67489 - Judicial Technical Pensions Support 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

We recognise the challenges that people with (multiple) protected characteristics may experience on the job market and in their career progression. We are fully committed to being an inclusive employer of choice and ensuring equity of opportunity for all. We welcome the unique contribution diverse applicants bring in terms of their culture, ethnicity, race, nationality or national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, religion or belief, disability status, sexual orientation, educational or social background or any other factor. To find out more about how we champion diversity and inclusion in the workplace please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity

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 manage all operational aspects of the Judicial Pension Schemes and play an integral role in providing pensions advice to the Judicial Policy Team and implementing the remedy of various litigations including the McCloud judgment https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation-on-the-proposed-response-to-mccloud .

The Technical Pensions Team provides specific and researched advice on judicial pension scheme related issues, as well as resolving specific issues relating to pension benefits and other matters. This could be to, and on behalf of, any other teams across the MoJ, including Policy teams, other Pensions Operations Teams, the Third-Party pension administrator, senior managers as well as to members of the judiciary.

Role Purpose

We are seeking a motivated person to act as support officer within the Pensions Technical team. The successful candidate will assist the team in contributing to the smooth running of the schemes, resolving issues related to the schemes and supporting both MoJ colleagues and Judicial Office Holders who are members of the schemes.

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 when assisting other members of the Technical Pensions Team. 

• Investigation and research of answers and solutions to judicial pension scheme queries from all stakeholders

• Administration and support in ensuring the correct entitlement in individual cases
• Pension advice and support to other teams within Pensions Operations and Policy Teams on matters relating to litigation and reform of the pension schemes.
• Attending meetings on judicial pension related matters.
• Providing support to managers on valuation and reporting matters. 

Based on the technical nature of the role, candidates with pensions knowledge or experience, and knowledge and skills in MS Excel are encouraged to apply.

Travel

A base location near or within the successful candidate’s home will be allocated to the candidate, as set out below. The post holder is expected to meet their own travel costs to and from their base location and are expected currently to work there for at least two days per week. 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. Travel to meetings around the country, whilst not routine, may be required from time to time.

For nationally advertised campaigns, candidates will be appointed to their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. This will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) on the 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 (essential)
• Experience and understanding of public service schemes (desirable)
• Good knowledge of pension scheme governance requirements.
• Some knowledge of the courts and tribunals system, particularly in relation to the judiciary
• Project Management skills.
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, and the ability to show respect as well as challenge where appropriate senior managers and judicial office holders.

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 2 (EO or equivalent) Civil Service Behaviours are essential to this post and will be assessed upon application: 

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together 

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

In the event that we receive a large volume of applications we reserve the right to conduct the sift based on one lead behaviour. The chosen lead behaviour for this campaign is Communicating and Influencing.

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, Communicating and Influencing. 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 and strengths 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 Graham Driver at graham.driver2@justice.gov.uk