Descriptions & requirements
Job Title & Grade:
Business Improvement Support Officer - EO
Contract Type:
Permanent
Salary range (depending on location):
National - £29,303 to £31,061
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, Brighton and Cambridge)
Directorate: Case Management
Team: Case Management Improvement Team (CMIT)
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 29.36 hours and to cover 4 days of the week.
To meet legal requirements, if you are between the ages 16-18 and you are a successful candidate, you will be required to complete an apprenticeship after your initial on the job training.
Reporting to:
Senior Business Improvement Manager
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.
Case Management
The Case Management team is central to the Agency, it is responsible for handling legal aid applications, processing case payments and dealing with correspondence and enquiries received in both Civil and Criminal Legal aid matters. Our dedicated staff ensure that 600,000 new clients access justice each year, while ensuring that legal aid lawyers are paid fairly.
We support all staff in our work, recognising success and promoting a positive and healthy work-life balance.
We have a culture where new ideas are encouraged and appreciated.
Case Management Improvement Team (CMIT)
The Case Management Improvement Team (CMIT) are central to delivering change and improvement across Case Management and the wider LAA. We strive to improve the services delivered by the LAA by improving the relationship we have with providers, reducing operating costs through more efficient ways of working and seeking out opportunities to deliver our services in more modern ways. The Case Management Improvement Team is LAA wide with staff in almost all of our locations.
Job Summary
The job holder will be expected to support the work of CMIT and the business improvement managers in delivering change and improvement initiatives with a particular focus on:
• Support specific improvement work, contributing to the department becoming more efficient and effective across operational work streams. Including supporting our agency wide AI strategy by providing improvement support across a range of innovative work streams.
• Ensuring plans, activity and change benefits are tracked and understood.
• Working to reduce the overall end to end processing times for clients and providers and improving customer service
• Supporting how the CMIT and LAA interact with providers and other stakeholders
Key Responsibilities:
• Support the creation of plans for change initiatives, resourcing and capacity updates, monitoring progress of actions for change activities undertaken by the team.
• Overseeing progress of existing plans, prompting actions and reporting on progress to senior leaders
• Preparing and delivering reports, as required, to senior leaders, committee’s, board’s and other stakeholder forums.
• Responsible for the update and maintenance of relevant documents a tracking tools pertaining to the benefit of change activity. Ensuring monitoring of benefit realisation is undertaken and appropriate reports are produced.
• Responsible for the planning of team meetings including meeting logistics, minute taking, tracking, compiling and chasing actions as well as other administration.
• Assist with and maintain risk and issue logs, escalating as appropriate.
• Undertaking data gathering and analysis to support team initiatives and project work providing reports as required
• Taking forward discrete pieces of delivery work as required including drafting communications and liaising with stakeholders
Essential Knowledge, Experience and skills
• Established time management skills with the ability to use own initiative to prioritise workload and focus on delivery.
• Established interpersonal skills and the ability to engage with a variety of stakeholders
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Established knowledge of Microsoft office.
Desirable Knowledge, Experience and skills
• Experience of report writing and minute taking.
• Experience of working on projects.
Person Specification
• Enjoys working autonomously and proactively to ensure own, team and organisation goals are met on time and to the required standard.
• Enjoys working with varied data to make accurate and informed decisions.
• Enjoys working independently and as part of a team located across multiple sites.
Assessment approach
Application Process
To apply complete an application based of the following behaviours, each behaviour should be no more than 250 words:
Delivering at Pace
• regularly review the success of activities in the team to identify barriers to progress or challenging objectives
• identify who and what is required to ensure success, set clear goals and areas of responsibility and continually assess workloads considering individual needs
• follow relevant policies, procedures and legislation to complete your work
• ensure colleagues have the correct tools and resources available to them to do their jobs
• have a positive and focused attitude to achieving outcomes, despite any setbacks
• regularly check performance against objectives, making suggestions for improvement or taking corrective action where necessary
• ensure that colleagues are supported where tasks are challenging
Changing and Improving
• regularly review own and team’s work and take the initiative to suggest ideas to make improvements
• give feedback on changes in a constructive manner
• take a positive, open approach to the possibility of change and encourage others to do the same
• help others to understand changes and the reasons they are being put in place
• identify and act on the effects changes are having on your role and that of the team
• look for ways to use technology to achieve efficient and effective results
• consider accessibility needs of the diverse range of end users
Working Together
• develop a range of contacts outside own team and identify opportunities to share knowledge, information and learning
• show genuine interest when listening to others
• contribute to an inclusive working environment where all opinions and challenges are listened to and all individual needs are taken into account
• ensure it is clear that bullying, harassment and discrimination are unacceptable
• offer support and help to colleagues when in need, including consideration of your own and their wellbeing
• change ways of working to aid cooperation within and between teams in order to achieve results
Communicating and Influencing
• communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing
• take time to consider the best communication channel to use for the audience, including making the best of digital resources and considering value for money
• interact with others in an enthusiastic way
• express ideas clearly and with respect for others
• listen to and value different ideas, views and ways of working
• respond constructively and objectively to comments and questions
• handle challenging conversations with confidence and sensitivity
When submitting an example of a behaviour remember to include the situation, what you did and why, and what was the outcome / result.
Please note that if we have a large number of applications will we do an initial sift on the Changing and Improving behaviour.
Please note that we only require Behaviour answers for your application. The wording on this advert may suggest that an Experience question is also required, however this is not necessary.
Interview / assessment Process
If you are successful through the application stage, you will be invited to an interview via Microsoft Teams where you will be assessed against the following:
• Strengths relevant to the role
• The following Behaviours:
Delivering at Pace
• regularly review the success of activities in the team to identify barriers to progress or challenging objectives
• identify who and what is required to ensure success, set clear goals and areas of responsibility and continually assess workloads considering individual needs
• follow relevant policies, procedures and legislation to complete your work
• ensure colleagues have the correct tools and resources available to them to do their jobs
• have a positive and focused attitude to achieving outcomes, despite any setbacks
• regularly check performance against objectives, making suggestions for improvement or taking corrective action where necessary
• ensure that colleagues are supported where tasks are challenging
Changing and Improving
• regularly review own and team’s work and take the initiative to suggest ideas to make improvements
• give feedback on changes in a constructive manner
• take a positive, open approach to the possibility of change and encourage others to do the same
• help others to understand changes and the reasons they are being put in place
• identify and act on the effects changes are having on your role and that of the team
• look for ways to use technology to achieve efficient and effective results
• consider accessibility needs of the diverse range of end users
Working Together
• develop a range of contacts outside own team and identify opportunities to share knowledge, information and learning
• show genuine interest when listening to others
• contribute to an inclusive working environment where all opinions and challenges are listened to and all individual needs are taken into account
• ensure it is clear that bullying, harassment and discrimination are unacceptable
• offer support and help to colleagues when in need, including consideration of your own and their wellbeing
• change ways of working to aid cooperation within and between teams in order to achieve results
Your Experience of implementing, promoting, or understanding diversity and inclusion policy. 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 to them and to where they work. Examples of action they have taken (in or outside of work) to embrace diversity (e.g., increasing understanding) or improve inclusion for others will increase the strength of their answer.
Shortlisting is planned for week commencing 23rd February 2026
Interviews are planned from 13th March 2026
If you would like more information on this opportunity, please contact – Eve McNally – Eve.McNally@justice.gov.uk
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
As part of our commitment to integrity and transparency, we ask all applicants to ensure that the experiences, achievements, and examples shared in your application are entirely your own.
Please do not use AI tools to fabricate or simulate personal experiences. While AI can assist with formatting and grammar, it must not be used to generate stories, skills, or accomplishments that you have not personally lived or earned.
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.
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.
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 role: 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.
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.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
- To Transformative Business Services (0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk);
- To Ministry of Justice Resourcing team (resourcing-management-office@justice.gov.uk);
- To the Civil Service Commission (details available here)
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.
For more information on applying for a role as a candidate with a disability or long-term condition, please watch our animated videos.
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.
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.
A Great Place to Work for Veterans
The "Making the Civil Service a Great Place to work for veterans" initiative includes a guaranteed interview scheme to those who meet the minimum criteria to provide eligible former members of the Armed Forces with opportunities to secure rewarding jobs. Allowing veterans to continue to serve their country, and to bring highly skilled individuals with a broad range of experience into the Civil Service in an environment, which recognises and values your previous service in the Armed Forces.
For further details about the initiative and eligibility requirements visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/making-the-civil-service-a-great-place-to-work-for-veterans
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:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
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.
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 14305
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 14305
Job Description Attachment
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Job Description - EO Business Improvement Support Officer.docx (Job Description Attachment)
Application form stage assessments
Interview stage assessments
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.