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This vacancy is only available to existing Civil Servant employees and employees of accredited non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs). Please review the "Eligibility" section before you apply.

General Information

Salary
£42,914 - £46,182
Working Pattern
Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working
Vacancy Approach
Cross Government
Location
Birmingham, Brighton and Hove, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Jarrow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Nottingham
Region
East Midlands, East of England, North East, North West, South East, South West, Wales, West Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber
Closing Date
09-Jan-2026
Post Type
Permanent
Civil Service Grade
SEO
Number of jobs available
1
Reserve List
12 Months
Job ID
13004

Descriptions & requirements

Job description
 
Job Title & Grade: Business Insights Manager - SEO    
Contract Type: Permanent

Salary range (depending on location):    

National - £42,914 to £46,182

Please note that unless you are currently employed by the Civil Service and are earning more than the minimum above, if successful you will be offered the minimum for the grade depending on your location.

Location:    

National, excluding London
40% office attendance is required. That may be at base location and other offices. Please note that travel to other offices may be required.

Directorate: Corporate Services      
Team: Strategy Data and Analysis-Business Insights

Working Pattern: The post is supported by the MOJ flexible working policy and includes colleagues who work flexibly, remotely (as part of hybrid working), part time or as part of a job share etc.

If you are applying for a part time role, please note that in order to meet business demands we need cover for a minimum of 30 hours and to cover.

Reporting to: Head of Business Insights  

The Legal Aid Agency

We are an executive agency of the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). We are responsible for operationally administering the legal aid fund to provide criminal and civil legal aid advice to people in England and Wales.  

Our people are at the heart of achieving excellence. Employing around 1,200 colleagues across England and Wales, we feel proud to have some of the best People Survey results in the Civil Service. 

Our LAA commitment to Diversity and 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.

As a Disability Confident organisation, we will offer a guaranteed interview to candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria for this role. Under the Equality Act 2010 a disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities which has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months. 

If you are responding to a role within the Legal Aid Agency and would like to be considered under the guaranteed interview, please indicate this in your application and let us know of any reasonable adjustments you may require during the sift or later selection processes.

The LAA’s goal is to build an organisation that is open and inclusive and truly values and celebrates the diversity of its workforce. One that reflects and understands the needs of the diverse society we serve. This is regardless of social background, gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, beliefs, disabilities or long-term illness or caring responsibilities.

Reasonable Adjustments

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all. If you have a disability or long-term condition (for example dyslexia, anxiety, autism, a mobility condition or hearing loss) and need us to make any reasonable adjustments to support you through the recruitment process, please let us know by adding the information to the applications system or emailing LAARecruitment@justice.gov.uk after you have applied so that we can discuss options with you.

 
Strategy, Data and Analysis

The Strategy, Data and Analysis Team supports wider Corporate Services to help shape and enable the priorities of the Chief Executive and Executive Leadership Team by providing data reporting analysis of the LAA’s progress against its strategic aims.  

Business Insights

Business Insights is part of the Strategy, Data and Analysis Team, which focuses on producing data led Insights into Legal aid provision, the legal aid provider base and the needs of clients to ensure they can access Justice and obtain legal advice.  

The LAA fully supports smart and flexible working.  Members of the Business Insights team are based in multiple locations across England and Wales.  Occasional Travel may be required to attend Team meetings.

Job Summary

We are seeking a dynamic and analytical Business Insights Manager to lead research and insight projects across the Legal Aid Agency (LAA). This role is pivotal in shaping how we understand the provider workforce and market trends, improve processes, and deliver impactful change through business intelligence to ensure market sustainability.  

Critically, this role will provide deep understanding of the provider market and identify gaps and risks, delivering high-quality reports and papers to inform strategic decisions by senior leaders. The role requires a combination of data analysis, research, and strategic project delivery, to ensure that insights translate into practical improvements across the LAA.  

This is a fast-paced role requiring the ability to manage multiple priorities, quickly understand the market and operating environment, and support narrative and briefing at short notice up to Ministerial level.  

Central to this role are strong stakeholder engagement, influencing and relationship management skills, along with the ability to work across boundaries with multiple stakeholders and present at board level, turning complex data and intelligence into clear, audience-appropriate insights.  

Understanding of statistical analysis, intelligence gathering and reporting is essential. Experience of leading high-profile, large-scale national projects such as surveys would be desirable.

Ongoing knowledge of the NAO and PAC recommendations for the LAA will be key to driving forward outcomes for the business. 

Key Responsibilities:

•    Lead research and analysis projects to inform decision-making across the LAA. 
•    Provide evidence-based insights into provider market capacity and trends. 
•    Identify gaps and risks in the provider market and propose solutions. 
•    Produce reports and briefing papers for senior boards to support strategic decisions. 
•    Manage and deliver complex projects, ensuring milestones and outcomes are achieved. 
•    Engage and influence stakeholders across multiple teams and levels. 
•    Drive change management initiatives to improve processes and outcomes. 
•    Line manage and develop team members, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. 

Essential Knowledge, Experience and skills     

•    Proven experience in research and data analysis, with the ability to interpret complex information
•    Strong project management skills, including planning, delivery, and risk management
•    Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills 
•    Demonstrated experience in people management and leadership
•    Ability to lead change management initiatives and embed improvements
•    Strong analytical and problem-solving capability
•    Good knowledge of Microsoft Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
•    Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality outputs at pace

Desirable Knowledge, Experience and skills    

•    Experience/qualifications in policy or operational research
•    Familiarity with government data sources to enhance analysis options 
•    Experience using data visualization tools such as Power BI

Person Specification    

•    You are well organised with good attention to detail 
•    You are resilient and able to remain focused when unplanned incidents happen
•    You are confident challenging others (including senior managers) to ensure that plans are effective

Assessment approach 
Application Process


To apply please submit a CV and statement of suitability showing how you meet the essential criteria in no more than 1250 words.

Your statement should demonstrate your ability to do all of the essential criteria listed, using examples can help strengthen your application.

Interview / assessment Process

If you are successful through the application stage, you will be invited to an interview / assessment centre in person or via Microsoft Teams where you will be assessed against the following: 

•    Strengths relevant to the role
•    The following Behaviours: 

Leadership
•    ensure colleagues and stakeholders have a clear understanding of objectives, activities and time-frames
•    take into account different individual needs, views, and ideas, championing inclusion and equality of opportunity for all
•    consider the impacts of own and team’s activities on stakeholders and end users
•    role-model commitment and satisfaction with role
•    recognise and praise the achievements of others to drive positivity within the team
•    effectively manage conflict, misconduct and non-inclusive behaviour, raising with senior managers where appropriate

Communicating and Influencing
•    communicate in a straightforward, honest and engaging manner - choosing appropriate styles to maximise understanding and impact
•    encourage the use of different communication methods, including digital resources and highlight the benefits, including ensuring cost effectiveness
•    ensure communication has a clear purpose and takes into account people’s individual needs
•    share information as appropriate and check understanding
•    show positivity and enthusiasm towards work, encouraging others to do the same
•    ensure that important messages are communicated with colleagues and stakeholders respectfully, taking into consideration the diversity of interests 
   
Delivering at Pace
•    show a positive approach to keeping the whole team’s efforts focused on the top priorities
•    promote a culture of following the appropriate procedures to ensure results are achieved on time whilst still enabling innovation
•    ensure the most appropriate resources are available for colleagues to use to do their job effectively
•    regularly monitor your own and team’s work against milestones ensuring individual needs are considered when setting tasks
•    act promptly to reassess workloads and priorities when there are conflicting demands to maintain performance
•    allow individuals the space and authority to meet objectives, providing additional support where necessary, whilst keeping overall responsibility

Seeing the Big Picture
•    understand the strategic drivers for your area of work
•    align activities to contribute to wider organisational priorities
•    remain alert to emerging issues and trends which might impact your work area
•    seek out and share experiences to develop knowledge of the team’s business area
•    understand how the strategies and activities of the team create value and meet the diverse needs of all stakeholders

•    Your Experience of implementing, promoting, or understanding diversity and inclusion policy - Diversity is the presence of difference, this can include one or more of the protected characteristics (Gender, Age, Race, Disability etc.) or it can be about working patterns, whether we like to jump into a task or reflect on it before acting. Inclusion is how we welcome, value, and celebrate diversity, giving everyone a voice, tapping into ideas, and enabling everyone to be themselves at work and achieve their potential.

For this grade/ role we would expect the candidate to demonstrate understanding of the terms Diversity and Inclusion and be able to explain why they are important in a work environment. We would also expect examples of action they have taken to embrace diversity (e.g., increasing understanding for self or others) or improve inclusion at a team or wider group level. 

•    You will also be asked to deliver a 10 minute presentation as part of your interview assessed against the Behaviour Delivering at Pace. Further details will be provided to you in advance of your interview.

Shortlisting is planned for the weeks commencing 12th January and 19th January 2026

Interviews are planned for week commencing 9th February 2026

If you would like more information on this opportunity, please contact – Rachel Bradbury at rachel.bradbury@justice.gov.uk

Complaints procedure

If you have any complaints about this recruitment activity, please share your concerns by emailing LAARecruitment@justice.gov.uk initially. We aim to respond to any complaint within 10 working days.

If you are dissatisfied with our response, we will forward your complaint to the Civil Service Commission, an independent body, for review.





Additional Information

Working Arrangements & Further Information

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). All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity.

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.

For nationally advertised roles: All successful candidates will be appointed to the nearest viable office nearest to their home postcode and on its respective pay scale.  This will be at either a HQ building (subject to desk allocation, a Justice Collaboration Centre (JCC) or a Justice Satellite Office (JSO) – See Map. All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity). 

For current MoJ employees, your base location will need to be changed to the nearest viable office (to your home postcode), either at a HQ building, JCC or JSO within the National Office Network and moved its location’s respective pay scale (any legacy arrangements/locations will need to be amended).

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.

MoJ candidates who are on a specialist grade, will be able to retain their grade on lateral transfer.

All candidates who are currently in receipt of Mark Time / Pay Protection should ensure they are familiar with the new policy on permanent and temporary promotion which can be found on the employee intranet.

Flexible working hours 

The Ministry of Justice offers a flexible working system in many offices. Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week. MoJ welcomes part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the MoJ’s Flexible Working policy.

Benefits 

The MoJ offers a range of benefits:

Annual Leave

Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years’ service.

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.

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.

Eligibility

Staff on fixed term appointments must have been recruited through fair and open competition.

Vacancies advertised “cross-government” are only open to all Civil Service employees and employees of accredited non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) who were appointed on merit following a fair and open competition; or were appointed to a permanent post through an exception in the Civil Service Commissioners' rules.

Support

  • A range of ‘Family Friendly’ policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
  • Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
  • For moves to or from another employer or moves across the Civil Service this can have implications on your eligibility to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for alternative government childcare support schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. More information can be found on www.www.GOV.UK or Childcare Choices. You can determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
  • Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
  • Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

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. Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint in the following order

As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns.

You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the TBS Recruitment Enquiries Team.

For more information on applying for a role as a candidate with a disability or long-term condition, please watch our animated videos.

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.

Redeployment Interview Scheme

Civil Service departments are expected to explore redeployment opportunities before making an individual redundant. The MoJ is committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'.

MoJ is able to offer an interview to eligible candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. Candidates will not be eligible for the Redeployment Interview Scheme if they are applying on promotion.

Civil Service Nationality Rules

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules

Reserve list

A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made for the same or similar roles.

Contact Information

MoJ:

If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk

Please quote the job reference 13004

HMPPS

If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk

Please quote the job reference 13004

Application form stage assessments

Experience
We will assess your experience for this role via the following methods
CV or Work History, Experience Questions, Statement of Suitability
Experience Questions Application Form Question Word Limit
250
Evidence of Experience
CV or Work History, Experience Questions, Statement of Suitability

Interview stage assessments

Interview Dates
Interviews are planned for week commencing 9th February 2026
Behaviours
Leadership
Communicating and Influencing
Delivering at Pace
Seeing the Big Picture
Experience
Your Experience for this role will be assessed at interview. To learn more about Experience and how they are assessed please click here.
We will assess your experience for this role via the following methods
Experience Questions
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.
Level of security checks required
Baseline Personnal Security Standard (BPSS)

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.