HMCTS Change Directorate
Candidate Information Pack
Project Manager
This pack is intended to:
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Help you understand the type of work we do
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Provide context for the role you are applying for
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Explain what is different about working in the Change
Directorate
Welcome message from David Magee
Director, HMCTS Change Directorate
Hello and Welcome, We’re thrilled you’re considering joining HM Courts & Tribunals Service. We are delivering
one of the most ambitious transformation programmes in government - modernising the justice system to make it
more accessible, efficient and fair for everyone.
This is an excellent opportunity to shape the future of public service. Our Change Department is at the heart of this
mission. We lead projects that improve lives, streamline processes and bring innovation to a system that millions
rely on every day.
By joining us, you’ll be part of a team that thrives on collaboration, creativity, and a shared commitment to making
a real difference. We’re looking for people who are passionate about change, eager to learn, and ready to take on
challenges that matter. In return, we offer flexibility, development opportunities and the chance to work on
initiatives that will leave a lasting legacy.
If you’re passionate about making a difference and ready to embrace variety and challenge, we’d love to welcome
you to our team.
Thank you and good luck in your application
David Magee
Director - Change Directorate, HMCTS
What are people say about us…
Working within the Change Directorate has been an inspiring experience. The impact we’re making on citizens lives is
truly transformative: every initiative is focused on creating better, more accessible services that meet real needs. What
“makes this place exceptional is the collaborative culture; teams come together across disciplines, sharing ideas and
expertise to deliver meaningful change. It’s not just about projects; it’s about people both the citizens we serve and the
colleagues we work with. There’s a genuine sense of purpose here. Being part of this journey means contributing to
solutions that improve lives and strengthen trust in public services.
Haresh
"
“I joined the portfolio team in 2020 as portfolio support, where I have grown professionally and contributed to improving how
the team operates. This experience has allowed me to flourish in risk management, supported by the team’s expertise and
guidance, which played a key role in my promotion to portfolio analyst lead in the portfolio. I am proud to work alongside
colleagues committed to delivering high-quality outcomes and managing the portfolio effectively. Our team’s strength lies in
its dedication to being a champion for change, maintaining government standards and continuously looking forward
adapting to new processes and ways of working. Recently, I have been acting as a “One Big Thing Champion" along with
other colleagues across the directorate to drive innovation and explore opportunities with artificial intelligence.
" Chrissie
“I joined HMCTS in 2006 as a crown court clerk, completely new to the Civil Service. Working in court felt like joining a
family, and the variety of the role gave me a strong grounding in real frontline delivery. That experience opened the door
to the Regional Change Team, where I could help improve the experience for Criminal Justice Partners and Court
Users. With great support from my manager, I upskilled into a business change manager role and gained APMG
qualifications. I later moved into the National Business Change team, contributing to major digital reform. It’s a
department that genuinely develops people and gives you the chance to make a real difference.
John
"
What does the Change Directorate do?
The Change Directorate leads the delivery of change across HMCTS. We manage and deliver projects that
improve how courts and tribunals operate, with a focus on improving access to justice, efficiency and service
quality. These roles sit at the centre of complex, high profile change activity and work across services,
professions and delivery teams.
We deliver change on behalf of HMCTS, working across the organisation and with a wide range of partners.
Our projects support:
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Digital transformation
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Operational and service improvement
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Policy and legislative change
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Commercial and procurement activity
We work closely with operational teams, digital colleagues, policy teams and the judiciary to deliver change that
is practical, deliverable and sustainable. Our focus is on outcomes:
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Delivering practical change, not just process
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Supporting services that millions of people rely on each year
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Managing risk, dependencies and delivery at scale
Types of projects you may work on:
Our portfolio covers a wide range of project types, depending on business need and priorities. Projects typically include:
Procurement
Property
Commercial procurement and re-
Projects with a focus on the HMCTS estate
procurement
and ensuring that our capacity meets the
demand.
Service Design
Operational
National programmes affecting multiple
Projects that directly impact our services, the
jurisdictions or services
change could be related to people, systems,
processes etc.
Digital
Policy
Digital services and platforms for
Projects that are driven by changes to
courts and tribunals.
internal policy or wider legislative changes.
Examples of projects that you could work on:
Within Change, at any given time, our portfolio comprises of 20 to 30 projects aimed at improving the
efficiency, effectiveness and accessibility of the courts and tribunals. These projects cover business and
digital transformation through to commercial procurements. Here are some current examples:
The Housing Dispute Policy Implementation
Remote Participation:
Programme:
A courts initiative that enables hearings
Supporting the Government’s aim to strengthen
to be attended remotely (via video or
renters' rights and improve the private rental
telephone) to improve access to justice
market through the rollout of the Renters' Rights
and court efficiency in a safe and
Bill and Leasehold Reform Act to expand tribunal
controlled manner.
capacity, adjust operating models, and manage
'no-fault' eviction reforms.
Language Services Project:
Criminal Courts Reform:
Procurement and deployment of new
Enhancing the effectiveness of the
translation and interpretation services to
criminal courts and improving the
improve access to justice, making sure
efficiency of the criminal justice
that all users can understand and
system.
participate in proceedings.
What it’s like to work in the Change Directorate?
Work in the Change Directorate is fast paced and delivery focused. Projects often operate under public,
legal or ministerial scrutiny, and collaboration is essential. No project is delivered in isolation. In practice,
this means:
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High levels of responsibility
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Clear accountability for delivery
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Exposure to senior stakeholders
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Opportunities to develop project and change capability
Why join the Change Directorate?
You will work on projects that have real public impact and directly support the justice system. You will gain
experience across a wide and varied portfolio, with roles offering breadth, challenge and professional
development.
These roles suit people who:
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Want meaningful delivery work
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Are comfortable with complexity
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Enjoy working across organisational boundaries
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Want to build or deepen a career in change and project delivery
Why join the Change Directorate?
Joining the Change Directorate means being part of a team that thrives on adaptability, continuous learning and
making a real difference. If you’re looking for a role that offers variety, growth and purpose, this is the place for you.
Variety of Work
Flexibility and Mobility
Support a wide range of
Move between projects, apply your
transformation projects, from digital
skills where they matter most, and
innovation to service improvement,
develop new capabilities along the
gaining exposure to different areas
way.
of HMCTS.
Collaboration and Community
Impact
Work alongside talented
Every project you contribute to
colleagues across HMCTS,
helps improve justice services
sharing knowledge and best
for millions of people across
practice to deliver meaningful
England and Wales.
change.
What is the career development and training like?
We are passionate about investing in the growth of our staff. As part of HMCTS Change Directorate, you’ll have access to:
Access to Digital Learning
Professional Qualifications
Structured Learning Paths
Platforms
Opportunities to gain Project
Including Civil Service Learning,
Unlimited access to online
Delivery Accreditation and
HMCTS-specific training and
courses and webinars covering
Certifications.
project delivery frameworks.
project delivery, leadership and
emerging technologies to
support continuous professional
development.
Mentoring and Coaching
Community of Practice
Clear Progression Routes
Learn from experienced project
Share knowledge, attend
From EO to senior grades, with
professionals and senior leaders.
workshops, and collaborate on
pathways into Programme
best practices.
Management and Leadership
roles.