42871 - Strategy Officer

£24,002 - £38,373 Salary will depend on location
1
12 Months
National
National
NATIONAL
HEO
C
Permanent
Full Time
Administration / Corporate Support

We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce and pride ourselves as being an employer of choice. To find out more about how we champion diversity and inclusion in the workplace, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity

New recruits to the Civil Service joining MoJ are expected to join at the band minimum. Under exceptional circumstances, for an exceptional applicant, managers have discretion to make a case to set starting salaries above the pay range minimum. These positions are available for external applicants as well as existing civil servants on level transfer or promotion. Secondments and loans will be considered on an individual basis.

Background

Her Majesty’s Court and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) is an agency of the Ministry of Justice. We provide the supporting administration for the judiciary across England and Wales and deliver services to the public via a number of routes - directly, in court and tribunal buildings; remotely, via business and service centres; and, for some services, via the internet.

An effective courts and tribunals service is fundamental to our democracy, underpinning the rule of law. We are transforming the entire courts and tribunals service through the HMCTS Reform Programme, enhancing the provision of a world-class justice system, in a manner that provides an improved user experience at reduced cost to the taxpayer. This will contribute to consolidating the UK’s position at the forefront of an increasingly competitive international legal market as well as ensuring access to justice.

You will help achieve the HMCTS vision to have an efficient and effective courts and tribunals system which enables the rule of law to be upheld and provides access to justice for all.

Job description

The Strategy Unit works across the whole of HMCTS’ business, to establish and articulate our overall strategy, and to deliver a series of projects that will help to put HMCTS on the front foot, to ensure our work is aligned and coherent and to tackle set-piece strategic challenges. We report to the Chief Financial Officer, and in this role you will work on projects sponsored by the senior leadership of HMCTS, engaging with colleagues across HMCTS and the Ministry of Justice.

This work of the team includes:

  • pro-actively articulating our strategic priorties and developing plans to deliver on this ensuring that there is cohesion between long term direction and day-to-day operations and service of HMCTS
  • reviewing and assessing internal and external drivers of change (such as developments in government policy or changes in the technological landscape)
  • identifying new opportunities and challenges within the justice system which could have an impact on the courts and tribunals service, and develop strategies to seize and address them

To be successful in this role you must have the ability to use personal initiative to find solutions to challenges and to deliver high quality work at pace. You will be a critical thinker, with the ability to synthesise information into clear written and verbal communication. You’ll need to work well in a team and with wider colleagues and strong organisation and time management skills, as you will normally be working on 2-3 projects at any one time. And we’re looking for people with a real enthusiasm for learning about the work of government and wider justice landscape.

Key Responsibilities

The team manage a fast paced, high volume set of activities or projects. You will work alongside more senior Strategy Managers, and your work/responsibilities will typically include

  • leading your own specific strategic projects, and/or working alongside more senior strategy managers to deliver strategic projects – e.g. conducting research, interpreting data, engaging with wide range of colleagues to gather views, and prepare reports/advice. You will typically work on 2-3 projects at any one time
  • leading on a thematic area, developing subject matter expertise and a network of contacts so that you can produce progress reports for a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
  • responding at pace to ad hoc requests for briefings for senior management on a range of strategically important issues
  • horizon scanning for risks/issues that may have an impact on the effective and efficient operations of courts and tribunal services and ensuring these are dealt with by the appropriate leads across HMCTS
  • working with internal and external stakeholders to make links and align efforts between areas of work, especially where we want to seek their support or input
  • providing secretariat for senior stakeholder group meetings
  • contributing to corporate activities aimed at developing strategic capabilities

A strategy background is desirable but not essential.

Like all civil servants, you will be required to work in a flexible way and undertake any other duties reasonably requested by line management which are commensurate with the grade and level of responsibility of this post.

The civil service uses ‘success profiles’ to define the ability, experience, strengths, behaviours and technical requirements of our roles. To be successful in this role you will need the essential criteria of the following Behaviours at level 3.

We are looking for:

-       Making effective decisions including establishing a shared understanding of the ‘exam question’, structured thinking and problem-solving, working with data to develop insight, and drawing conclusions from incomplete or ambiguous information.

-       Working together in terms of building and maintaining a network with colleagues and stakeholders, to share information, resources and support and achieve progress on shared objectives, valuing a range of diverse inputs. Invest time with colleagues to develop a common focus and genuine positive team spirit where colleagues feel valued and respect one another.

-       Managing a Quality Service by implementing, maintaining and reviewing systems and services to ensure delivery of professional excellence. Work with stakeholders to set priorities, objectives and timescales.

-       Delivering at pace including ensuring delivery of timely quality outcomes and acting promptly to reassess workloads and priorities when there are conflicting demands to maintain performance

Selection process

You will be assessed against the Civil service success profiles framework for Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.

Initial written application

To apply for this position, please submit a short CV covering your experience and suitability for the role and complete the application form with evidence that you meet the behaviours set out above at Level 3.

We provide further information on selection criteria on the 'Justice Jobs' site which will help you to think about and write your application.

HMCTS uses name-blind applications - please remember to make sure your CV is anonymous before you upload it.

We will shortlist against the essential criteria. If there are many applicants, we will conduct an initial sift against the Making Effective Decisions behaviour.

Successful applicants will then be invited to an interview, testing both behaviours and strengths.

Interview stage

Following short-listing, we will invite candidates to a virtual interview where you will be assessed on behaviours and strengths. Interviews usually last around 45 minutes and are expected to take place in May 2021.

Candidates who pass the required standard for the role may be placed on a reserve list should the successful candidate decide not to take up the appointment or whereby further opportunities arise in the near future. Candidates will be kept on a reserve list for up to 12 months.

If you are interested in applying and would like more information about the role please contact Amanda Rossi (Amanda.Rossi1@Justice.gov.uk) to set up an informal conversation with Rachael Peters (Head of Strategy Unit, and vacancy manager).

Terms & Conditions:

Flexible working options

HMCTS offers a flexible working system in many of its offices. Many people within the Business Strategy division work a flexible pattern – we are confident and proud about the benefits for people and how well it works for the business.

Job Sharing and Reduced Hours

All applications for job sharing or reduced hours will be treated fairly and on a case by case basis in accordance with the MoJ’s flexible working policy and equality policy.

Excess Fares and Relocation Allowances

This job is not eligible for relocation allowances, but excess fares may be considered in accordance with MoJ’s excess fares allowance policy.

HMCTS offers a range of benefits:

Annual Leave

Generous allowances for paid holiday starting at 25 days per year and rising as your service increases. There is also a scheme to allow qualifying staff to buy or sell up to three days leave each year. Additional paid time off for public holidays and 1 privilege day. Leave for part-time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.

Pension

The Civil Service offers a choice of pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.

Training

HMCTS is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.

Reward & Recognition Scheme

Potential to secure up to £2,500 per financial year from individual / team awards for exceptional performance

Support

  • A range of ‘Family Friendly’ policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
  • Access to flexible benefits such as salary sacrifice arrangements for childcare vouchers, and voluntary benefits such as retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
  • Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
  • Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

Networks

The opportunity to join employee-run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.

Working Arrangements & Further Information

Some of MoJ’s terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made.

Flexible working hours

The Ministry of Justice offers a flexible working system in many offices.

Benefits

The MoJ offers a range of benefits:

Annual Leave

Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years’ service.

There is also a scheme to allow qualifying staff to buy or sell up to three days leave each year. Additional paid time off for public holidays and 1 privilege day. Leave for part-time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.

Pension

The Civil Service offers a choice of pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.

Training

The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.

Support

  • A range of ‘Family Friendly’ policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
  • Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits,retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
  • For any moves across the Civil Service may have implications on your ability to carry on claiming childcare vouchers
  • Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
  • Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

Networks

The opportunity to join employee-run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint in the following order

1-    To Shared Service Connected Ltd (0845 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com);

2-    To Ministry of Justice Resourcing (resourcing-services@justice.gov.uk);

3-    To the Civil Service Commission (details available here)

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity.

There is a guaranteed interview scheme (GIS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Grading Structure Review

The Ministry of Justice is currently undergoing a review of posts which are currently graded at Band A to realign our grading structure with the majority of the wider Civil Service.

Posts advertised at Band A may be graded at either Grade 6 or Grade 7 once the review has taken place.  

Expected 5 May 2021

21/04/2021, 23:55 hours.

If you require any assistance please call 0845 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com Please quote the job reference.
Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS)

To apply for roles in MOJ you will need to confirm your employment history for at least 3 years prior to the date of application so that pre-employment checks (BPSS) can be undertaken. If you have spent significant time abroad (a total of 6 months in the past 3 years) you would be required to give a reasonable account of the reasons why. 

For some roles you will be required to successfully complete National Security Vetting at Counter Terrorism (CTC), Security Clearance (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV) level as a condition of appointment. To meet CTC/SC/DV requirements you will normally need to have been resident in the UK for at least 3/5/10 years prior to the date of application (The level of checks that are required are stated in the advert).

If you do not meet the above requirements, you may still be considered if, for example:

  • You've been serving overseas with HM Forces or in some other official capacity as a representative of HM Government
  • You were studying abroad
  • You were living overseas with parents

In such cases you will need to be able to provide referee cover for the period(s) of residence overseas. The duration of overseas residence and the country of abode will also be taken into account.

Success Profiles will enable a fairer and more inclusive method of recruitment by enabling us to assess the range of experiences, abilities, strengths, behaviours and technical/professional skills required for different roles. This flexible approach to recruitment focuses more on finding the right candidate for the specific role. To find out more about Success Profiles to support your application please click here for further guidance.

if you feel that your application has not been treated in line with the Civil Service Recruitment Principles, please contact SSCL (Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com) in the first instance

We have provided detail of the assessment stages and areas being assessed to help you prepare for completing your application form, and to advise of what will be assessed following this, if you successfully pass the application stage.


Application form stage assessments

Behaviours
Making Effective Decisions - 250 word limit
Working Together - 250 word limit
Managing a Quality Service - 250 word limit
Delivering at Pace - 250 word limit
Experience
CV

Interview stage assessments

There is 1 interview stage for this vacancy.
Behaviours
Making Effective Decisions
Working Together
Managing a Quality Service
Delivering at Pace

A Great Place to Work for Veterans

The "Making the Civil Service a Great Place to work for veterans" initiative includes a guaranteed interview scheme to those who meet the minimum criteria to provide eligible former members of the Armed Forces with opportunities to secure rewarding jobs. Allowing veterans to continue to serve their country, and to bring highly skilled individuals with a broad range of experience into the Civil Service in an environment, which recognises and values your previous service in the Armed Forces.
For further details about the initiative and eligibility requirements visit : https://www.gov.uk/government/news/making-the-civil-service-a-great-place-to-work-for-veterans

Redeployment Interview Scheme

Civil Service departments are expected to explore redeployment opportunities before making an individual redundant. The MoJ are committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'.

MoJ are able to offer an interview to eligible candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. Candidate's will not be eligible for the Redeployment Interview Scheme if they are applying on promotion.

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

· 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) (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families

· 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

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules

This Vacancy is closed to applications.