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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
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
16-Apr-2026
Post Type
Fixed Term
Civil Service Grade
Grade 7
Number of jobs available
1
Reserve List
12 Months
Job ID
16376

Descriptions & requirements

Job description

Data Ethics Lead – Maternity Leave Cover

Location: National*

Closing Date: 16th April 2026

Interviews: Week Commencing 30th April 2026 (this may be subject to change)

Grade: 7

(MoJ candidates who are on a specialist grade, will be able to retain this grade on lateral transfer)

Salary: London: £63,343 – £73,875 (which may include an allowance up to £10,532) National: £58,511 – £69,150 (which may include an allowance up to £10,639)

Working pattern: Full time, Part time, Flexible working

Contract Type: 12 Month Fixed Term Contract or Loan/Secondment

Vacancy number: 16376

*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 Data Ethics Lead here at Justice Digital, to be part of our warm and collaborative team.

This role aligns against the Data Ethics Lead from the Government Digital and Data Framework

As the Data Ethics Lead, you will act as the organisation’s lead subject matter expert on data ethics, overseeing the delivery and continuous improvement of the MoJ AI & Data Science Ethics Framework.

You will lead engagement across multidisciplinary teams, provide expert guidance on ethical risks, and support compliance with MoJ governance processes throughout the data science and AI project lifecycle.

You will also manage a small team of three Data Ethicists, providing direction, professional development and pastoral support to ensure high‑quality, empathetic and reflective ethical practice.

To help picture your life at MoJ Justice Digital please take a look at our blog.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead the implementation, adoption and iteration of the MoJ AI & Data Science Ethics Framework across Justice Data and other priority business areas.
  • Provide oversight and sign‑off at key governance stages, ensuring risk tiering and mandatory processes are applied consistently.
  • Act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders by offering clear, authoritative advice on ethical risks and opportunities relating to data and AI.
  • Promote a culture of responsible innovation and ethical awareness across teams and communities of practice.
  • Provide day-to-day line management, coaching and professional development for three Data Ethicists, supporting workload planning, prioritisation, wellbeing and quality assurance across the team’s portfolio.
  • Foster an inclusive, psychologically safe team environment that encourages open reflection and diverse perspectives.
  • Co-lead the day-to-day operations of the Data Ethics and Literacy Hub alongside the G7 Data Literacy Lead.
  • Serve as the organisation’s lead on data and AI ethics.
  • Enable expert consultation to project teams, policy colleagues, analysts and product owners on ethical risks, mitigation strategies and compliance requirements.
  • Lead and facilitate ethics workshops, bespoke training sessions and panel preparation.
  • Ensure high‑quality, consistent ethics assessments, case studies, and governance documentation.
  • Champion the adoption and value of ethical data and AI practice across MoJ, through clear communication, training sessions, written guidance and community activity.
  • Support SEOs to strengthen and steward the Data Ethics Champions Network, enabling capacity-building across professional networks.
  • Maintain trusted relationships with senior leaders, delivery teams, and cross‑government partners.
  • Develop and improve tools, templates and resources that support self‑serve ethical reflection and governance compliance.
  • Guide the evaluation and monitoring of the impact of the MoJ AI and Data Science Ethics Framework, contributing to programme‑level improvements and evidence of value.
  • Contribute to MoJ and cross-government learning initiatives, including case study libraries, training materials and community of practice resources.

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.

AnchorPerson Specification

Essential:

·     Experience leading or applying governance, assurance or risk processes in complex environments

·     Working knowledge of data and AI ethics principles, risks and mitigation approaches

·     Experience managing and developing people, supporting wellbeing, performance and professional growth

·     Ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels, including senior leadership

Willingness to be assessed against the requirements for BPSS 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 and statement of suitability (750 words) which describes how you meet the requirements set out in the Person Specification above.

Application Guidance

Please access the following link for guidance on how to apply and how to complete a Personal Statement

Application Guidance

In Justice Digital, we recruit using a combination of the Government Digital and Data Profession Capability and Success Profiles Frameworks. We will assess your Experience, Technical Skills and the following Behaviours during the assessment process:

  • Communicating and influencing
  • Managing a quality service
  • Seeing the big picture 

A diverse panel will review your application against the Person Specification above. 

Successful candidates who meet the required standard will then be invited to a 1-hour panel interview held via video conference.

Should we receive a high volume of applications, a pre-sift will be conducted before the sift.

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

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 16376

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 16376

Allowance

London: £63,343 – £73,875 (which may include an allowance up to £10,532) National: £58,511 – £69,150 (which may include an allowance up to £10,639)

Application form stage assessments

Experience
We will assess your experience for this role via the following methods
CV or Work History, Statement of Suitability
Statement of Suitability
Guidance for the Statement of Suitability
Please explain in a maximum of 750 words how you fit the essential criteria for this role.
We will be sifting against the below criteria:

Experience leading or applying governance, assurance or risk processes in complex environments.

Working knowledge of data and AI ethics principles, risks and mitigation approaches

Experience managing and developing people, supporting wellbeing, performance and professional growth.
Evidence of Experience
CV or Work History, Statement of Suitability

Interview stage assessments

Interview Dates
Expected from 30th April 2026
Behaviours
Communicating and Influencing
Managing a Quality Service
Seeing the Big Picture
Technical
Working knowledge of data and AI ethics principles, risks and mitigation approaches

Other Assessments

Which assessment methods will be used?
Presentation
Level of security checks required
DBS Basic

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.