts, product owners and scrum masters to deliver quality software solutions.
- Developing solutions that put the user and user experience first.
- Creating a culture of collaboration between development teams and business partners to establish and enable accelerated delivery models.
- Analysis, specification, design, development, testing and release of bespoke applications for use within DVSA using TypeScript, JavaScript/HTML/CSS
- Unit testing of developed code
- Working collaboratively while learning from and supporting other members of the Scrum team
- Supporting the creation of standardised documentation (test strategy/test scripts, technical release), This role will require regular attendance at our Swansea office, where the majority of the team are based, and infrequent travel to other DVSA sites will also be required.
This role is suitable for hybrid working, which is a non-contractual arrangement where a combination of workplace and home-based working can be accommodated subject to business requirements.
The expectation at present is a minimum of 60% of your working time a month will be spent at either your designated workplace (one of the locations cited in the advert) or, when required for business reasons, in another office/work location. There may be occasions where you are required to attend above the minimum expectation.
If you have a question about hybrid working, part time/job share hours, flexible working, travelling for work, or require a reasonable adjustment, please contact the Vacancy Holder during the recruitment process to avoid possible disappointment later in the process should your working arrangements not be compatible with the requirements of the role (see below for contact details)., * Describe your experience of supporting and maintaining live systems, ensuring the service remained reliable, secure and effective for users.
- Describe how you have developed applications using a recognised programming language using TypeScript/JavaScript) within agile and DevOps environments.
- Describe how you have used testing to validate a technical solution.
- Describe a time you quickly learned a new programming tool or technique and shared knowledge to improve team capability/delivery.
When writing your personal statement, please use the above bullet points as headers to divide your statement into sections.
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the lead Success Profile element, Describe how you have developed applications using a recognised programming language (ideally TypeScript/JavaScript) within agile and DevOps environments. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to interview.
The sift will take place week commencing 13/4/2026
Stage 2: Interview & Assessment
At interview stage, you will be assessed against the following Success Profile elements:
Behaviours
- Delivering at Pace
- Changing and Improving
Technical
- Programming and build https://ddat-capability-framework.service.gov.uk/skills#programming-and-build-software-engineering
- Modern development standards https://ddat-capability-framework.service.gov.uk/skills#modern-development-approach
- Information Security https://ddat-capability-framework.service.gov.uk/skills#information-security
- System Integration https://ddat-capability-framework.service.gov.uk/skills#systems-integration
During your interview, you will also be required to complete an assessment to demonstrate the experience criteria below:
- Experience of using testing to validate solutions.
- Experience in application development using a recognised programming language ideally TypeScript/JavaScript CSS and HTML skills, agile methodologies, version control, and DevOps.
Guidance of the assessment will be provided if you are invited to interview.
The interviews will take place week commencing 27/04/2026
This interview will be conducted online via Microsoft Teams. Further details will be provided to you should you be selected for interview.
You can find out more about our hiring process, how to apply, and application and interview guidance on our careers site .
Please note that we will try to meet the dates set out in the advert. There may be occasions when these dates will change.
Further information on the selection process
Feedback on your application can only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
We will also hold a 12 reserve list for this role, which may lead to potential opportunities beyond the role you applied for. You can read more about our reserve lists here.
Should we receive a large number of applications, we may invite a shortlist of the highest performing candidates to interview. This means that some applications that meet the required standard could be placed on hold after the sift and invited to interview if the vacant position(s) remain unfilled. You will be notified if your application is being put on hold once the sift has been completed., As a Disability Confident Leader employer, we are committed to ensuring that the recruitment process is fair, accessible and allows all candidates to perform at their best. If a person with a visible or non-visible disability is substantially disadvantaged, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes., All External applicants and current employees of accredited non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) will be required to undergo a Social Media Check. A Social Media Check is a review of your publicly available online activity, typically across platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and others. The purpose is to identify any public posts or content that could raise concerns for employers, such as:
Hate speech or discriminatory behaviour
Threats or acts of violence
Illegal activity or substance misuse
Sexually explicit material
Extremist views or affiliations
Importantly, this check does not involve hacking into your accounts or accessing private messages. It only considers content you have chosen to make public.
Employers use this kind of screening to help ensure their workplace remains safe, inclusive, and aligned with company values. Its not about judging your personality or lifestyleits about checking for potential red flags that might affect the role or company culture.
If you have questions or concerns about the social media check, we would be happy to explain in more detail whats being looked at and how your data is handled securely and fairly.
Vetting
For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the Demystifying Vetting website.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check .
See our vetting charter . People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks., * UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Requirements
To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:
- Experience in application development using a recognised programming language ideally TypeScript/JavaScript CSS and HTML skills, agile methodologies, version control, and DevOps.
- Ability to quickly research and learn new programming tools and techniques and share knowledge with peers and juniors.
- Experience in system support and maintenance.
- Excellent analytical skills
- Ability to negotiate with and influence senior stakeholders effectively, articulating complex technical matters to non-technical stakeholders.
- Excellent written communication skills including reports and technical specifications.
- Experience of using testing to validate solutions., We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Delivering at Pace
- Changing and Improving
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Programming and Build
- Modern Development Standards
- Information Security
- System Integration, This vacancy is using Success Profiles , and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
Benefits & conditions
£35,663 You will also receive an additional Recruitment and Retention allowance of £3500 per annum making your total salary £39,163. Candidates based in Yeading will receive the London Weighting allowance of £4,000 A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97% GBP, Alongside your salary of £35,663, Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency contributes £10,331 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
Being part of our brilliant Civil Service means you will have access to a wide range of fantastic benefits:
- Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
- 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
- 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the Kings birthday.
- Access to the staff discount portal.
- Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
- Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.
- 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
- Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.
Find out more about the benefits of working at DfT and its agencies .
