58086 - Probation Research Lead - East of England

The national salary range is £38,148 - £43,870, London salary range is £40,520 - £48,018. Your salary will be dependent on your base location
1
12 Months
National
National
NATIONAL
SEO
Band 7
Fixed Term
Up to 2 years
Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working, Other
Other

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about how we do this visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity.

The successful candidate will largely be working from home or an alternative nominated local base but some travel to, and face to face meetings within East Of England probation region will be required.

This is a non-operational role but may require limited contact with People on Probation if specific research requires this. Please use the additional job description attachments when applying for this role.

Overview of the job

This is a specialist manager job within HMPPS headquarters.

The purpose of the job is to provide an evidence-based practice service to the whole HMPPS agency. The job holder must set standards for acceptable evidence and review the evidence base in relation to correctional practice in order to ensure that HMPPS policy and practice is defensible and effective. The job holder is responsible for effectively communicating the evidence base to others across the organisation in a transparent and accessible way, and for developing the evidence base, involving both in-house resource and collaboration with research partners in Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and beyond the agency.

Evidence-based practice integrates scientific evidence with the operational perspective to design and provide high-quality services reflecting the goals of the organisation and the interests, values, needs, and choices of the individuals we serve.

Summary

This is a specialist role working to a senior manager in the Evidence-Based Practice Team, in the Performance Directorate.

The team, and the job holder, is accountable for building and evaluating the evidence-base to inform and direct operational policy and practice. The post holder supports and contributes to operational policy, strategy and practice through the generation of evidence summaries on topics relevant to staff working in prison, probation and youth custody, through original research to build the evidence on practice related issues and through sourcing and translating evidence that can be used in consultation to central and local teams.

HMPPS aims to deliver safe, decent, fair and rehabilitative services to those in prison, in youth custody or on the probation caseload. The Evidence-Based Practice team contributes to these aims through the expert translation of evidence to shape everyday practice in prisons, probation and youth custody, delivering research to fill knowledge gaps and consulting into the strategic development of policies and practice to bring the best outcomes for staff and the people in our care. The team works alongside colleagues in Learning and Development, Human Resources, psychology and effective practice in each of our three sectors as well as central strategy teams and local staff and managers.

The job holder needs to have experience in conducting research and a professional qualification that reflects specialist skill in this area. They will need to demonstrate knowledge of the existing correctional research literature and the skills required to source and monitor fast-moving developments in the field and convey these to a non-technical audience. The role also requires an understanding of which research methodologies are appropriate for different research questions and demonstrable skills in using qualitative and quantitative research methods.

The post holder will be expected to demonstrate the qualities set out in the Leadership Qualities Framework, including an ability to set purpose and direction for their area of work. They will also be expected to contribute expertise and knowledge to the corporate design and vision of the Service and its strategic objectives. They will ensure that they deliver on key objectives and make an effective contribution to the work of the Group, HMPPS and MoJ. They will attend and contribute to meetings and be responsible for promoting the roles and work of Groups across HMPPS and with other stakeholders and partners.

Responsibilities, Activities & Duties

The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:

Responsibility for translating the existing evidence base to inform policy and practice in HMPPS:

  • The job holder will produce systematic evidence reviews from start to finish in order to produce robust and useful summaries of the literature on relevant topics for HMPPS colleagues, providers and further stakeholders. These summaries will be of publishable standard and the job holder will be responsible for the quality and integrity of the product and for ensuring all research governance standards are properly met.
  • The output of these reviews may take various forms from informal verbal advice to formal written corporate products that will help HMPPS practice stay close to the evidence.
  • An important function of this role is to bring relevant evidence into decision making in a way that is clear and transparent; translating what may be complex or conflicting information into robust and defensible advice that seeks to reflect the evidence base while recognising operational realities.
  • The job holder will contribute to the development, interpretation, translation, and dissemination of research evidence.
  • Contributes to draft responses to Parliamentary and Ministerial enquiries for their area. Ensures that responses are accurately researched and drafted, coordinated with relevant parties and completed within deadlines.

Responsibility for developing the evidence base:

  • The job holder will be responsible for conducting research and analysis using both existing datasets and new data generation to steer HMPPS’ approaches to its priorities. This work must be conducted to rigorous methodological standards, so that it passes peer review and directly enables policy change/ development that is empirically grounded.
  • The work must also often be conducted within tight timetables to meet the needs of HMPPS.
  • The job holder will contribute to the evidence base by leading on specific delegated projects including both in-house and external research. This may for example include leading on: 1) planning, and conducting in-house research studies, and evidence reviews to meet evidence gaps and 2) planning, procurement and project management of delegated pilot studies, original research projects or reviews from external providers where this best meets the evidence need and HMPPS priorities – to include contractual oversight of research, project management and budget management as appropriate.

Participating and contributing to academic and practitioner networks and contacts:

  • Ensures that research, practice and emerging knowledge can be used to inform and steer HMPPS practice and policy. Works with colleagues across MoJ, HMPPS, other partners and the research community to maintain information sharing networks, collate learning, translate information and determine evidence to underpin what HMPPS delivers and how HMPPS operates.
  • Collaborates with colleagues across HMPPS, MoJ and other government departments to establish information sharing networks, collate learning, translate information and determine evidence to underpin policy and practice. The job holder will need to foster excellent working relationships with colleagues across HMPPS and MOJ and with private and voluntary organizations.

No line management responsibilities are envisaged for this post.

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary. Significant adjustments may require re-examination under the Job Evaluation Scheme and shall be discussed in the first instance with the job holder.

Competencies

For the purpose of selection the following competencies will be measured:

  • Changing and Improving
  • Making Effective Decisions
  • Persuading and Influencing
  • Collaborating and Partnering

Essential Skills Qualifications, Accreditation & Registration

The level in the organisation at which the job holder is expected to function requires:

  • Qualification to degree level or equivalent and/or Professional/Management qualification and/or Commitment to Continuing Personal/Professional Development.
  • Experience, knowledge and understanding of research methods and standards and skills in the interpretation of evidence, including demonstrated ability to conduct critical literature reviews and quantitative or qualitative research to publishable standard.
  • Experience with Excel and SPSS.
  • Able to understand complex information, including technical and statistical research reports, and translate it into evidence-based pragmatic products.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills particularly evidenced through strong drafting skills.
  • Experience of working across stakeholder groups to deliver finished products that are fit-for-purpose.
  • Understanding and experience reducing reoffending/rehabilitation and public protection, and the ability to get up to speed quickly in areas where knowledge is limited.
  • Experience of delivering to deadlines and under time pressure.

Working Arrangements & Further Information

The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.

For nationally advertised roles, the successful candidate(s) will be appointed to a MoJ office location, which may include their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. This will be discussed and agreed on the completion of pre-employment checks.

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.

Standard working hours for this post are 37 hours per week excluding breaks which are unpaid.

If you are a current NPS employee, this vacancy may be available on a Loan basis for up to 2 years. Applications are invited from suitable qualified staff.

The Loan/Secondment is subject to the approval of the selected candidate's Business Unit, which should be obtained before confirmation of appointment.

Benefits

Annual Leave

-The holiday year runs from 1 March. If you work a non standard work pattern your leave entitlement may be expressed in either hours or days as appropriate. Leave entitlement is calculated on a pro-rata basis and you will be advised of your actual entitlement on appointment. If you were appointed internally and your leave was previously calculated in days, this will continue to be the case.

Bank, Public and Privilege Holidays

-You are entitled to 9 days (66 hours 36 minutes) in recognition of bank, public and privilege holidays. These hours are added to your annual leave allowance. There is a requirement to work some public and bank holidays subject to your shift pattern and the operational needs of the establishment

Pension

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

Work Life Balance

HM Prison & Probation Service  (HMPPS) is keen to encourage alternative working arrangements. Work life balance provides greater opportunities for staff to work more flexibly wherever managers and establishments can accommodate requests to do so. HMPPS offers flexible working subject to completion of a satisfactory probationary period and NVQ

Season Ticket Advance

-After two months’ service, you’ll be eligible to apply for a season ticket advance to purchase a quarterly or longer-period season ticket for travel between home and your place of work

Childcare Vouchers

For any moves across the Civil Service may have implications on your ability to carry on claiming childcare vouchers

Training

HMPPS is committed to staff development and offers a range of training and development opportunities, including areas such as Equality and Diversity, Dealing with Challenging Behaviour, Suicide Prevention and Anti Bullying Programmes

-There are opportunities to access promotion programmes and HMPPS provides a variety of training appropriate to individual posts

-All staff receive security and diversity training and an individual induction programme into their new roles

Eligibility

-All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to taking up post

-All external candidates are subject to 6 months probation. Internal candidates are subject to probation if they have not already served a probationary period within HMPPS

-All staff are required to declare whether they are a member of a group or organisation which the HMPPS considers to be racist

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

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns.

You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the SSCL Recruitment Enquiries Team.

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about how we do this visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity.

Interviews dates will be given nearer to the time and will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams

30/05/2022, 23:55 hours.

If you would like more information on the role please contact Mark.Swain@justice.gov.uk Head of Performance and Quality for the East of England  or John.Mollitt@justice.gov.uk Senior Programme Manager- Complex Cases

If you require any assistance please call 0845 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com. Please quote job reference - opportunity.id.

Please note the successful applicant will need to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Security Check for this post.

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
Communicating and Influencing - 250 word limit
Experience
Statement of Suitability - 250 word limit
Technical Skills
Please give us an example of where you have had to conduct bespoke internal research project and commissioned and managed external research? - 250 word limit
Can you give explain the Government Social Research technical framework? and your understanding of the GSR processes and standards - 250 word limit

Interview stage assessments

There is 1 interview stage for this vacancy.
Behaviours
Making Effective Decisions
Working Together
Communicating and Influencing
Strengths may also be assessed at interview but these are not shared in advance.

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.