Ministry of Justice

Job role: Project Support Officer  

Grade: HEO  

Directorate: Change Directorate  

About us  

HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) is responsible for administering criminal, civil, and family courts and tribunals in England and Wales. Our mission is to deliver justice effectively and efficiently, helping people and businesses access justice. 

The Change Directorate plays a critical role in supporting HMCTS’s strategic direction. Our cadre of skilled project professionals ensures that HMCTS can respond flexibly and efficiently to changing demands and priorities, and that projects are delivered to high standards and contribute to the organisation’s overall goals. 

As one of our project support officers, you can expect to be assigned to different projects within a varied portfolio over time, based on both business priorities and your individual development goals. This dynamic approach provides valuable opportunities to broaden your experience, enhance your skills, and make meaningful contributions across a range of areas across the organisation. 

We manage a wide variety of projects, each designed to address different aspects of the services we deliver. At any given time, our portfolio comprises 20 to 30 projects aimed at improving the efficiency, effectiveness and accessibility of the courts and tribunals. These projects cover business and digital transformation through to commercial procurements. Here are some current examples:- 

• The Housing Dispute Policy Implementation Programme, This supports the  

Government’s aims to strengthen renters' rights and improve the private rental  

market through the implementation of the Renters' Rights Bill and Leasehold  

and Freehold Reform Act. The programme will deliver changes to the capacity  

and operating model of the Residential Property Tribunal to handle increased  

demand and changes to the civil courts that result from the abolition of ‘no fault’ 

evictions. 

• Reforms to the Criminal Courts, Enhancing the effectiveness of the criminal  

courts and improving the efficiency of the criminal justice system. 

• The Language Services Project, to procure new and improved translation and  

interpretation services to facilitate access to justice and make sure that all users can understand and participate in proceedings. 

• The Service Centre Technology Project, to replace the existing contact  

technology solution with a modern, stable, and cost-effective system providing real-time data and appropriate management information to drive performance.  

We’re looking for individuals with a passion for public service and who also want to make a difference in people’s lives in delivering justice. If you're looking to build a career with real purpose, we encourage you to apply. Join us and be part of a team where your  experience directly supports the delivery of justice for all.  

About the role 

Your role as a Project Support Officer covers a diverse range of activities to support the delivery of the project’s objectives. You will enable the smooth running of the project by supporting the project manager and workstream leads through the operation of project management processes, and the co-ordination of business management actions and activities on their behalf. 

Your role as the Project Support Officer encompasses several key aspects (but not limited to): 

• Ensure organisational tasks are carried out efficiently e.g. maintaining central project records and ensuring document management standards. 

• Maintain appropriate systems to enable effective planning and scheduling of project and workstream activities. 

• Management of staff as appropriate, including their development. 

• Manage professional relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, and act as lead point of contact for some external parties. 

Who are we looking for? (Person Specification) 

The ideal candidate for this position should demonstrate that they meet the following essential criteria in line with the Project Support Officer, HEO-level as set out in the Government Project Delivery Capability Framework  

Essential  

• Previous experience working as a member of a project team. 

• Experience in creation and management of project plans, so delivery, progress, costs and benefits can be identified, managed and maintained. 

• Experience of building and maintaining productive relationships with internal and external Stakeholders such as Project Managers and business owners. 

• Experience of identifying and managing risks, issues and dependencies 

• Ability to work to tight timescales, managing your priorities and ensuring delivery of quality products. 

• Ability to communicate clearly to a non-technical audience.    

• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail. 

Desirable 

The criteria below are desirable only. These will not be assessed throughout the recruitment process, but will be used in the event of tied scores between candidates:  

•    Experience of working within a multi-disciplinary team 
•    Experience using MS Project and Excel, or equivalent 

Project Management Qualifications (or willingness to work towards) 

• Prince 2 Practitioner 

• APM Project Management  

• PMI Project Management Professional 

• Leading and Managing Project Workstreams 

For a comprehensive overview of the role and requirements, please refer to the attached role profile, and refer to the Government Project Delivery Capability Framework: Project Support Officer HEO - Government Project Delivery 

How to apply  

Please submit a CV outlining your skills and experience against the essential criteria whilst ensuring it aligns with the following:   

• Concise and Structured: Limit to 2 pages, clearly formatted for readability.  

• Accurate and Accountable: All content must be factually correct. If generative AI tools are used, you are responsible for verifying the accuracy of all information provided.  

• Experience Timeline: Detail your relevant experience, including clear start and end dates. We value insight into how you’ve applied tools, methodologies, or frameworks to deliver outcomes. 

• Qualifications Overview: Include relevant academic and professional qualifications. Highlight modules, certifications, or accreditations that align with the role.   

Please also submit evidence (up to 250 words) demonstrating how you meet the following technical competency in line with the Government Project Delivery Capability Framework:   

• Risk and issue management – please describe a time when you have had to manage a risk or issue, how did you approach it and what was the outcome. 

Please ensure you cover both ‘what’ you do but also ‘how’ you do it. (i.e., the effective  

skills, knowledge & experience needed to undertake the role). We also recommend following the STAR format.   

Interview 

If successful at sift you will be invited to attend a formal interview remotely via Microsoft Teams, which will be assessed against the Civil Service Success Profile Framework, and the Government Project Delivery Capability Framework.  

You will be asked the following behavioural and technical questions:  

• Governance - The ability to clearly define roles, responsibilities and accountabilities and establish controls and approval routes appropriate to each stage of the work to monitor progress and compliance. 

• Collaboration - The ability to establish and develop productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, bringing people together to benefit the project. Aligned to the working together Civil Service behaviour. 

• Resilience - The ability to adapt to changing circumstances and adverse situations whilst remaining calm, reassuring others and maintaining performance. Aligned to the delivering at pace Civil Service behaviour. 

You will also be asked strengths questions, however these are not shared in advance.   

Further information on the relevant frameworks and the required standards for this HEO post can be found at: 

Project Support Officer HEO - Government Project Delivery 

Success Profiles - GOV.UK 

Career Development: Apprenticeship Opportunity  

As part of this role, you may be eligible to undertake a fully funded Level 4 Project Manager Apprenticeship, offering a valuable opportunity to earn while you learn. You’ll receive protected learning time during your working week to complete your studies, supported by a dedicated work coach and your manager. 

What you’ll gain: 

• Professional Certification: PRINCE2 Foundation or APM PMQ 

• Practical Experience: Apply learning directly to live projects 

• Expert Support: Dedicated Digital Learning Consultant (DLC) 

• Career Development: Build towards becoming a certified Project Manager 

Apprenticeship eligibility criteria: 

• Spend at least 50% of your time working in England 

• Have the Right to Work in England 

• Have lived in the UK or EEA for the past 3 years 

• Not currently enrolled in another funded learning programme 

Entry requirements: 

• Level 3+ qualification (e.g. Apprenticeship, A Levels, BTEC) 

• 5 GCSEs including English & Maths at Grade 4 (C) or above 

Please note: Individuals who already hold a Level 4 Project Management qualification, or higher- level qualification are not eligible. However, those with certifications such as APM PMQ, PRINCE2 Practitioner, or Agile are still welcome to apply for the apprenticeship if successful in this role.  

Travel requirements  

This role is advertised nationally; however, the successful candidate will be expected to travel for ad hoc project meetings and to support project implementation. Travel and accommodation costs incurred for official duties will be fully funded by HMCTS in line with departmental policy. 

About our benefits 

We reward our people for their hard work and commitment. We have a number of family friendly and flexible working polices that will help you achieve a healthy work-life balance. In addition, we offer a range of employee benefits which include generous annual leave, a highly competitive contributory pension scheme, childcare benefits, season ticket and bicycle loans.