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General Information

Salary
The national salary range is £34,140 - £37,105, London salary range is £38,661 - £42,019. Your salary will be dependent on your base location
Working Pattern
Full Time, Flexible Working
Vacancy Approach
External
Location
National
Region
National
Closing Date
14-Apr-2025
Post Type
Permanent
Civil Service Grade
HEO
Number of jobs available
1
Job ID
4447

Descriptions & requirements

Job description

Directorate: MoJ Project Delivery Function

Job Title: Capability Support Officer

Pay Span or equivalent:  Band C (HEO)

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) priorities include improving public safety and reducing reoffending by reforming prisons, probation and youth justice, and building a justice system which makes access to justice swifter and more certain for all citizens whatever their background. Project professionals in the MoJ help to improve the government’s ability to protect the public and reduce reoffending, and to provide a more effective, transparent and responsive criminal justice system for victims and the public.

As part of the Business and Corporate Team in MoJ Project Delivery Function Management Office (PDFMO), you will report to the Project Delivery Function’s (PDF) Workforce Planning Manager and feed into the Project Delivery Chief Operating Officer and their wider Professional Delivery Leadership Team (PDLT). This is an operational and corporate role with a focus on Learning and Development, although you will be exposed to the Department’s portfolio of projects and programmes through your work across the Function. You will be key to the development and delivery of PDF’s Professional Delivery Group’s (PDG) Learning and Development Plan and well as developing systems and processes for the smooth-running of the PDF. You will have the opportunity to build relationships with Senior Leaders within the Function, colleagues across the department and with other Government Departments.

You will be based in the Business and Corporate Centre for the PDFMO which manages the Workforce planning, Learning and development, Comms and Engagement, Talent and Performance, Finance, Private Offices and Corporate Governance and Assurance for the wider PDF. You will therefore be exposed to a wide range of opportunities and have the chance to lead on strategic pieces of work directly with the Professional Delivery Leadership Team (PDLT).     

You will be based in the Business and Corporate Centre for the PDFMO which manages the Workforce planning, Learning and development, Comms and Engagement, Talent and Performance, Finance, Private Offices and Corporate Governance and Assurance for the wider PDF. You will therefore be exposed to a wide range of opportunities and have the chance to lead on strategic pieces of work directly with the Professional Delivery Leadership Team (PDLT).    

You will be joining an evolving Function in a time of change and will be in the centre of delivering that change whilst also supporting the Function’s People Team. You will have a passion for delivering change and the personality to lead and influence people throughout the Function and the wider department.

As Capability Support Officer you will be responsible for the delivery of all learning and development within the PDF, ensuring that our delivery aligns to the strategic priorities of the organisation and the development needs of our people in line with their Project Delivery Competency Framework (PDCF) Competencies. You will play a key role in ensuring that the PDG members get access to a wide range of development opportunities, whilst ensuring that the requests are appropriately aligned to the needs of their project/programmes and their personal development needs.

MoJ expects its employees to show openness, honesty and commitment, and, of course, to deliver results. 

Key responsibilities of the role

These may be further shaped and adjusted dependent on business needs and team resources / skills.

Data  

  • Conduct regular analysis of the trends and commonalities present within PDG capabilities and use this to inform ongoing decision making and the PDG Learning and Development Delivery Plan.
  • Utilising data on our workforce’s capability, provided by the Government Online Skills Tool (GOST) to inform the Function’s Learning and Development Plan.
  • Integration of the optimised learning and development plan into the PDFs delivery model.
  • Manage the delivery of regular reporting on capability, performance, talent reviews and learning and development budget for the Function.

Stakeholder Management  

  • Collaborate with the Project Delivery Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and the Project Delivery Function’s Centre of Excellence to identify capability gaps and training needs of Function staff members which will champion the Function’s 70:20:10 Learning model.
  • Maintain productive relationships with a variety of stakeholders both internal and external to the MoJ, including but not limited to external training suppliers, the PDLT, Senior Leaders, PDF Central Teams.

Processes 

  • Leading the management and delivery of technical, behavioural and leadership training, including D&I specific training.
  • To lead on the facilitation, administration, organisation, and feedback loop of the Function’s training programmes including Line Manager training. 
  • Development and management of training improvements and innovative interventions for Line manager training.
  • Responsible for maintaining the 6 monthly talent review platforms and guidance for the PDF utilising MS Forms, Power Bi and MS Lists, with support from the Workforce Planning Manager.
  • Updating and maintenance of the Function’s training log to track requests, purchase orders and course attendance.

Finance  

  • Oversee Learning and Development budget for the PDG.
  • Supporting a Band D to raise purchase orders, maintain the training log and ensure the best value for public money.
  • Budget tracking and reporting against learning and development spend against agreed budget.
  • Financial analysis of spending mid-year to forecast upcoming requests.
  • Reporting on exam success to ensure best VfM from suppliers and evaluating success at regular review points.
  • Financial analysis of spending mid-year to forecast upcoming requests.
  • Reporting on exam success to ensure best VfM from suppliers and evaluating success at regular review points.

Mailbox Management  

  • Management of the inbox and processing of queries and requests in relation to learning and development.  
  • Provide line management for Band D Business and Corporate Support.

Essential criteria  

  • Strong digital proficiency using MS Tools, PowerBi, and Excel (Dataverse and Power apps is desirable) 
  • Experience of organising activity, establishing processes and working to deadlines.  
  • Able to use Microsoft Office tools. 

Location & Terms of appointment

This post is advertised nationally but frequent travel will be required to locations where our Major Projects are based.

Your base office location at an MoJ HQ site, Justice Collaboration Centre, or Justice Satellite Office will be discussed if successful, as we do not offer home working contracts. All available sites can be found on this link.

Following the return to offices initiative any MoJ employee based in a MoJ building should be attending the office a minimum of two days a week. Typically, this will be at your base office location at an MoJ HQ site, Justice Collaboration Centre, or Justice Satellite Office. If you are required to travel to another office or site with your project/programme, this will be classed as a day’s office attendance. 

Salary & Grade

Band C (HEO)

New entrants to the Civil Service will be expected to join on the minimum of the pay range and this is non-negotiable.

Existing Civil Servants will have their salary calculated in accordance with the Department’s pay on transfer / pay on promotion rules.

Selection and Recruitment Process

Where high volumes of applications are received the initial sift will be completed against the lead competency. If your application progresses to a full sift, all competencies will then be considered. Feedback is not available for those not invited to interview.

Merit List of successful candidates based on location will be retained after this campaign for 12 months.

Application Process

You will be required to complete an application form providing evidence of how you meet the below key Civil Service behaviours competencies and provide a current CV.

Key Civil Service Competencies

  •        Working Together.
  •         Changing and Improving
  •         Delivering at pace 
  •         Managing a Quality Service

The interview will consist of a Civil Service behaviours and strength-based questions in line with success profiles. You will also be asked to complete an In-Tray exercise as explained below.

In-tray Exercise

Candidates will also be asked to complete an In-tray Exercise prior to the interview commencing. Instructions will be sent to candidates directly before their interview date. This is used to evaluate a candidate’s admin responsibilities and planning tools. This will be one of the key responsibilities of the role.

Travel

Frequent travel to other sites is required for this post.

Flexible working options

MoJ offers a flexible working system in many of its offices.

Job Sharing and Reduced Hours

All applications for job sharing or reduced hours will be treated fairly and on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the MoJ’s flexible working policy and equality policy.

Excess Fares and Relocation Allowances

This job is not eligible for relocation allowances but excess fares may be considered in accordance with MoJ’s excess fares allowance policy

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 4447

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 4447

Application form stage assessments

Behaviours
A sift based on the lead behaviour, Managing a Quality Service, 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
500
Working Together
Changing and Improving
Delivering at Pace
Managing a Quality Service
Experience
We will assess your experience for this role via the following methods
CV or Work History
Evidence of Experience
CV or Work History

Interview stage assessments

Interview Dates
To be confirmed
Behaviours
Working Together
Changing and Improving
Delivering at Pace
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.

Other Assessments

Which assessment methods will be used?
Other 1
Other - Assessment Title 1
InTray
Use of Artificial Intelligence (Al)
You must ensure that any evidence submitted as part of your application, including your CV, statement of suitability and behaviour examples, 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.
Level of security checks required
Baseline Personnal Security Standard (BPSS)