19612 - Deputy Data Quality Lead - 19612 - Ministry of Justice

Descriptions & requirements

Job description

Job title: Deputy Data Quality Lead

Directorate: Strategy and Analysis

The role is advertised as a Fixed Term Appointment (FTA)/Loan/Detached Duty for 12 months.

MoJ employees may apply for FTA opportunities in MoJ that are advertised at a higher grade than their current substantive grade. Where an employee accepts an FTA on promotion, this promotion will be temporary, and the employee will revert to their substantive grade upon return to their home business area, as per the loan policy for OGD loans. Before applying, employees must seek approval from their line managers to ensure they can be released for the duration of the FTA and can return to their substantive role at the end. If there is no role available at the end of the FTA, the employee will be subject to redeployment and potentially redundancy procedures.

About us

His Majesty’s Court and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) is an agency of the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and provides the supporting administration for the judiciary across England and Wales.  It delivers services to the public directly in court and tribunal buildings, remotely via business centres and some services via the internet.

HMCTS has a vision to modernise and upgrade our justice system so that it works better for everyone, from judges and legal professionals, to witnesses, litigants, and the vulnerable victims of crime. This will help consolidate the UK’s position at the forefront of an increasingly competitive international legal market as well as ensuring access to justice for all. This is an exciting time to join the organisation and be part of work to make a real difference.   

As part of this transformation, in 2021 HMCTS published its Data Strategy, setting out its ambitions to become a truly data-driven organisation. The Strategy and Analysis directorate supports this strategy by enabling senior leaders to make strategic, data driven business decisions.  

The Data team is based in S&A and plays a key role in delivering the Data Strategy, and in supporting HMCTS’s overall service provision. We provide HMCTS, the MoJ and the Judiciary with timely, accurate and accessible operational management information and analysis that underpins strategic and operational decisions. To support this, we have built a new cloud-based strategic data platform and have transitioned to using Power BI and R for the delivery of data and analysis.

About the role

HMCTS has introduced a Data Quality programme which will continue to assess data quality across the organisation and improve accuracy and reliability across critical data metrics once the Programme ends in March 2027. This aligns with our increasing organisational reliance on digital platforms and data. The objective of this work is to see a consistent improvement in data quality across all HMCTS services and implement a robust, industry-standard approach to maintaining long-term data integrity so that HMCTS data can inform decision-making.

The successful applicant will support the Data Quality lead to assess and improve data quality across HMCTS. This will consist of a programme of Data Quality reviews to improve the accuracy and reliability of our key data across critical data metrics. This aligns with our increasing organisational reliance on digital platforms and data. In particular this role will identify and address data quality issues in the most important Magistrates datasets and take steps to improve the accuracy and reliability of our data for the full range of known purposes . This will include any data quality work that comes from Leveson implementation. The objective of this work is to see a consistent improvement in data quality across important data sets in all HMCTS services. This work will also implement a robust, industry-standard approach to maintaining long-term data quality so that HMCTS data can reliably inform strategic and operational decision-making. The position holders will work with staff from across HMCTS Services, Operations and Digital Technology Services, to ensure robust consideration of data quality across all HMCTS services in a prioritised and efficient manner.  

This is an exciting and challenging role where you will coordinate multiple projects simultaneously, build connections with a range of colleagues across HMCTS and MoJ, influence resource management and deliver at pace, while effectively managing stakeholder expectations.

Your role as the Deputy Data Quality Lead encompasses several key aspects (but not limited to):

Coordinating delivery

Support the coordination of data quality activities and priorities
Track progress of improvement activity and provide updates to stakeholders
Contribute to continuous improvement of data quality processes and ways of working

Delivering data quality improvements

Support the delivery of data quality audits across HMCTS services
Identify data quality issues, carry out root cause analysis, and support remediation activity
Work with stakeholders to recommend implementation of practical data quality processes, standards, and controls to improve data reliability
Work with subject matter experts to apply consistent data definitions and standards

Applying data quality across the data lifecycle

Support teams to improve data quality at different stages of the data lifecycle
Identify and escalate data quality risks, supporting proportionate action to address them
Ensure data is handled in line with data protection and ethical requirements

Supporting data strategy delivery

Contribute to delivering HMCTS Data Strategy priorities through data quality improvements
Help identify areas for improvement and implement best practice approaches

Communicating insight and supporting decisions

Present data quality findings clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders
Provide practical recommendations based on analysis to support decision-making
Tailor communication to suit different audiences

Stakeholder engagement

Build effective working relationships across HMCTS teams
Work with both technical and non-technical stakeholders to resolve data quality issues
Support discussions across teams and manage differing priorities

Enabling teams and building capability

Support teams to improve their understanding of data quality and its importance
Contribute to improving data literacy by helping users understand data limitations and appropriate use
Develop and maintain guidance and documentation to support consistent data quality practices

The post holder is required to work in a flexible way and undertake any other duties reasonably requested by line management which are commensurate with the grade and level of responsibility of this post.

Who are we looking for? (Person Specification)

The ideal candidate for this position should demonstrate:

Essential Skills

Strong communication skills with the ability to:
Explain complex data issues in plain English
Tailor messaging for different audiences (operational staff, senior leaders, technical teams)

Experience of working with senior stakeholders and influencing decisions using evidence
Ability to challenge constructively and drive improvements where data issues are identified
Strong attention to detail and ability to spot inconsistencies
Experience reviewing casework, records or operational processes
Ability to question information and investigate issues
Confident working with spreadsheets or case management systems
Strong problem-solving skills
Ability to explain issues clearly to others and influence improvements

The below criteria are desirable only. These will not be assessed throughout the recruitment process, but will be used in the event of tied scores between candidates

Desirable Skills

Be a subject matter expert in Crime (magistrates) operational procedure and practices.
Strong understanding of Magistrates’ Crime processes, systems, and data flows (e.g. case progression, hearings, outcomes)
Familiarity with key magistrates’ datasets and performance metrics
Experience identifying and resolving data quality issues
Experience identifying and resolving data quality issues within operational magistrates’ data
Ability to translate operational processes into data requirements, definitions, and standards
Experience working with Digital/analytical teams to improve data accuracy and usability

How to apply

Application Stage

Please submit:

An anonymised CV. Please ensure your CV is uploaded in a simple format to prevent any formatting issues when it's downloaded or reviewed.

Your CV should:

Be succinct and clear.
Be factually accurate – You must ensure that any evidence submitted as part of your application, is truthful and factually accurate. Please note that plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own.
Include your qualifications, highlighting any modules or accreditation relevant to the role.
Include your relevant experience, providing dates.
Provide detail – we are interested in how your knowledge, skills, and experience demonstrate the capabilities we are looking for in this role.
Statement of suitability demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria (up to 500 words).

Your Statement of Suitability should be no more than 500 words and should give us real life examples of how your skills and experience match those needed for this role. Consider addressing particular points in the person specification requirements and key responsibilities. We recommend following the STAR format.

You must ensure that any evidence submitted as part of your application, are truthful and factually accurate. Please note that plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own.

Interview Stage

If successful at sift, you will be invited to attend a remote interview, via Microsoft teams. During your interview, you will be assessed against the following Civil Service Success Profiles which will include:.

Questions in relation to the following Civil Service behaviours:
Communicating and Influencing
Making Effective Decisions
Delivering at Pace

Further details

Working pattern

Due to the nature of the role, the minimum working hours is 30 hours per week.

Travel requirements

There will be a requirement to travel occasionally to any HMCTS site in line with business needs. Expected travel to 102 Petty France, London to be limited to once a month, flexibility of approach is considered and use of teams where needed in the place of an in person meeting

About our benefits

We reward our people for their hard work and commitment. We have a number of family friendly and flexible working polices that will help you achieve a healthy work-life balance. In addition, we offer a range of employee benefits which include generous annual leave, a highly competitive contributory pension scheme, childcare benefits, season ticket and bicycle loans.

Proud to Serve. Proud to keep justice going.

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

To Transformative Business Services (0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk);
To Ministry of Justice Resourcing team (resourcing-management-office@justice.gov.uk);
To the Civil Service Commission (details available here)

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:

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: 19612

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: 19612

Ministry of Justice

19612 - Deputy Data Quality Lead

General Information

Descriptions & requirements

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Application form stage assessments

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