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General Information

Salary
The national salary range is £27,513, London salary range is £31,778. Your salary will be dependent on your base location
Working Pattern
Full Time
Vacancy Approach
External
Location
London, National
Region
London, National
Closing Date
01-Jul-2026
Post Type
Fixed Term
Civil Service Grade
AO
Number of jobs available
1
Reserve List
12 Months
Job ID
18968

Descriptions & requirements

Job description
Job title: Business Support Administration Officer (HR)

Number of Roles to be advertised: 1

Directorate/Business Unit/Team: People, Finance and Organisational Development

Grade: AO 

Role Type: Human Resources

Salary band: National: £ 27513  (spot rate) London: £ 31778  (spot rate)
New entrants are normally expected to join on the minimum of the pay band

Responsible to: HR and Organisational Development Manager

Base/location: YJB is National by Default. YJB staff currently work mainly from their homes.

National (North East, North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, Midlands, East Midlands, East of England, London, South East, South West, Wales) 

YJB Roles are contractually based at the nearest MoJ Collaboration or Satellite Centre but YJB staff work flexibly, including from their homes.

FTE/hours (Full-Time/Part-time/Flexible Working): Full-time – 37 hours

Job type (i.e., fixed term/permanent/loan/secondment): Fixed Term to 31 March 2027

Duration of appointment – months. (for fixed term, secondment, loan etc): Up to nine months - ending 31 March 2027

**There may be the possibility to extend or make permanent depending on future organisational needs and outcome of organisational restructure

Security Clearance Required: Baseline (BPSS) Checks

Thinking of joining us?

Our recruitment is based on merit, we welcome applications from all who can commit to our vision and values, we offer considerable flexibility in how you work and expect commitment and flexibility in return. We continue to strive for equity, diversity and inclusion in our culture and our staff group.  To this end we very much encourage applications from those people with protected characteristics. Our staff are public servants, eligible for the Civil Service pension scheme and we are accredited by the Civil Service Commission.  This means applications from across Civil Service Departments, their agencies and Arms-Length Bodies are treated as internal applicants.  We also welcome applications from those who do not currently work in these bodies or the public sector.

Who are we?

The Youth Justice Board for England and Wales (YJB) is the public body which advises Ministers, including the Secretary of State for Justice on the youth justice system. Our ambition is to see a Child First youth justice system. A system which looks to children’s’ strengths and supports children to become the best version of themselves. To this effect we engage with a wide variety of organisations, partners and parties with an interest in youth justice; we share good practice, champion improvement and issue grants.

Our Vision

Working to ensure a youth justice system that sees children as children, treats them fairly and helps them to build on their strengths so they can make a constructive contribution to society. This will prevent offending and create safer communities with fewer victims.

Aims of the Youth Justice System

Prevention of offending by children and young people:

  • To reduce the number of children in the youth justice system
  • To reduce reoffending by children in the youth justice system 
  • To improve the safety and wellbeing of children in the youth justice system
  • To improve outcomes of children in the youth justice system

Role purpose:

You will support the delivery of key Human Resources and Organisational Development (HR and Organsiational Development) functions to a standard which enhances the YJB’s aim to be an exemplary employer and public sector organisation.

Role context:

The directorate has 6 HR staff members, including this one, and 4 finance staff members. It is responsible for the oversight and delivery of YJB People Strategy and HR & Organisational Development policies, processes and special projects

The People, Finance and Organisational Development directorate is a team of 10 colleagues, including 6 in HR and 4 in finance. Together, the team leads the delivery of the YJB’s People Strategy and provides expert support on HR and Organisational Development policies, processes and key projects.

Key activities and responsibilities

In this role, you will:

  • Provide a range of administrative support to support the delivery of HR and organisational development services
  • Maintain and update accurate records, spreadsheets and trackers, ensuring information is reliable and audit-ready
  • Use Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Outlook, Teams, Powerpoint and Word) to manage data, coordinate activity and support effective ways of working
  • Organise and support meetings, diaries and inbox management, ensuring timely communication and follow-up
  • Prepare meeting materials, minutes and documentation, maintaining clear and structured records
  • Support recruitment and onboarding activity, ensuring processes are well organised and records are complete
  • Assist with learning and development administration, including booking sessions and maintaining participation records
  • Produce routine reports and data summaries to support team and organisational requirements
  • Respond to straightforward queries and signpost colleagues to relevant guidance and policies
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation, contributing to a professional and inclusive working environment
  • Ad hoc finance administration duties
How you will work and key relationships
  • Act as a positive influence for the work and culture of the YJB by encouraging positive emotions and positive social exchanges in the workplace.
  • At all times, demonstrate support and respect for the YJBs commitment to equity, inclusivity and the diversity of the YJB and its partners 
  • Set high expectations and live up to them.
  • Deliver on the commitments you make.
  • Value the contribution of others and nurture positive relationships as well as skills and professional development
  • Work positively and collaboratively with colleagues in both England and YJB Cymru as required 

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Civil Service Success Profiles,

The assessment process will be made up of two parts:

1.     An Application (see below)

2.     Interview (see below)

Application Stage:

Please provide:· A statement (no more than 750 words) giving examples of how you meet the ‘Essential criteria: ‘Skills and Knowledge’ and ‘Ability’ as outlined in the job description.

Interview

For candidates who get to the interview stage it will be a blended interview covering Civil Service behaviours, and strengths as described in the Success Profiles (this is a very particular style of interview please make sure you make yourself aware of these in advance). We may also ask you to elaborate further on the information in your application. 

The focus of interview questions will be on:

  1. The essential Civil Service Behaviours: Delivering at Pace, Making Effective Decisions and Managing a Quality Service
  2. Strengths as described in the Success Profiles (this is a very particular style of interview please make sure you make yourself aware of these in advance).

Reserve List

Those candidates who successfully demonstrate at interview, the behaviours, strengths, and essential criteria required by YJB for the role, but who are not selected as the successful candidate, may be added to a reserve list for 12 months. Candidates on a reserve list may be contacted and offered a role which is sufficiently similar, without further need for application, within the timeframe.

Essential Criteria

Skills and knowledge

  • Experience managing information and successfully supporting administrative processes
  • Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining accurate records
  • Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both in writing and verbally
  • Ability to work effectively with others, building positive working relationships
  • A proactive approach to supporting team priorities and delivering a quality service
Ability

  • Confident and highly competent use of Microsoft Office tools, particularly:
  • Excel (data entry, trackers,  reporting)
  • Outlook (email and diary management)
  • Teams (communication and collaboration)
  • Word (document preparation and formatting)
  • Powerpoint ( presentations where required)

Desirable

  • Previous experience in an administrative or HR support role
  • Experience of working with data, reports or tracking systems
Behaviours:
  • Managing a Quality Service (lead behaviour)
  • Delivering at Pace
  • Making Effective Decisions

Benefits of working for the Youth Justice Board

  • Opportunity to work in an organisation that seeks to make a positive difference to the lives of children at risk of entering and within the youth justice system
  • Family friendly policies including flexible working opportunities. Many of our staff combine working from our offices in either London or Wales, or working from one of the Ministry of Justice Collaboration Centres/Satellite Offices throughout the country, with working from home; compressed hours, part-time working
  • Civil Service Pension Scheme, and/or continuous service transfer of Civil Service Pension Scheme as applicable
  • Annual leave of 25 days per annum plus public holidays (or for those transferring directly on a lateral move from Civil Service Departments, their Agencies, Arms-Length Bodies (ALBs) and Non-Departmental Public Bodies (NDPB) we may, subject to confirmation, match current annual leave entitlement, up to 30 days.
  • As an accredited NDPB we may, subject to confirmation, accept your continuous service from other Civil Service departments their agencies and ALBs/NDBPs (however all new joiners join on 37 hours per week/ pro-rata for part-time)
  • Special recognition bonus scheme
  • Special leave for unplanned emergencies and for voluntary work
  • Employee Assistance Programme offering confidential support and advice for personal and work issues and occupational health
  • Health and well-being initiatives such as flu-vaccinations
  • Free eye tests and eyecare vouchers for VDU workers
  • Interest free season ticket loans
  • Regular professional development
  • Professional HR Case Management support for managers
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 role: all successful candidates will be appointed to the nearest viable office nearest to their home postcode and on its respective pay scale.  This will be at either a HQ building (subject to desk allocation, a Justice Collaboration Centre (JCC) or a Justice Satellite Office (JSO) – See Map. All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity). 

For current MoJ employees, your base location will need to be changed to the nearest viable office (to your home postcode), either at a HQ building, JCC or JSO within the National Office Network and moved its location’s respective pay scale (any legacy arrangements/locations will need to be amended).

Some of MoJ’s terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made.

MoJ candidates who are on a specialist grade, will be able to retain their grade on lateral transfer.

All candidates who are currently in receipt of Mark Time / Pay Protection should ensure they are familiar with the new policy on permanent and temporary promotion which can be found on the employee intranet.

Flexible working hours

The Ministry of Justice offers a flexible working system in many offices. Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week. MoJ welcomes part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the MoJ’s Flexible Working policy.

Benefits

The MoJ offers a range of benefits:

Annual Leave

Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years’ service.

There is also a scheme to allow qualifying staff to buy or sell up to three days leave each year. Additional paid time off for public holidays and 1 privilege day. Leave for part-time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.

Pension

The Civil Service offers a choice of pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.

Training

The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.

Networks

The opportunity to join employee-run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.

Support

  • A range of ‘Family Friendly’ policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
  • Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
  • For moves to or from another employer or moves across the Civil Service this can have implications on your eligibility to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for alternative government childcare support schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. More information can be found on www.GOV.UK or Childcare Choices. You can determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
  • Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
  • Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint in the following order

As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns.

For more information on applying for a role as a candidate with a disability or long-term condition, please watch our animated videos.

You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the TBS Recruitment Enquiries Team.

Diversity & Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

A Great Place to Work for Veterans

The "Making the Civil Service a Great Place to work for veterans" initiative includes a guaranteed interview scheme to those who meet the minimum criteria to provide eligible former members of the Armed Forces with opportunities to secure rewarding jobs. Allowing veterans to continue to serve their country, and to bring highly skilled individuals with a broad range of experience into the Civil Service in an environment, which recognises and values your previous service in the Armed Forces.
For further details about the initiative and eligibility requirements visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/making-the-civil-service-a-great-place-to-work-for-veterans

Redeployment Interview Scheme

Civil Service departments are expected to explore redeployment opportunities before making an individual redundant. The MoJ is committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'.

MoJ is able to offer an interview to eligible candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. Candidates will not be eligible for the Redeployment Interview Scheme if they are applying on promotion.

Civil Service Nationality Rules

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

  • UK nationals
  • nationals of the Republic of Ireland
  • nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
  • nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families
  • nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
  • individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
  • Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules

Reserve list

A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made for the same or similar roles.

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: 18968

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: 18968

Application form stage assessments

Experience
We will assess your experience for this role via the following methods
Statement of Suitability
Statement of Suitability
Guidance for the Statement of Suitability
Please provide a statement (up to 750 words) giving examples of how you meet the ‘Essential criteria: ‘Skills and Knowledge’ and ‘Ability’ as outlined in the job description.
Evidence of Experience
Statement of Suitability

Interview stage assessments

Interview Dates
Expected: Weeks commencing 27 July and 3rd August
Behaviours
Delivering at Pace
Making Effective Decisions
Managing a Quality Service
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.
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.