23059 - Band Ac (Grade 6) Head of Legal Aid and Project Delivery Justice Statistics Analytical Services (JSAS)
Overview
This is a permanent appointment for a Band Ac/Grade 6 in the Analytical Services Directorate within the Ministry of Justice. Applicants must be members of Government Statistician Group (GSG).
The post is open to Band Ac/Grade 6 Analysts on level transfer and other eligible staff on promotion.
The base location of the successful applicant will be 10 South Colonnade. However flexible working arrangements are available between 10 South Colonnade, 102 Petty France, MoJ Hubs and home.
Interviews are likely to take place Late January/Early February 2019
About MoJ
The Ministry of Justice is one of the largest government departments, employing around 71,000 people, with a budget of over £7.6 billion. The justice system is a vital public service that changes people’s lives and our work spans criminal, civil, administrative and family justice. Each year millions of people across the UK use our services - including courts, tribunals, probation and prisons in England and Wales. We are all likely to come into contact with the justice system at some point in our lives, either because we have been a witness to or victim of a crime, to protect and enforce our rights, or to settle disputes.
Analysts play a crucial role in the achievement of the Ministry’s goals. We provide the data, insight and evidence to inform good policy, operational and investment choices, monitor and evaluate progress and performance, and demonstrate outcomes. There is a huge appetite within the Ministry for more, better and innovative analysis, which is driving us to recruit.
Why work for the Ministry of Justice?
- Flexible working arrangements – including compressed hours, flexi-time, working for home or commuter hubs outside of London
- Regular job rotations to broaden experience – there are regular optional rotations for analysts of all levels to expand experience and opportunities
- Analysis is at the centre of the Department’s decision making – with the move to a ‘Data Driver Department’ and a Secretary of State keen for all decisions to be evidence driven, your analysis will be key in influencing decisions
- See the frontline and what your work is influencing – regular opportunities to visit prisons and courts to better understand the areas your analysis is affecting
- Range of new areas of work and software – with the move to a more ‘Data Driven Department’ there will be many new areas of analysis to develop and a better range of analytical software with which to gain experience.
About Analytical Services Directorate (ASD)
MoJ provides an exciting and dynamic environment for analysts with considerable opportunity to make a difference. ASD comprises over 200 analysts working in all the main analytical professionals providing support, challenge and advice to policy and operational colleagues and Ministers right across MoJ and beyond. We are looking for an experienced analyst who is able to work flexibly and take personal responsibility for the work they lead on. This work will be challenging and offers a wide range of opportunities to develop your skills and careers and make a difference. In order to respond well to the wide range of analytical needs across MoJ and to provide a greater range of career development opportunities, all analysts within ASD work flexibility across a wide variety of tasks in different subject areas across the range of Ministry’s interests.
About the Role
As head of the Legal Aid and Project Delivery team (LAPD) within Justice Statistics Analytical Services (JSAS), you will provide leadership across the Legal Aid Agency and MoJ on the production and use of figures on the legal aid system, drive improvements ensuring compliance with the Code of Practice for Statistics.
You will develop strong working relationships with key leaders in the Legal Aid Agency to ensure they collaborate effectively on data with colleagues across the MoJ, include analytical considerations in their operational change programmes and facilitate full access to their administrative data for use in policy analysis and formation.
You will gain a detailed understanding of the legal aid system and landscape to make sure relevant, reliable figures on activity across the legal aid system are available for appropriate uses by any and all users within MoJ and externally. As part of this, you will lead the legal aid statistics team in engaging with users to understand their needs, and in continuing to deliver and develop the quarterly National Statistics on legal aid in England and Wales. You will also ensure the team meets its obligations in contributing figures for the MoJ responses to a substantial volume of Parliamentary Questions and Freedom of Information requests on legal aid.
You will lead and support the legal aid statistics team to be cohesive, motivated to deliver a high-quality service and to drive continuous improvement to the evidence base on legal aid, and to develop the skills they need.
You will also be responsible for the success of Justice Statistics' recently-established strategic flexible resource – the Statistical Project Delivery team. The objectives of this team are to:
- progress high-value development & project work across Justice Statistics;
- provide contingency for core work across Justice Statistics where resource shortages put it at serious risk; and
- provide specialist statistical methodological advice to teams across Analytical Services Directorate
You will support the team in building its capacity and prioritising its deployment to maximise efficiency and value, promoting an adaptable approach which balances business needs with personal development.
You will also play an active role in the senior leadership team for Justice Statistics Analytical Services, helping to make it a great place to work.
Competency Details
You will be assessed against the Civil Service Competencies listed below during the selection process. These competencies are as specified in the Civil Service Competency Framework. This is available online at:
Seeing the bigger picture
- Identify implications of Departmental and political priorities and strategy on own area to ensure plans and activities reflect these
- Ensures relevant issues relating to their activity/policy area are effectively fed into strategy and big picture considerations
- Bring together views and perspectives of stakeholders to gain a wider picture of the landscape surrounding activities and policies
Making effective decisions
- Identify the main issues in complex problems, clarify understanding or stakeholder expectations, to seek best option
- Weigh up data from various sources, recognising when to bring in experts/researchers to add to available information
- Draw together and present reasonable conclusions from a wide range of incomplete and complex evidence and data – able to act or decide even when details are not clear
Leading and Communicating
- Clarify strategies and plans, giving clear sense of direction and purpose for self and team
- Be visible to staff and stakeholders and regularly undertake activities to engage and build trust with people involved in area of work
- Confidently engage with stakeholders and colleagues at all levels to generate commitment to goals.
- Lead by example, role modelling ethics, integrity, impartiality and the elimination of bias by building diverse teams and promoting a working environment that supports the Civil Service values and code
As well as the three civil service competencies stated above, you are also asked to provide two sets of written evidence of professional competence. See details below:
- Professional Competency (1)
Please provide a written example of the following competency:
Applies quantitative analytical methods effectively to drive insights and evidence that influence decision making and add value:
- Identifies, gathers and brings a range of often large data sets together, identifying and resolving quality issues
- Uses appropriate methods and techniques to analyse the data to gain insight and evidence that solves problems or questions
- Presents findings and insights persuasively so customers engage and understand the evidence and use it to influence decisions
- Anticipates potential further uses of data wider than solving initial problem, and can raise awareness and engagement in value of quantitative approaches
- Professional Competency (2)
Please provide a written example demonstrating the competencies relevant to the GSG analytical profession. Please note that a number of the GSG competencies may overlap with the MoJ competencies listed above. We therefore recommend that in providing written evidence for the GSG analyst competency, candidates focus on the technical and methodology aspects of the competencies that are specific to the profession noting that this post requires a quantitative analyst. We will use evidence presented for the MoJ competencies in assessing the wider skills candidates have.
Government Statistician Group (GSG): Further information, including a user guide, can be found within the link below:
https://gss.civilservice.gov.uk/learning-and-development/statistician-competency-framework-2/
Details required in your application
To fully complete your online application, in addition to the competency based application form, you must include an up to date CV (this should be a maximum of two sides of A4). Only applicants who submit this document will be considered for an invite to interview. Please remove all personal information and do not save the file with your name.
Applicants Invited for Interview
You will be required to give a 5-minute presentation at interview. Details of this will be sent to those candidates who are invited for interview.
For Further Information:
If you would like to discuss this advert in more detail please feel free to contact:
John Marais, Acting Chief Statistician and Deputy Director Justice Statistics Analytical Services
Mobile: 07976 633 856
Richard Field, previous post holder, Head of Legal Aid and Project Delivery, Justice Statistics Analytical Services
Mobile: 07469 579 287
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
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
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 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 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.
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.
Eligibility
Staff on fixed term appointments must have been recruited through fair and open competition.
04/01/2019, 23:55 hours.
Closing Date: 4th January 2019 at 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@sscl.gse.gov.uk Please quote the job reference.
If you would like to discuss this advert in more detail please feel free to contact:
John Marais, Acting Chief Statistician and Deputy Director Justice Statistics Analytical Services
Mobile: 07976 633 856
Richard Field, previous post holder, Head of Legal Aid and Project Delivery, Justice Statistics Analytical Services
Mobile: 07469 579 287
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.
Candidate Information
You may be required to provide statements describing your skills and experience relevant to each of the selection criteria. We recommend that you structure any examples as Situation, Task, Action and Result. For more information about the recruitment process and answers to general queries, please click the below link which will direct you to our Candidate Information Page.
Link: https://justicejobs.tal.net/vx/candidate/cms/About%20the%20MOJ
In the event of a large number of applications, we reserve the right to undertake the following processes:
- An automated online test where a benchmark must be passed to progress;
- A sift on the lead selection criteria. If this happens, the lead criteria will be the first one listed in the advert.
During the selection process, you may be asked to undertake an additional assessment (such as written test). If this is applicable you will be notified of this when you are invited to interview.
Please provide a written example of the following competency:
Applies quantitative analytical methods effectively to drive insights and evidence that influence decision making and add value:
• Identifies, gathers and brings a range of often large data sets together, identifying and resolving quality issues
• Uses appropriate methods and techniques to analyse the data to gain insight and evidence that solves problems or questions
• Presents findings and insights persuasively so customers engage and understand the evidence and use it to influence decisions
• Anticipates potential further uses of data wider than solving initial problem, and can raise awareness and engagement in value of quantitative approaches
Please provide a written example demonstrating the competencies relevant to the GSG analytical profession. Please note that a number of the GSG competencies may overlap with the MoJ competencies listed above. We therefore recommend that in providing written evidence for the GSG analyst competency, candidates focus on the technical and methodology aspects of the competencies that are specific to the profession noting that this post requires a quantitative analyst. We will use evidence presented for the MoJ competencies in assessing the wider skills candidates have.
Government Statistician Group (GSG): Further information, including a user guide, can be found within the link below:
https://gss.civilservice.gov.uk/learning-and-development/statistician-competency-framework-2/
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
Interview stage assessments
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.