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General Information

Salary
The national salary range is £35,335 - £37,847, London salary range is £40,014 - £42,859. Your salary will be dependent on your base location
Working Pattern
Full Time
Vacancy Approach
External
Location
Leeds, London, Loughborough
Region
East Midlands, London, Yorkshire and the Humber
Closing Date
29-Jul-2026
Post Type
Permanent
Civil Service Grade
HEO
Number of jobs available
1
Reserve List
12 Months
Job ID
20000

Descriptions & requirements

Job description

Role title: Governance and Policy Manager 

Team/Directorate: Strategy, Governance and Change team/Judicial College

Overview of the Judicial Office
This is standardised wording and cannot be amended.

The Judicial Office (JO) reports to, and is accountable, to the Lady Chief Justice (LCJ). It was established in 2006 to provide support to the LCJ and to the wider judiciary in upholding the rule of law and in delivering justice impartially, speedily and efficiently, following the Constitutional Reform Act 2005. 

In addition, we support, and are accountable to, the Senior President of Tribunals, whose responsibilities extend to Scotland and Northern Ireland. 

The JO is an interesting and unique place to work. Everything we do is in support of upholding the independence and impartiality of the judiciary. We work closely with HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS), the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and others across Government as well as with the legal professions. 

We are an Arm’s Length Body sponsored by the Ministry of Justice. This creates an interesting and complex environment in which to work where we agree our priorities with the senior judiciary and receive our funding to deliver them from the Ministry of Justice. The Judicial Office has been through a period of significant growth resulting from an expansion of our remit and responsibilities.

Overview of the team

The Judicial College provides training courses and guidance for 24,000 judicial office holders on behalf of the Lady Chief Justice, Senior President of Tribunals and Chief Coroner. Its vision is to be a world leader in judicial education. This is an exciting time to join the College as it continues to deliver, develop and enhance the training programme at a time of change across the justice system. 

The successful candidate will join the strategy, governance and change team – a central, cross-cutting team that sits at the heart of the College and provides direct support to three leadership judges. This includes leading on priority projects and policy work on their behalf, managing the College’s governance and coordinating our public facing engagement.

Hybrid Working Requirement
This is standardised wording and cannot be amended.

This position is eligible for hybrid working (current minimum requirement for time spent at base location is 60%, which is subject to business requirements).

Summary of the role

The successful candidate will provide direct support to one of our three judicial Directors of Training (DoTs). 

The post-holder will contribute to policy development and projects, respond to enquiries and maintain effective relationships across internal and external stakeholders. They will manage committee business, prepare briefings and reports, advise on emerging issues, support stakeholder engagement, and help progress College priorities. The role requires strong organisation, attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities at pace with the support of the team. 

The team operates across three main sites, and this role may be based at any of the following locations: Leeds, London or Loughborough.

This is a full-time position, but we will consider applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements such as job shares and other arrangements where business need allows.

Responsibilities, Activities & Duties:

The main responsibilities of the post include, but are not limited to:
  • Supporting the Director of Training (DoT) across a broad portfolio covering Crime and Magistrates;
  • Advising the DoT on emerging issues and briefing them in preparation for a variety of internal and external engagements;
  • Staying abreast of College activities and assisting the DoT in advancing the College’s priorities;
  • Leading on or contributing to policy development and discrete projects that support the Judicial College’s strategic objectives as required;
  • Drafting reports, briefings and papers as required;
  • Providing secretariat support to the Wales Training Committee;
  • Managing sensitive, high-profile and time-critical enquiries;
  • Working flexibly across competing priorities, often at pace, while maintaining accuracy, confidentiality and sound judgement.
Essential Knowledge, Experience and Skills
  • Clear and effective communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
  • Excellent organisational skills and responsivity, with the ability to understand and prioritise competing requirements.
  • Ability to quickly build and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders at all levels.
  • Sound judgement and discretion when handling sensitive, confidential or high-profile information.
  • Ability to work flexibly and collaboratively as part of a team.
  • Strong attention to detail.
Desirable Knowledge, Experience and Skills

  • Experience of supporting governance, committees or formal meetings, including preparing papers, minutes and action logs.
Behaviours (for Recruitment/Success Profiles):
  • Changing and Improving (lead)
  • Managing a Quality Service 
  • Working Together
  • Delivering at Pace
Assessment process at application

This vacancy is using Success Profiles.

You are asked to provide a statement of suitability (max. 500 words) and two behaviour examples on changing and improving and managing a quality service (max. 250 words each). Your statement of suitability should set out your interest in the role and how you meet the essential criteria. Applications may be sifted on the lead behaviour - changing and improving - if a large number are received.

Assessment process at interview

During the panel interview, candidates will be asked behaviour-based questions (using the four behaviours listed below) to assess your skills, experience and capabilities.

The behaviours to be tested at interview are:
  • Changing and Improving
  • Managing a Quality Service 
  • Working Together
  • Delivering at Pace
Candidates will also be asked strength-based questions to explore what you enjoy and your motivations relevant to the job role. 

Interviews will be held remotely, via MS Teams. 

Interview dates will be confirmed with candidates in due course.

Security clearance required:
Select one of the below. (this will be determined by the location)
- DBS
- CTC
- SC
- DV
Please note: Central Government policy dictates that applicants for National Security Clearance must be a resident in the UK for these minimum periods:
- CTC - 3 years
- SC - 5 years
- DV - 10 years

CTC

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: 20000

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: 20000

Application form stage assessments

Behaviours
A sift based on the lead behaviour, Changing and Improving, may be held if a large number of applications are received. If a large number of applications remain after the initial sift, your application will be progressed to a full sift, where all behaviours will then be considered.
Behaviours Application Form Question Word Limit
250
Changing and Improving
Managing a Quality Service
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
You are asked to provide a statement of suitability (max. 500 words) and two behaviour examples on changing and improving and managing a quality service (max. 250 words each). Your statement of suitability should set out your interest in the role and how you meet the essential criteria. Applications may be sifted on the lead behaviour - changing and improving - if a large number are received.
Evidence of Experience
CV or Work History, Statement of Suitability

Interview stage assessments

Interview Dates
Week Commencing: Estimated to be 13th August 2026
Behaviours
Changing and Improving
Working Together
Managing a Quality Service
Delivering at Pace
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
Counter Terrorism Check (CTC)

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.