OFFICIAL
Deputy Ombudsman, Learning, Analysis
and Business Services
Prisons and Probation Ombudsman
SCS Pay Band 1
Closing Date: 23:55 on Sunday 5th July 2026
1
OFFICIAL
Contents
Person
Introduction
The Role
Benefits
Specification
Recruitment
Diversity &
FAQs
Contact Us
Process
Inclusion
2
OFFICIAL
Welcome to the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman
Thank you for your
have lasting impact for those in prison,
professionally by having the right skills and
youth custody, under immigration detention
tools they need. The post holder will work
interest in this exciting
and probation supervision.
across the organisation, particularly in
role with the Prisons and
special investigations, bringing together
As I begin my second term, I am committed
teams to work collaboratively, at pace, to
Probation Ombudsman to continuing to strengthen the central
deliver meaningful outcomes.
function of the PPO to ensure it is
resourced and has the skills to bring
The post holder will need to work with a
innovation and creativity to our learning,
range of stakeholders at a senior level
analysis and business support functions,
across the criminal justice system, using
which are so vital in supporting the
their broad skill set to navigate complex
operational functions, identifying themes
issues.
from our investigations and driving forward
my ambitious programme.
If this interests and excites you, I look
forward to receiving your application!
The post holder will be responsible for
Best wishes,
ensuring the PPO has the right processes
and structures in place to deliver our work
Adrian Usher, Prisons and Probation
effectively and efficiently, delivering
Ombudsman
The role of Deputy Ombudsman (Learning,
excellent value for money.
Analysis and Business Support) provides
They will lead a diverse team of committed
an exciting opportunity to drive forward the
and talented staff and will ensure the team
work of the PPO and ensure we continue to
is supported and able to develop
3
OFFICIAL
About the Ministry of Justice
The Ministry of Justice is a
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) works to
modern and efficient criminal courts
protect and advance the principles of
system.
major government department at
justice. Our vision is to deliver a world-class
the heart of the justice system.
•
justice system that works for everyone in
A beacon for justice and the rule of law:
to uphold the rule of law at home and
We deliver some of the most
society.
abroad; promote our world-leading legal
fundamental public services
The justice system plays a crucial role in
services, which contribute to economic
our success as a nation - keeping people
growth; and deliver accessible and
including courts, tribunals,
safe, emphasising fairness, guaranteeing
timely civil, family and administrative
prisons, legal services, youth
individual rights and giving businesses
justice.
justice, probation services, and
confidence to flourish.
For more information on who we are and
attendance centres.
The delivery of our three strategic
what we do, please visit:
outcomes are central to doing this:
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisatio
ns/ministry-of-justice.
• Punishment that cuts crime: to rebuild
confidence in the criminal justice system
by protecting the public and reducing
reoffending with a sustainable and
effective prison and probation service.
• Swifter justice for victims: to rebuild
confidence in the criminal justice system
by ensuring timely, just outcomes for
victims and defendants through a
4
OFFICIAL
About the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman’s Office
The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) is an Arm’s Length Body (ALB) of the Ministry of Justice. We have three key
duties:
• to investigate complaints made by prisoners, young people in detention, offenders under probation supervision and
immigration detainees; and
• to investigate deaths of prisoners, young people in detention, approved premises’ residents and immigration
detainees.
• to investigate deaths of recently released prisoners that occur within 14 days of release from prison (except homicide).
The Ombudsman receives around 5,000 new complaints a year, of which around half are assessed as eligible for
investigation. The number of deaths in custody requiring investigation is generally between 370 and 420 per year.
The office is led by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman who is supported by three Deputy Ombudsmen, one of whom
leads the Complaints Investigations function; one of whom leads the Fatal Incidents Investigations function, and the Deputy
who leads the Learning, Analysis and Business Services functions that set direction for and underpin the investigatory
functions across the office. They also provide key learning to services in remit and establish and/or undertake the PPO’s
special investigations commissioned by justice ministers
5
OFFICIAL
About the role
Job Title
Salary
About the Role
Deputy Ombudsman, Learning, Analysis
The salary for this role is set within the MoJ
The Deputy Ombudsman - Learning,
and Business Services
SCS PB1 range
Analysis and Business Services (LABS), is
responsible for leading work to maximise
Location
External candidates should expect their
the organisation’s impact on prisons,
salary upon appointment to be £86,000 per
probation and the Home Office. They
London
annum.
ensure thematic learning from the PPO’s
The PPO is based at the HM Government
investigations is shared with services in
hub at 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf.
Existing Civil Servants will be appointed in
remit to drive change in improving prison
PPO staff are currently expected to
line with the Civil Service pay rules in place
complaints handling and reducing the
spend a minimum of 60% of their
on the date of their appointment.
number of fatal incidents.
working time at the London office or on-
Contract Type
site visits.
The post holder is responsible for driving
This role is being offered on a permanent
the PPO’s special investigations,
The rest of the time may be spent working
commissioned by justice ministers,
basis.
at home or at commuter hubs. It is possible
determining the scope and resourcing of
that the requirements for office attendance
This role has a minimum assignment
these investigations and/or undertaking
may change in the future. During your
duration of 3 years - in line with the
them. This aspect of the role has expanded
induction period you may be required to
deliverables identified. Please note this is
considerably over recent years and is a
attend the office more frequently to enable
an expectation only, it is not something
trend we expect to continue.
you to participate in core training and
which is written into your terms and
induction activities.
conditions or indeed which the employing
The post holder is also responsible for
directing all of the business processes that
organisation or you are bound by.
support the day to day running of the PPO.
Please note the requirements for travel and
level of flexibility available as set out in the
They provide leadership and direction to all
FAQs section.
staff within the LABS function at the PPO,
6
OFFICIAL
ensuring that effective management and
• Ensuring that complaint and fatal
• Working with the Ombudsman and
administrative systems are in place, fit for
incident investigation outcomes address
other Deputy Ombudsmen to facilitate
purpose and fully functional.
systemic issues across the custodial
learning the lessons from investigations
estate, through the thematic analysis of
and supporting the promulgation of
The postholder must be a high performing
recommendations and other
those lessons to external stakeholders.
and experienced leader with a broad skill
investigatory evidence.
set who is able to work at pace across a
• Proactively liaising with key
wide range of issues and deal with daily
• Ensuring maximum impact of the
stakeholders across the CJS to promote
conflicting priorities. They must have the
complaint and fatal incident
the work of the office and to secure
ability to coach and support direct reports
investigation work the PPO undertakes
confidence in the PPO’s investigations.
to provide inspirational leadership for a
by influencing, shaping and changing
•
function with a current complement of 24
policy, as well as identifying learning for
Sharing responsibility for the
posts.
services in remit and holding them to
management and leadership of the
account.
office including meeting the
Key Responsibilities
Ombudsman’s business plan objectives,
• Providing direct line management to the
requirements for organisational change
• Developing and delivering a long-term
LABS Management Team, which
and efficiency targets.
strategy for the LABS function which
include two Grade 7 and 1 SEO, and
supports the Ombudsman’s objectives
•
providing direction for the team of staff.
Consulting with staff and responding to
for the whole office.
feedback in order to improve
• Ensuring the LABS function is
engagement and contribution to the
• Leading, shaping and/or delivering
appropriately resourced and staff are
delivery of the office.
Special Investigations when
adequately skilled to meet the
commissioned by the Lord Chancellor
•
Ombudsman’s objectives.
Demonstrating and encouraging cross-
and other Ministers, such as the review
office working through positive role
of historic abuse at Medomsley
• Directing the business processes that
modelling and actively leading corporate
Detention Centre and the review of the
support the day to day running of the
work.
restraint of pregnant prisoners on
PPO and ensuring that the organisation
medical escort.
adheres to the highest standards of
corporate governance.
7
OFFICIAL
Organogram
Deputy Ombudsman
( Vac )
an
t
Head of Policy &
Head of Business Services
Head of Research, Data &
Operational Learning
1 x G7
Analysis
1 x SEO
1 x G7
Policy Officers
)
1 x HEO
Research Officers
Research Team
Assistant
2 x HEO
1 x EO
Finance Officer
Support Team
Knowledge &
IT Officer
Information
1 x HEO
Manager
Officer
Research
1 x EO
1 x HEO
1 x HEO
Assistant
Support Officers
Transcribers
4 x EO
Complaints
2 x AO
Support Officer
2 x AA
1 x AA
8
OFFICIAL
Person Specification
It is important through the recruitment
Essential Experience:
Desirable Experience:
process that you give evidence and
examples of proven experience of each of
• Leadership and People Management:
• Technical Experience:
the essential and desirable criteria.
You are experienced in leading teams of
people at a strategic level. You will have
o You have experience of leading and
Later on in the pack you will be told what is
experience of setting a vision and strategy
managing investigations.
being assessed at which stage of the
process.
to ensure continuous improvements
o You have experience of leading
enabling the function to deliver against
teams that support the work of
objectives.
operational case work function,
• Change Management: You have a track
including finance and HR.
record of managing change and leading
• Organisational Experience: You have
transformation, including introducing and
worked in an Arm’s Length Body or similar
embedding new ways of working.
and understand the importance of
• Stakeholder Relationships: You have
independence from Ministerial oversight on
experience of building successful working
the credibility of the service you provide for
relationships with stakeholders at all levels,
those in remit.
with influence at the most senior levels in
• Service User Experience: You have
order to secure beneficial outcomes.
worked with prisoners, those on community
• Culture and Values: Experience of
supervision or those in immigration removal
promoting a culture that respects
centres
professional, inclusive and diverse values
9
OFFICIAL
MoJ SCS Pay Band 1 Behaviours:
You will also be assessed against the following
Behaviours during the Recruitment Process:
• Delivering at Pace
• Making Effective Decisions
• Managing a Quality Service
Read more in the Civil Service Success
Profiles Section.
10
OFFICIAL
The Recruitment Process
Recruitment Process
the assessed elements of the selection
page 9. The Statement of Suitability should
process.
be no more than 1000 words.
The selection process will be chaired by
Kimberley Bingham (Deputy Ombudsman,
Application
Find out more information about our
Complaints). The other panel members will be:
application process here.
You will need to complete the online
• Adrian Usher, Prisons and Probation
application process accessed via the
After the Application Stage
Ombudsman and
advertisement for this role.
You will be advised whether your application
• Susannah Eagle, Deputy Ombudsman,
This should be completed no later than 23:55
has been shortlisted for the next stage of the
Fatal Incident Investigations.
on Sunday 5th July 2026. As part of the
selection process. If you are shortlisted, we will
application process, you will be asked to
contact you to arrange the next stage of the
Support during the selection process
complete:
selection process.
If you need any support or have any questions 1. Responses to the eligibility questions to Unfortunately, due to the anticipated number of
during any stage of the selection process,
check you are eligible to apply for the role. applicants for this role, we are unable to
please contact the SCS Recruitment Team
2. A response to whether you would like to
provide feedback to those not successful at
scsrecruitment@justice.gov.uk.
request reasonable adjustments during
shortlist stage. Candidates who are shortlisted
Stages of the selection process
the selection process. The Disability
and attend an interview will be offered verbal
Support section explains how adjustments
feedback from a member of the interview
Internal Stakeholder Conversations
can be made to the selection process to
accommodate a disability.
panel.
You are invited to arrange an informal
3. You will also need to complete a CV and
Panel Interview and Presentation
discussion with Kimberley Bingham/Susannah
Statement of Suitability. It is important
Eagle to learn more about the role and the
that your CV and Statement of Suitability
You will be invited to attend an interview and
organisation before applying. This is not part of
give evidence and examples of how you
presentation with the selection panel. You will
meet the essential experience set out on
be asked to prepare a verbal presentation.
11
OFFICIAL
Further information regarding the presentation
will be provided to shortlisted candidates.
The interview and presentation will last for
approximately 45 minutes.
What is being assessed?
Behaviours, as listed on page 10.
After the Panel Interview
Following the interview, the performance of all
candidates will be reviewed, and the
successful candidate identified. All candidates
will be notified of the outcome as soon as
possible after the conclusion of all interviews. If
.
you are not the successful candidate but you
meet the standard required, you may be invited
to have your details retained on a merit list to
be considered for future SCS roles.
12
OFFICIAL
Civil Service Behaviours
What are Behaviours?
effectively, managing any risks associated with implementation. You identify risks and barriers
doing so.
to service delivery and ensure they are
The Civil Service recruits using Success
removed.
Profiles and Behaviours are an element of
Making Effective Decisions
Success Profiles used to see whether
Please click here or more information on
candidates are able demonstrate specific
You make defensible, objective and fair high-
Behaviours and Success Profiles.
Behaviours associated with the role they are
impact decisions, considering the impact on
applying for during the selection process.
the service user and wider organisation. You
are willing to take ownership of your decisions,
In this process the below Behaviours are most being transparent and open about the reasons
relevant to this role and will be assessed
for them. You effectively analyse data to make
during the interview stage of the process. The
evidence-based decisions, whilst being
definitions of Behaviours are set out below:
comfortable taking considered risks based on
the best evidence available. You consult with
Delivering at Pace
others to incorporate views and professional
You translate organisational strategy into clear expertise, ensuring appropriate individuals are
objectives for activity within your area of
involved in the decision-making process.
responsibility. You promote this amongst staff
Managing a Quality Service
and ensure teams take responsibility for
delivering against objectives. You prioritise
You understand the requirements of service
competing or conflicting demands and are able users and are focussed on providing a service
to decisively adjust activity based on changing that offers the best outcomes for the public.
requirements. You manage resource
You foster an environment where opportunities
effectively to enable those in your area of
to improve service delivery are identified and
responsibility to deliver. You delegate
adjust processes accordingly. You create plans
and consider the resources needed to support
13
OFFICIAL
Guidance for writing your Statement and CV
As part of the application process, you need to
experience required for the role and describe • Name and title
submit a Statement and CV. Both your
the outcome that came from this.
• Educational institution names
Statement and CV should demonstrate how
• Age and gender
you meet the essential experience outlined in
Using AI in your application
• Email address
the Person Specification section.
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to
• Postal address and telephone number
Ensure you read through the role information
support your application, however, all
• Nationality and immigration status.
thoroughly and identify the essential criteria for examples and statements provided must be
each area. You should ensure you provide
truthful, factually accurate and taken directly
This will help us to recruit based on your
evidence for each of the essential experience
from your own experience. Where plagiarism
knowledge and skills, and not on your
which are required for the role in your
has been identified (presenting the ideas and
background, gender or ethnicity. Recruiting this
Statement and CV. You may not be
experiences of others, or generated by artificial way is called name-blind recruitment.
progressed to the next stage of the
intelligence, as your own) applications may be For more information on how to write your
assessment process if you do not provide this
withdrawn and internal candidates may be
Statement and CV please visit the Civil Service
Careers Website
evidence.
subject to disciplinary action.
When structuring your Statements try to:
Please see our candidate guidance for more
information on appropriate and inappropriate
• Evidence your experience by using
use.
subheadings and paragraphs. This will help
to ensure you are writing about the
Providing a name-blind CV and Success
experience that is directly relevant for the
Profile Statements
role you are applying for.
In both your CV and Success Profile
Statements please remove references to any
• You should ensure that you detail recent and personal information that could identify you.
relevant examples of the essential
For example:
14
OFFICIAL
Expected Timeline
We will try and offer as much flexibility as we can, but it may not be possible to offer alternative dates for assessments or interviews. You are
therefore asked to note the below timetable, exercising flexibility through the recruitment and selection process, in order to meet the dates given.
Please note that these dates may be subject to change.
The anticipated timetable is as follows:
Advert Closing Date
23:55 on Sunday 5th July 2026
Outcome of CV and Statement of Suitability
Week commencing 20th July 2026
Panel Interview and Presentation
Week commencing 27th July 2026
15
OFFICIAL
Working for the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman’s Office
themselves, to feel supported and have a
privilege entitlement to mark the King’s
strong sense of belonging in the workplace.
Birthday.
Our commitment to creating a diverse and
inclusive workforce is reflected in all of our
Flexible Working
people policies and strategies.
While not every type of flexible working will be
Benefits
suitable for every role and business area,
flexible working can take many forms and The
As a PPO employee, you’ll be entitled to a
Ministry of Justice is committed to delivering its
large range of benefits which include but are
business effectively and sustainably by
not limited to:
creating modern and inclusive workplaces that
enable smart, flexible and hybrid working.
Pension
For more information on our amazing benefits
The Civil Service Pension Scheme is one of
including our Civil Service Pension Scheme,
the best workplace pension schemes in the UK annual and special leave, and our Equality,
public sector. Visit
Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing
Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing schemes
www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk for
please visit our Senior Civil Service website.
Our departmental values - purpose, humanity, more details.
openness and together - are at the heart of our Generous Annual Leave and Bank Holiday
commitment to create a culture where all our
Allowance
people are able to thrive and flourish in the
workplace.
25 days annual leave on entry, increasing on a
sliding scale to 30 days after 5 years’ service.
We want to attract and retain the best talent
This is in addition to 8 public holidays. This will
from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
be complemented by one further day paid
We want everyone to be the best of
16
OFFICIAL
Disability Support
What reasonable adjustments can be made • An interview at a certain time of day.
recruitment team at
if I have a disability?
scsrecruitment@justice.gov.uk.
This is not an exhaustive list but rather some
We are committed to supporting all candidates examples of how we can support you during
Do you offer a Disability Confident Scheme
to take part in the recruitment process. This
the SCS Recruitment Process.
for Disabled Persons?
includes supporting individuals who have a
disability by making reasonable adjustments to
As a Disability Confident employer, the MoJ
Whilst we aim to confirm all adjustments
the recruitment process.
offer an interview to disabled candidates who
requested, there may be occasions where this meet the minimum selection criteria, except in
If you feel you require any kind of support
isn’t possible. If an adjustment cannot be
a limited number of campaigns. This could be
and/or would like to discuss this with someone, provided, the reasons for this will be explained in terms of the advertised essential skills
please indicate ‘yes’ to requesting reasonable
to you.
and/or application form sift criteria. Within the
adjustments in your application form and
Help with your application
application form, you will be asked if you would
ensure that you respond to the Reasonable
like to be considered for an interview under this
Adjustments Scheme team by email.
It is important you contact us as early as
scheme, so please make us aware of this
possible by email if you would like to request
when prompted.
How we can support you
reasonable adjustments so that the recruitment
There are many types of reasonable
process runs smoothly for you.
adjustments that can be made during
If you do decide during the process that you do
assessment processes.
require adjustments and you have not
Examples of some types of adjustments
completed all your assessments, please
include:
contact the SCS recruitment team in advance
of your next assessment.
• Extra time to complete assessments.
• Providing a break within an assessment.
If you have any questions in advance of
• Providing interview questions in a written
making your application regarding reasonable
format at the interview as well as orally.
adjustments, please contact the SCS
17
OFFICIAL
FAQs
Can I apply if I am not currently a
No. However, the recruitment process will still
civil servant?
be governed by the Civil Service Commission’s
Relocation costs will not be reimbursed.
Recruitment Principles.
Yes.
This role will also require some travel relating
What do I do if I want to make a complaint?
Is this role suitable for part-time working?
to on-site visits.
The law requires that selection for appointment
This role is available for full-time or flexible
Can I claim back any expenses incurred
to the Civil Service is on merit based on fair
working arrangements (including existing job
during the recruitment process?
and open competition as outlined in the Civil
shares). To discuss your needs in more detail
Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles.
please get in touch with the SCS Recruitment
Unfortunately, we will not be able to reimburse
Team.
you, except in exceptional circumstances.
Should you feel that the recruitment process
has breached the recruitment principles, and
Where will the role be based?
Am I eligible to apply for this role?
you wish to make a complaint, you should
If successful you will be based in London.
For information on whether you are eligible to
contact scsrecruitment@justice.gov.uk in the
apply, please visit Gov.UK.
first instance.
The PPO is based at the HM Government hub
at 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf. PPO
Is security clearance required?
If you are not satisfied with the response you
staff are currently expected to spend a
Yes. If successful you must hold, or be willing
receive from the Department, you are able to
minimum of 60% of their working time at
to obtain, security clearance to SC level. More raise a formal complaint in the following order.
the London office or on-site visits. The rest
of the time may be spent working at home or at information about the vetting process can be
1. To Shared Service-Connected Ltd (0845
commuter hubs. It is possible that the
found here.
241 5358 (Monday to Friday 08.00 - 18.00)
requirements for office attendance may change Will this role be overseen by the Civil
or e-mail Moj-recruitment-vetting-
in the future. During your induction period you
Service Commission?
enquiries@gov.sscl.com)
may be required to attend the office more
frequently to enable you to participate in core
2. To Ministry of Justice Resourcing
training and induction activities.
(resourcing-services@justice.gov.uk)
18
OFFICIAL
3. To the Civil Service Commission
(https://civilservicecommission.independent
.gov.uk/contact-us/)
What should I do if I think that I have a
conflict of interest?
If you believe that you may have a conflict of
interest, you must declare it by contacting SCS
Recruitment on scsrecruitment@justice.gov.uk
before submitting your application.
19
OFFICIAL
Data Sharing
We will ensure that we will treat all improve these experiences, and ultimately
2. Processing is of a specific category of
organisation performance.
personal data, and it is necessary for the
personal information in accordance
purposes of identifying or keeping under
with data protection legislation,
Sensitive personal data is personal data
review the existence or absence of equality
revealing racial or ethnic origin, political
including the General Data
of opportunity or treatment between groups
opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, or
of people with a view to enabling such
Protection Regulation and Data
trade union membership, and the processing of
equality to be promoted or maintained.
genetic data, biometric data for the purpose of
Protection Act 2018.
uniquely identifying a natural person, data
3. Please note if you are successful in your
Data Sharing
concerning health or data concerning a natural
application your sensitive personal data will
person's sex life or sexual orientation.
be used as part of the on-boarding process
To process your application your personal data
to build your employee record.
The legal basis for processing your
will be shared with the Ministry of Justice SCS sensitive personal data is:
For further information please see the GDPR
Recruitment Team, campaign Panel Members
Privacy Notice.
and anyone else necessary as part of the
1. Processing is necessary for reasons of
recruitment process.
substantial public interest for the exercise
of a function of the Crown, a Minister of the
The legal basis for processing your
Crown, or a government department: it is
personal data is:
important to know if groups of staff with
Processing is necessary for the performance of
specific demographic characteristics have a
a task carried out in the public interest.
better or worse experience of working for
Personal data are processed in the public
the Civil Service, so that appropriate action
interest because understanding civil servant
can be taken to level this experience;
experiences and feelings about working in the
Civil Service can inform decision taken to
20
OFFICIAL
Diversity & Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent where it is found. To learn more, please see the Civil Service People Plan and
the Civil Service D&I Strategy
21
OFFICIAL
Contact us
Should candidates like to discuss the role in more detail before
submitting an application, please contact SCS Recruitment on
scsrecruitment@justice.gov.uk.
22