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General Information

Working Pattern
Full Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working
Vacancy Approach
External
Location
National
Region
National
Closing Date
13-Jan-2026
Post Type
Permanent
Civil Service Grade
SCS 1
Number of jobs available
1
Reserve List
12 Months
Job ID
13000

Descriptions & requirements

Job description
The Role

The Deputy Director will provide confident, strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Enable programme, ensuring delivery of workforce training and capability improvements and leadership development, working in close partnership with the Ministry of Justice People and Capability Function.

Key Responsibilities

Reporting into the Executive Director - Transforming Delivery you will:
  • Deliver and communicate the vision and objectives of the Enable programme to a range of senior audiences, including Ministers.
  • Lead development and implementation of initial delivery models and ensure national roll out.
  • Align programme delivery with HMPPS priorities and government policy.
Workforce Development:
  • Oversee delivery of core capability packages and leadership pathways.
  • Promote peer support networks and reflective practice frameworks.
  • Support initiatives to improve staff wellbeing and working environments.
Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Build strong partnerships with internal teams and external stakeholders.
  • Represent the programme at senior boards and advisory groups.
  • Lead communications and engagement strategy.
Programme Delivery:
  • Drive redesign of foundation training and induction processes.
  • Monitor progress against milestones and budgets, and oversee evaluation.

Additional Information
Please view our candidate information pack for full details about the role, key responsibilities, person specification, and the criteria you will be assessed against throughout the recruitment process.

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.

Diversity & Inclusion


The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.


Contact Information
If you require any assistance please contact us on scsrecruitment@justice.gov.uk. Please quote the job reference in your email to enable us to support you more quickly.

Application form stage assessments

Experience
We will assess your experience for this role via the following methods
CV or Work History, Statement of Suitability
Statement of Suitability
Guidance for the Statement of Suitability
It is important through the recruitment process that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the essential and desirable criteria.

Essential Experience:

• Proven leadership in large-scale transformation work in the justice sector
• Strong understanding of workforce development and organisational change.
• Ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships across multiple sectors.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills.
• Experience in strategic planning, budget management and governance.

Desirable Experience

• Knowledge of prison operations and HMPPS structures.
• Familiarity with psychologically informed and relational practice approaches.
Evidence of Experience
CV or Work History, Statement of Suitability

Interview stage assessments

Interview Dates
To be confirmed, but likely to be held 4th,5th, 6th, February 2026
Behaviours
Leadership
Communicating and Influencing
Delivering at Pace
Working Together
Strengths
Strengths will be assessed but these are not shared in advance. To learn more about Strengths and how they are assessed please click here.

Other Assessments

Which assessment methods will be used?
Presentation
Level of security checks required
DBS Standard
Security Clearance (SC)

Use of Artificial Intelligence (Al)

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.  Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.