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
The national salary range is £58,511- £65,329, London salary range is £63,343 - £70,725. Your salary will be dependent on your base location
Working Pattern
Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working
Vacancy Approach
Cross Government
Location
National
Region
National
Closing Date
17-Feb-2026
Post Type
Permanent
Civil Service Grade
Grade 7
Number of jobs available
1
Reserve List
12 Months
Job ID
14380
Descriptions & requirements
Job description
Criminal Justice System Data Development Lead
Location: National*
Interviews: Week commencing 9th March 2026
Grade: MoJ Grade 7
(MoJ candidates who are on a specialist grade, will be able to retain this grade on lateral transfer)
Salary:
National £58,511 - £65,329
London £63,343 - £70,725
Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Job Share, Flexible working
Contract Type: Permanent
Vacancy number: 14380
*We offer a hybrid working model, allowing for a balance between remote work and time spent in your local office. Office locations can be found ON THIS MAP
The Role
We’re recruiting for a Criminal Justice System Data Development Lead here at Justice Data, to be part of our warm and collaborative Criminal Justice System and Victims Data division.
About Justice Data
We are passionate about improving justice outcomes through high quality data and analysis helping to ensure strategic, policy, finance, corporate and operational decisions are based on robust evidence.
We create a culture in which people are empowered with the data and information to make excellent decisions; using cutting edge tools, techniques and collaboration; putting evidence at the heart of the justice system.
We work in a dynamic and fast-paced context and our skills are in heavy demand across the Ministry of Justice. Our collaborations beyond government are seen as ground-breaking. The Data community is made up of analysts and specialists including: Social Researchers, Economists, Operational Researchers, Statisticians, Data Engineers, Data Scientists and other data specialists (such as data strategists, data dissemination, generalists and assurance experts).
Why work in Justice Data?
In Justice Data, we want all our people to feel valued for who they are and for the work they do. We provide a warm, inclusive place to work and offer a wide range of flexibilities and benefits as part of our people offer to reward our staff.
About the CJS and Victims Data Team
Criminal Justice System (CJS) and Victims Data aims to improve how we use data across the CJS. In the short-term, we will do this by developing innovative new cross-system tools and projects alongside foundational activities that improve data standards, data sharing and data literacy. In the longer-term, we are working with stakeholders across the CJS to design the long-term strategy for CJS data.
The challenge
- There is huge appetite to improve how we link, share and access data across the CJS, from Ministers and Permanent Secretary level, all the way down to operational users.
- There is huge potential for using cross-CJS data to improve our collective understanding of the system and to drive better decision-making. We are the team that drives this ambitious strategic change, delivering innovative data projects and having impact and influence across the CJS data space - making this an incredibly exciting team to be in!
Why this is a great team to work in?
- The potential impact of our work is huge. We are aiming to deliver trailblazing ambitions that have never been done before, which will make a major impact on decision making across the CJS. For example, development of our xCJS linked data will open up a world of data that hasn't been explored before, which will greatly enhance our understanding of the CJS. It will directly influence strategic, policy and operational decisions. We are also working with CJS partners to design the future 'target state' for CJS data, which will be bold, ambitious and with a large, impactful remit.
- Great opportunity to work cross-government. Our work requires significant engagement and input input from CJS stakeholders including Police, Home Office, Crown Prosecution Service, as well as wider government such as Number 10, Cabinet Office, Treasury, and our MoJ 'umbrella' stakeholders such as HMCTS and HMPPS. Your work will cross department boundaries and will provide excellent opportunity to lead on working jointly with stakeholders to deliver our aims.
Key Responsibilities:
CJS Data is prioritising early value delivery through short to medium-term projects that bring tangible data improvements across the CJS. As the leader of the development and delivery of our flagship data products, you will be at the forefront of driving these initiatives forward. Our CJS linked data and Victim Attrition Dashboard are just two of the exciting projects you will oversee, aimed at transforming how data is shared, linked, managed and used between CJS departments. By joining our newly established team, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of CJS and making a real difference.
As a leader within the CJS Data team, you have the power to lead and inspire others, not only in your immediate team but also in collaborating and influencing key stakeholders across the CJS. This opportunity offers a unique perspective into our partner organisations and the potential to make a significant impact on the criminal justice system as a whole.
Work will include:
- Leading the delivery of our xCJS linked data, driving forward it’s design and development and working closely with data scientists, data engineers, data protection teams, and policy experts from across the CJS.
- Oversight of emerging data projects that support national and local performance tooling and insight.
- Playing a pivotal role in implementing a data-sharing and linking strategy across the CJS.
- Supporting early scoping work to design new data literacy initiatives.
- Influencing wider CJS work within MoJ to ensure their alignment with our aims.
- Producing briefings and presentations on strategic data projects to various cross-CJS and senior audiences.
- Championing the team's aims with cross-government stakeholders, developing and maintaining a wide stakeholder network.
- Working closely with colleagues across the team contributing towards the long-term strategic vision for CJS data.
If this feels like an exciting challenge, something you are enthusiastic about, and want to join our team please read on and apply!
Benefits
- 37 hours per week and flexible working options including working from home, working part-time, job sharing, or working compressed hours.
- A £1k per person learning budget is in place to support all our people, with access to best in class conferences and seminars, accreditation with professional bodies, fully funded vocational programmes and e-learning platforms
- Staff have 10% time to dedicate to develop & grow
- Generous civil service pension based on defined benefit scheme, with employer contributions of 28.97% from April 1st 2024 (Contribution Rates)
- 25 days leave (plus bank holidays) and 1 privilege day usually taken around the Kings’ birthday. 5 additional days of leave once you have reached 5 years of service.
- Compassionate maternity, adoption, and shared parental leave policies, with up to 26 weeks leave at full pay, 13 weeks with partial pay, and 13 weeks further leave. And maternity support/paternity leave at full pay for 2 weeks, too!
- Wellbeing support including access to the Calm app.
- Nurturing professional and interpersonal networks including those for Carers & Childcare, Gender Equality, PROUD and SPIRIT
- Bike loans up to £2500 and secure bike parking (subject to availability and location)
- Season ticket loans, childcare vouchers and eye-care vouchers.
- 5 days volunteering paid leave.
- Some offices may have a subsidised onsite Gym.
Person Specification
Essential
- Be a strategic problem solver, with experience of influencing the strategic direction of their work area, preferably related to the use of data and technology. Capacity to identify and solve technical challenges and contribute to the development of innovative solutions within the CJS.
- Be a confident leader and emotionally intelligent manager able to inspire others to follow them while being highly credible when presenting to senior leadership and/or ministers.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills: Experience with building relationships across government, sensitively managing a variety of stakeholders and influencing delivery across multiple organisations.
- Data savvy: Strong understanding of the value of evidence & analysis, particularly for the Criminal Justice System – and therefore the importance of high-quality data. Have experience with technical teams and playing a translator role between technical and non-technical teams and stakeholders.
Willingness to be assessed against the requirements for SC clearance
We welcome the unique contribution diverse applicants bring and do not discriminate based on 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.
Our values are Purpose, Humanity Openness and Together. Find out more here about how we celebrate diversity and an inclusive culture in our workplace.
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 D&I Strategy.
How to Apply
Candidates must submit a CV (no more than 2 pages) and Personal Statement. Your Personal Statement (no more than 750 words) should highlight your relevant experience and skills, supported by clear examples of work you have undertaken. It must address the following criteria, listed within the Person Specification.
- Be a strategic problem solver, with experience of influencing the strategic direction of their work area, preferably related to the use of data and technology. Capacity to identify and solve technical challenges and contribute to the development of innovative solutions within the CJS.
- Be a confident leader and emotionally intelligent manager able to inspire others to follow them while being highly credible when presenting to senior leadership and/or ministers.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills: Experience with building relationships across government, sensitively managing a variety of stakeholders and influencing delivery across multiple organisations.
- Data savvy: Strong understanding of the value of evidence & analysis, particularly for the Criminal Justice System – and therefore the importance of high-quality data. Have experience with technical teams and playing a translator role between technical and non-technical teams and stakeholders.
Application Guidance
Please access the following link for guidance on how to apply and how to complete a Personal Statement
In Justice Data, we recruit using Success Profiles Frameworks. We will assess your Experience, and the following Behaviours during the assessment process:
- Communicating and Influencing
- Changing and Improving
- Working Together
- Leadership
A diverse panel will review your application against the Person Specification above.
Successful candidates who meet the required standard will be invited to a one‑hour panel interview held via video call. You will also be asked to prepare a short, five‑minute presentation as part of the interview. We will send you full details and guidance for the presentation ahead of your interview.
Should we receive a high volume of applications, a pre-sift based on the below, will be conducted prior to the sift:
- Be a strategic problem solver, with experience of influencing the strategic direction of their work area, preferably related to the use of data and technology. Capacity to identify and solve technical challenges and contribute to the development of innovative solutions within the CJS.
Should you be unsuccessful in the role that you have applied for but demonstrate the capability for a role at a lower level, we reserve the right to discuss this opportunity with you and offer you the position without needing a further application.
A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months, from which further appointments may be made.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
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.
Terms & Conditions
Please review our Terms and Conditions which set out how we recruit and provide further information related to the role and salary arrangements.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact digitalanddatarecruitment@justice.gov.uk
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
- 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.
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:
- 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.
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 14380
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
Job Description Attachment
-
Criminal Justice System Data Development Lead JD - Perm Jan 26.docx (Job Description Attachment)
Application form stage assessments
Experience
We will assess your experience for this role via the following methods
CV or Work History, Experience Questions
Experience Questions Application Form Question Word Limit
750
Evidence of Experience
CV or Work History, Experience Questions
Interview stage assessments
Interview Dates
Expected w/c 9th March 2026
Behaviours
Communicating and Influencing
Changing and Improving
Working Together
Leadership
Other Assessments
Which assessment methods will be used?
Presentation
Level of security checks required
DBS Basic
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.