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 £51,279 - £58,360 London salary range is £53,273 - £62,917 salary will be dependent on your base location
Working Pattern
Full Time, Flexible Working
Vacancy Approach
Cross Government
Location
London, National
Region
London, National
Closing Date
10-Apr-2026
Post Type
Permanent
Civil Service Grade
SEO
Number of jobs available
1
Reserve List
12 Months
Job ID
16031
Descriptions & requirements
Job description
JOB DESCRIPTION AND PERSON SPECIFICATION:
SEO Lead for Litigation
The Parole Board is an independent court-like body that is responsible for carrying out risk assessments on prisoners to determine whether they can be safely released into the community. We do that with great care and public protection is our top priority.
The Board is made up of about 190 members of secretariat staff based in our Inner London Head Office and nationally and approximately 320 Members who make decisions on risk and hold hearings at prisons around the country.
The Parole Board is an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Ministry of Justice. Staff who work for the Parole Board Secretariat are Public Servants and not Civil Servants.
About the role:
An exciting opportunity has arisen to be part of the Legal and Policy Hub. The Hub provides legal support and advice to the Parole Board secretariat and membership. It also plays a key part in the transparency agenda which the Parole Board is committed to and is responsible for providing practice advice and guidance to its members.
The Lead for Litigation is a fast-paced and interesting role, with responsibility for leading the Litigation Team which handles public and private law claims against the Parole Board.
The work of the Parole Board is always evolving and requires individuals to work effectively within the organisation, and with stakeholders, to ensure that processes are workable and fully compliant with the law.
The post line manages one HEO role (Litigation Paralegal) and reports to the Head of Legal and Policy.
This role provides excellent opportunities to:
• Work collaboratively on a variety of interesting areas of litigation at the Parole Board.
• Manage and/or contribute to discrete projects or other time limited initiatives.
• Work closely with senior stakeholders, judicial, independent and specialist (psychologist/psychiatrist) Parole Board members, and colleagues at all levels.
• Work with external stakeholders, such as Criminal Justice agencies and the Government Legal Department.
• Work in an environment of continuous improvement.
• Manage business critical and high profile workstreams.
Person specification:
Your duties will be to support and lead the Litigation Team by overseeing the workstream and ensuring that all litigation matters are progressed to a high standard and within the specified timescales. You will also support the membership and secretariat and help the Parole Board deliver its transparency agenda.
It will be imperative that you are able to communicate effectively with a diverse range of individuals, at varying grades. You will need to be able to manage competing demands effectively whilst working at pace.
Main Duties:
Lead for Litigation specific:
• Day-to-day oversight and management of the Litigation Inbox.
• Sift/allocate member queries.
• Sift/allocate and (possibly) respond to pre-action letters.
• Manage and assist with complex litigation queries and requests for information, including requests for the disclosure of Parole Board decisions.
• Manage a caseload of private law claims with the Government Legal Department.
• Assist the Head of Legal and Policy and Director of Legal and Policy with legal queries and their judicial review caseload.
• Assist in development of policy and guidance.
• Manage and respond to requests and directions for transcripts of Parole Board oral hearings, in line with Parole Board policy.
• Assist with financial provisions relating to compensation claims.
General:
• Day to day management of the Litigation Paralegal ensuring HR processes are followed, performance is managed and learning and development needs are met.
• Facilitate individual and team performance and development.
• Undertake projects and lead on delivery of priorities as identified by the Head of Legal and Policy.
• Role model leadership, management and professional behaviours in line with the Parole Board’s vision, values and Success Profiles.
• Contribute to the Business Plan, other Hub strategies, and appropriate organisational and corporate policies and strategies.
• Attend national and regional meetings and events which may require occasional travel and overnight stays.
• Other tasks appropriate to the role as assigned from time to time by the Director of Legal and Policy, Chief Operating Officer or Head of Legal and Policy.
• Manage the Parole Board’s reputation through the efficient, effective and high quality progression of litigation matters, ensuring factual and legal accuracy and compliance with the law.
• Work closely with other Parole Board staff and members to develop positive working relationships.
• At times, assisting with handling the highest noteworthy/offline cases, working closely with the Specialist Casework team.
• To represent team interests as required and appropriate e.g. at meetings at an operational and strategic level.
• Assist the Head of Legal and Policy and other tasks appropriate to the role as assigned.
• To conduct weekly meetings with the Litigation Team Leader.
• Deal with member/complex queries as escalated by the Litigation Team Leader.
• Allocate tasks to the Litigation Team Leader where required.
• Attend Senior Leadership Team meetings as / when assigned.
• To undertake these responsibilities in line with current legislation, local and national policies.
• A practising certificate (or an equivalent) allowing you to practise as a solicitor, barrister or cilex lawyer.
• Experience in communicating with internal and external audiences. You need to have excellent communication skills with experience in relaying complex information in a simple, digestible format at all levels.
• Excellent analytical skills to understand complex legislation and other technical information.
• Attention to detail and be accurate.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills, with the ability to adapt to change.
• Skills in building good working relationships and networks with internal and external contacts.
• The ability to understand and interpret legislation and policy documents.
• Experience in using Microsoft programmes.
• Ability to work well within a team.
It is desirable that you have:
• Previous working experience in legal work, such as experience working as a paralegal, legal or litigation officer.
• Any professional qualification related to law.
We will assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
• Making Effective Decisions
• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace
Security:
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Basic Check.
Selection process details:
This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours and Strengths.
At the sift stage, you will be assessed against Behaviours and a statement of your suitability for the role and of how you meet the essential criteria. Should a large number of applications be received, the initial sift may be conducted using a lead behaviour. This will be the behaviour which is listed first in the job advert.
Interviews will be undertaken remotely. As part of the interview, there will be a thirty-minute written assessment.
Any persons successful in gaining an interview will need to provide photographic ID, and two items which prove address dated within the last three months. Failure to do this may result in the successful applicant’s offer being withdrawn.
If you are part of the Civil Service and are applying for a job in a non-departmental public body (NDPB) (or vice versa) by moving jobs this will involve a change of employer and you may break the statutory rules on continuity of employment.
SEO Lead for Litigation
The Parole Board is an independent court-like body that is responsible for carrying out risk assessments on prisoners to determine whether they can be safely released into the community. We do that with great care and public protection is our top priority.
The Board is made up of about 190 members of secretariat staff based in our Inner London Head Office and nationally and approximately 320 Members who make decisions on risk and hold hearings at prisons around the country.
The Parole Board is an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Ministry of Justice. Staff who work for the Parole Board Secretariat are Public Servants and not Civil Servants.
About the role:
An exciting opportunity has arisen to be part of the Legal and Policy Hub. The Hub provides legal support and advice to the Parole Board secretariat and membership. It also plays a key part in the transparency agenda which the Parole Board is committed to and is responsible for providing practice advice and guidance to its members.
The Lead for Litigation is a fast-paced and interesting role, with responsibility for leading the Litigation Team which handles public and private law claims against the Parole Board.
The work of the Parole Board is always evolving and requires individuals to work effectively within the organisation, and with stakeholders, to ensure that processes are workable and fully compliant with the law.
The post line manages one HEO role (Litigation Paralegal) and reports to the Head of Legal and Policy.
This role provides excellent opportunities to:
• Work collaboratively on a variety of interesting areas of litigation at the Parole Board.
• Manage and/or contribute to discrete projects or other time limited initiatives.
• Work closely with senior stakeholders, judicial, independent and specialist (psychologist/psychiatrist) Parole Board members, and colleagues at all levels.
• Work with external stakeholders, such as Criminal Justice agencies and the Government Legal Department.
• Work in an environment of continuous improvement.
• Manage business critical and high profile workstreams.
Person specification:
Your duties will be to support and lead the Litigation Team by overseeing the workstream and ensuring that all litigation matters are progressed to a high standard and within the specified timescales. You will also support the membership and secretariat and help the Parole Board deliver its transparency agenda.
It will be imperative that you are able to communicate effectively with a diverse range of individuals, at varying grades. You will need to be able to manage competing demands effectively whilst working at pace.
Main Duties:
Lead for Litigation specific:
• Day-to-day oversight and management of the Litigation Inbox.
• Sift/allocate member queries.
• Sift/allocate and (possibly) respond to pre-action letters.
• Manage and assist with complex litigation queries and requests for information, including requests for the disclosure of Parole Board decisions.
• Manage a caseload of private law claims with the Government Legal Department.
• Assist the Head of Legal and Policy and Director of Legal and Policy with legal queries and their judicial review caseload.
• Assist in development of policy and guidance.
• Manage and respond to requests and directions for transcripts of Parole Board oral hearings, in line with Parole Board policy.
• Assist with financial provisions relating to compensation claims.
General:
• Day to day management of the Litigation Paralegal ensuring HR processes are followed, performance is managed and learning and development needs are met.
• Facilitate individual and team performance and development.
• Undertake projects and lead on delivery of priorities as identified by the Head of Legal and Policy.
• Role model leadership, management and professional behaviours in line with the Parole Board’s vision, values and Success Profiles.
• Contribute to the Business Plan, other Hub strategies, and appropriate organisational and corporate policies and strategies.
• Attend national and regional meetings and events which may require occasional travel and overnight stays.
• Other tasks appropriate to the role as assigned from time to time by the Director of Legal and Policy, Chief Operating Officer or Head of Legal and Policy.
• Manage the Parole Board’s reputation through the efficient, effective and high quality progression of litigation matters, ensuring factual and legal accuracy and compliance with the law.
• Work closely with other Parole Board staff and members to develop positive working relationships.
• At times, assisting with handling the highest noteworthy/offline cases, working closely with the Specialist Casework team.
• To represent team interests as required and appropriate e.g. at meetings at an operational and strategic level.
• Assist the Head of Legal and Policy and other tasks appropriate to the role as assigned.
• To conduct weekly meetings with the Litigation Team Leader.
• Deal with member/complex queries as escalated by the Litigation Team Leader.
• Allocate tasks to the Litigation Team Leader where required.
• Attend Senior Leadership Team meetings as / when assigned.
• To undertake these responsibilities in line with current legislation, local and national policies.
It is essential that you have:
• A practising certificate (or an equivalent) allowing you to practise as a solicitor, barrister or cilex lawyer.
• Experience in communicating with internal and external audiences. You need to have excellent communication skills with experience in relaying complex information in a simple, digestible format at all levels.
• Excellent analytical skills to understand complex legislation and other technical information.
• Attention to detail and be accurate.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills, with the ability to adapt to change.
• Skills in building good working relationships and networks with internal and external contacts.
• The ability to understand and interpret legislation and policy documents.
• Experience in using Microsoft programmes.
• Ability to work well within a team.
It is desirable that you have:
• Previous working experience in legal work, such as experience working as a paralegal, legal or litigation officer.
• Any professional qualification related to law.
Behaviours:
We will assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
• Making Effective Decisions
• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace
Security:
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Basic Check.
Selection process details:
This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours and Strengths.
At the sift stage, you will be assessed against Behaviours and a statement of your suitability for the role and of how you meet the essential criteria. Should a large number of applications be received, the initial sift may be conducted using a lead behaviour. This will be the behaviour which is listed first in the job advert.
Interviews will be undertaken remotely. As part of the interview, there will be a thirty-minute written assessment.
Any persons successful in gaining an interview will need to provide photographic ID, and two items which prove address dated within the last three months. Failure to do this may result in the successful applicant’s offer being withdrawn.
If you are part of the Civil Service and are applying for a job in a non-departmental public body (NDPB) (or vice versa) by moving jobs this will involve a change of employer and you may break the statutory rules on continuity of employment.
Additional Information
The Parole Board offers a range of benefits:
For nationally advertised campaigns, candidates will be appointed to their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. This will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) on the completion of pre-employment checks.
The Parole Board offers a flexible working system in many offices. Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week. Parole Board 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 Parole Board’s Flexible Working policy.
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 Parole Board 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.
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 are committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'.
MoJ are able to offer an interview to eligible candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. Candidate's 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 16031
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 16031
Job Description Attachment
-
SEO - Lead for Litigation Job Description - Dec 2025.docx (Job Description Attachment)
Application form stage assessments
Behaviours
A sift based on the lead behaviour, Making Effective Decisions, may be held if a large number of applications are received. If a large number of applications remain after the initial sift, your application will be progressed to a full sift, where all behaviours will then be considered.
Behaviours Application Form Question Word Limit
250
Making Effective Decisions
Leadership
Communicating and Influencing
Delivering at Pace
Experience
We will assess your experience for this role via the following methods
Statement of Suitability
Specific licence requirements
A practising certificate (or an equivalent) allowing you to practise as a solicitor, barrister or cilex lawyer.
Statement of Suitability
Guidance for the Statement of Suitability
Please provide a statement of your suitability for the role and of how you meet the essential criteria.
Evidence of Experience
Statement of Suitability
Interview stage assessments
Interview Dates
Expected 28-30 April 2026
Behaviours
Making Effective Decisions
Leadership
Communicating and Influencing
Delivering at Pace
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?
Written Exercise
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.