59697 - Judicial Pensions Operational Delivery Senior Officer

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.

Ministry of Justice an Inclusive Employer

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Overview

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is one of the largest government departments, employing around 70,000 people and with an annual budget of approximately £9 billion. Each year, millions of people use our services, including at 500 courts and tribunals and 133 prisons in England and Wales. Our principal role is to uphold the rule of law, the cornerstone of the British way of life, and we deliver services which are some of the most fundamental in a democratic society. MoJ supports the Secretary of State for Justice, who is also the Lord Chancellor, and his ministerial team to deliver the Government’s priorities. Our vision is to deliver a world-class justice system that works for everyone in society.

The Pensions Operations Team sits within the Financial Management and Control Directorate of the Ministry of Justice. The Team is responsible for operational delivery of policy and legislative changes being made through the Judicial Pensions Reform Programme, including legally required remedies following litigation losses such as the McCloud judgment (see https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation-on-the-proposed-response-to-mccloud). We are also responsible for ongoing effective administration of the judicial pension schemes via the third-party administrator and support to the statutory Judicial Pension Board.

The Operational Delivery Team sits within Pensions Operations and is responsible for managing all aspects of operational delivery and implementation of critical project work to implement planned reforms to the judicial pension schemes, working closely with suppliers and Policy and Legal teams.

Role Purpose

We are seeking motivated and experienced people to fill critical roles in the Operational Delivery Team leading supporting the delivery of litigation remedies and reforms to the judicial pension schemes. Successful candidates will work closely with internal stakeholders and suppliers to deliver planned reforms to remedy the McCloud judgment and amendments to the Fee-Paid Judicial Pension Scheme in light of the O’Brien and Miller judgments.

Delivery of all aspects of the Judicial Pensions Reform Programme and ongoing provision of high-quality pension services to the judiciary is crucial if we are to tackle judicial recruitment and retention issues, support court recovery and the strategic objective of delivering swift access to justice.

Responsibilities

The job holder will be required to undertake the following duties and responsibilities;

• Support the Operational Delivery lead to develop, agree and execute plans to deliver key aspects of the Judicial Pensions Reform programme.
• Work closely with Policy, legal and MoJ Project Delivery colleagues, supporting the Operational Delivery lead in programme and project meetings.
• Oversee the contractual requirements with suppliers necessary to implement programme reforms.
• Support the management of the budget for supplier costs.

Travel

A base location near or within the region will be allocated to the successful candidate, as set out below. The post holder is expected to meet their own travel costs to and from their base location. Occasional travel to and from London HQ offices or suppliers’ offices may be required. If required to attend a location other than their base location, post-holders may be entitled to claim some or all of any extra expense (beyond the usual base location travel costs) in line with the T&S policy.

The successful candidate will be appointed to either one of the locations specified in the advert or, if nearer to their home, an alternative MoJ office location in the region which may include their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. This will be discussed and agreed upon completion of pre-employment checks.

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.

Key skills and knowledge

• Experience and understanding of defined benefit pension schemes and/or operational delivery of complex policy reforms.
• Experience of working with third party administrators
• Comfortable and confident working in a project management environment.
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with colleagues, internal customers and stakeholders.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Success Profiles  

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.

Civil Service Behaviours

The following Level 3 (HEO and SEO or equivalent Civil Service Behaviours are essential to this post and will be assessed upon application:

• Changing and Improving
• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace

Please refer to the Civil Service Behaviours Framework, which can be found here, to complete this application: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/717275/CS_Behaviours_2018.pdf

To apply please complete the online application form. Applications will be sifted by a panel who will look at the Civil Service Behaviour framework and what is evidenced in your application. Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the lead behaviour, Changing and Improving. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to interview. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate the essential role requirements within the application behaviour responses. 

Candidates who are successful following the sift process will be invited to interview, where the behavioural elements will be tested further alongside other elements of the post. Further details will be provided to shortlisted candidates in advance of the interviews.

Training

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

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.

For further information please feel free to contact Lucinda Murrain, Operational Delivery Lead, lucinda.murrain@justice.gov.uk.