Deputy Director, Public Bodies Centre of
Expertise
Ministry of Justice
SCS Pay Band 1
Closing Date: 23:55 24th August 2025
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Contents
Person
Introduction
The Role
Benefits
Specification
Recruitment
Diversity &
FAQs
Contact Us
Process
Inclusion
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Welcome to Finance Strategy and Partnerships Directorate
Thank you for your
Sentencing Review, the Government will be
For the right person, this role presents an
undertaking a significant overhaul of
exciting opportunity to be at the heart of
interest in this exciting
sentencing policy with the aim of putting the
this historic change.
role with the Finance
prison population on a sustainable footing;
Best wishes,
Sir Brian Leveson has recently published
Strategy and Partnerships
the first part of his Independent Review of
Farhad Chikhalia
Directorate
Criminal Courts, which recommends a
(Interim) Director, Finance Strategy and
substantial overhaul of the court system to
Partnerships
help deal with the record caseload in the
The Finance Strategy and Partnerships
Crown Court; and we have recently
Directorate holds a unique place in the
concluded our Spending Review
Department. We are responsible for leading
negotiations with HM Treasury, which has
the Department through Spending Reviews
set out budget for the next three years.
and other fiscal events; we hold the
strategic relationship with the Department’s
The directorate has a critical role in all of
35 Arm’s Length Bodies; and are
these. In particular, the spending review
responsible for overseeing the work of the
settlement we have negotiated will be
Court Funds Office and the c.£4bn of funds
fundamental in delivering the
that it holds.
recommendations from both David Gauke
and Sir Brian Leveson, and the reforms
You join the directorate a significant
these two reviews recommend cannot be
moment for the Department: following
delivered without the support of our Arm’s
publication of David Gauke’s independent
Length Bodies.
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About the Ministry of Justice
The Ministry of Justice is a
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) works to
victims and defendants through a
protect and advance the principles of
modern and efficient criminal courts
major government department at
justice. Our vision is to deliver a world-class
system.
the heart of the justice system.
justice system that works for everyone in
• A beacon for justice and the rule of law:
We deliver some of the most
society.
to uphold the rule of law at home and
fundamental public services
The justice system plays a crucial role in
abroad; promote our world-leading legal
our success as a nation - keeping people
services, which contribute to economic
including courts, tribunals,
safe, emphasising fairness, guaranteeing
growth; and deliver accessible and
prisons, legal services, youth
individual rights and giving businesses
timely civil, family and administrative
confidence to flourish.
justice.
justice, probation services, and
attendance centres.
The delivery of our three strategic
For more information on who we are and
outcomes are central to doing this:
what we do, please visit:
•
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisatio
Punishment that cuts crime: to rebuild
ns/ministry-of-justice.
confidence in the criminal justice system
by protecting the public and reducing
reoffending with a sustainable and
effective prison and probation service.
• Swifter justice for victims: to rebuild
confidence in the criminal justice system
by ensuring timely, just outcomes for
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About the role
Job Title
External candidates should expect their
G6s. These G6s manage the respective
salary upon appointment to be £81,000 per
branches of the team:
Deputy Director, Public Bodies, Centre of
annum.
Expertise
• Partnership, Strategy and Reviews -
Existing Civil Servants will be appointed in
responsible for corporate sponsorship of
Location
line with the Civil Service pay rules in place
19 of the MoJ sponsored public bodies,
National
on the date of their appointment.
and oversight of the framework of
sponsorship for all 35. This team
(The MoJ is working to open more Justice
Contract Type
provides the golden thread between the
Collaboration Centres and Justice Satellite
department and its public bodies, by
Offices over time. Click here to learn more
This role is being offered on a Permanent
forging strong and trusting relationships
about where our currently open Justice
basis.
to ensure each body is supported and
Collaboration Centres and Justice Satellite
This role has a minimum assignment
that the department is assured of their
Offices are, to identify where you may be
duration of 3 years - in line with the
delivery. Within this branch sits the MoJ
based.
deliverables identified. Please note this is
Public Bodies Review team who lead
Please note the requirements for travel and
an expectation only, it is not something
often high-profile and in-depth reviews
level of flexibility available as set out in the
which is written into your terms and
of our public bodies, to ensure that they
FAQs section.
conditions or indeed which the employing
remain fit for purpose, and operating
organisation or you are bound by.
with appropriate efficiency,
Salary
effectiveness, governance and efficacy.
The Role
The salary for this role is set within the MoJ
• Public Appointments - Public
SCS PB1 range at £81,000 per annum.
As Deputy Director for the Public Bodies
appointees play an important role in
Centre of Expertise, you will lead a team of
public life on the boards of public bodies
c.35 people and directly line manage 2
5
and in statutory offices. Our
As Deputy Director for the team, you will
Secretary), policy sponsors, the
appointment processes are designed to
play a critical role - you will need to build
Accounting Officers of Non-
ensure that the best people, from the
and maintain strong relationships with the
departmental Public Bodies, Office
widest possible pool of candidates, are
Senior Sponsors (roles held by Directors
Holders, and Board members and other
appointed to these roles. The MoJ is the
General in MoJ), senior leaders across the
non-executives to ensure that each
department with the most public
Department, Chairs and CEOs of the public
organisation is well governed and
appointments - c.2,200 in total. The
bodies, and colleagues in Cabinet Office
operates in an efficient and effective
Public Appointments team manages the
and No10.
manner to deliver public services in line
process for about 500 of these, which
with the Secretary of State’s priorities.
means that at any one time, the team
Sitting in the finance function, you will be
are running around 40 appointment and
an active member of the leadership of the
• Provide regular reporting on assurance
reappointment processes. The team
Financial Strategy and Partnerships
and risks affecting Public Bodies to
also has responsibility for the wider
Directorate, and broader finance function.
Senior Sponsors, the Principal
framework governing how the
This role is a great opportunity to get
Accounting Officer, and the
department manages the remaining
experience of finance and strategy, and
Departmental Audit and Risk Assurance
1,700 appointments.
work across all corporate functions and
Committee.
disciplines.
The role will put you in a unique position -
• Oversee the overall governance
it spans breadth of the organisation, and
The postholder will be required to
arrangements between the MoJ and its
requires
undertake the following duties and
public bodies, including maintenance of
collaborative working with colleagues in
responsibilities:
Framework Documents, reflecting each
every area of the department and across
organisation’s purpose, responsibilities,
Whitehall to make sure that MoJ’s public
• Build strategic and operational
and oversight arrangements.
bodies are represented and that MoJ
understanding of MoJ sponsored ALBs,
practices align with central guidance
through outreach and engagement at all
• Oversee and deliver MoJ’s public
including the Arm’s Length Bodies
levels of seniority within and outside the
appointment processes to support
Sponsorship Code of Good Practice, and
Department.
ministerial decisions, in line with the
the Governance Code on Public
Cabinet Office Governance Code on
Appointments.
• Develop strong partnership
Public Appointments. This involves
relationships with the Senior Sponsors
oversight of all 2,200 public
(as delegated by the Permanent
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appointments, and direct management
of around 500 of these.
• Engage with the Cabinet Office Public
Bodies team and deliver a demanding
and high-profile programme of Cabinet
Office mandated reviews of public
bodies.
• Leadership of an expert and engaged
team of c.35, and management of a
budget of c£2m.
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Organogram
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Person Specification
It is important through the recruitment
Essential Experience:
conflicting short and long-term
process that you give evidence and
priorities, and high profile matters
• A highly credible leader, able to
examples of proven experience of each of
collaboratively with all areas of the
provide evidence of your ability deliver
the essential criteria.
department.
high-quality, professional services,
As you read through the pack you can see
ensuring that your team collaborates
MoJ SCS Pay Band 1 Behaviours:
what is being assessed at which stage of
with partners to deliver.
the process.
You will also be assessed against the following
• Strong people-leadership skills, with
Behaviours during the Recruitment Process:
the ability to develop an inclusive and
collaborative working environment,
Behaviours
and attract, motivate, develop and
lead people at all levels to the highest
• Leadership
standard.
• Communicating and Influencing
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Excellent communication skills, with
• Delivering at Pace
the ability to develop effective
• Making Effective Decisions
relationships with Ministers, senior
policy, operational and functional
Read more in the Civil Service Success
colleagues, as well as developing
Profiles Section.
strongly collaborative and partnership
working with senior leaders in public
Strengths:
bodies and a range of external
stakeholders within government.
We are looking to understand what motivates
and energises you. We want to see what your
• Comfortable and confident in working
natural strengths are and what interests you.
at pace to manage a full workload with
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The Recruitment Process
Recruitment Process
Stages of the selection process
the essential experience set out on page
10.
The selection process will be chaired by
Application
Farhad Chikhalia, (Interim) Director Finance
Find out more information about our
Strategy and Partnerships. Other panel
You will need to complete the online
application process here.
application process accessed via the
members will be confirmed ahead of
advertisement for this role.
interviews.
After the Application Stage
Support during the selection process
This should be completed no later than 23:55
You will be advised whether your application
on 24th August 2025. As part of the
has been shortlisted for the next stage of the
If you need any support or have any questions application process, you will be asked to
selection process. If you are shortlisted, we will
during any stage of the selection process,
complete:
contact you to arrange the next stage of the
please contact the SCS Recruitment Team
selection process.
1. Responses to the eligibility questions to
scsrecruitment@justice.gov.uk.
check you are eligible to apply for the role.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an
2. A response to whether you would like to
interview or assessment.
request reasonable adjustments during
the selection process. The Disability
Panel Interview and Presentation
Support section explains how adjustments
can be made to the selection process to
You will be invited to attend an interview and
accommodate a disability.
presentation with the selection panel. You will
3. You will also need to complete a CV and
be asked to prepare a verbal 5-minute
Statement of Suitability. It is important that
presentation based on a topic that will be
your CV and Statement of Suitability give
provided in advance. The interview and
evidence and examples of how you meet
presentation will last for approximately 45
minutes.
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What is being assessed?
Behaviours, as listed on page 10.
Strengths
You will be informed at interview which
strengths you are being assessed against.
After the Panel Interview
Following the interview, the performance of all
candidates will be reviewed, and the
successful candidate identified. All candidates
will be notified of the outcome as soon as
possible after the conclusion of all interviews. If
you are not the successful candidate but you
meet the standard required, you may be invited
to have your details retained on a merit list to
be considered for future SCS roles.
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Civil Service Behaviours
What are Behaviours?
Leadership
organisation externally, advocating positive
outcomes for the sector you operate within.
The Civil Service recruits using Success
You visibly demonstrate the organisation’s
You motivate staff by ensuring they understand
Profiles and Behaviours are an element of
values in all your activity, leading authentically. how their work fits into the big picture.
Success Profiles used to see whether
You seek to engage staff in the aims of the
candidates are able demonstrate specific
organisation and communicate the
Delivering at Pace
Behaviours associated with the role they are
organisation’s strategy in an inspiring way. You You translate organisational strategy into clear
applying for during the selection process.
create an inclusive and fair culture which
objectives for activity within your area of
creates a sense of belonging by treating staff
In this process the below Behaviours are most
responsibility. You promote this amongst staff
as individuals and actively valuing diversity
relevant to this role and will be assessed
and ensure teams take responsibility for
within the organisation. You empower teams
during the interview stage of the process. The
delivering against objectives. You prioritise
and individuals to excel by creating a shared
definitions of Behaviours are set out below:
competing or conflicting demands, and are
vision and objectives and demonstrate trust in
able to decisively adjust activity based on
Communicating and Influencing
staff by giving autonomy.
changing requirements. You manage resource
You communicate clearly and with confidence, Seeing the Big Picture
effectively to enable those in your area of
both verbally and in writing. You are open,
responsibility to deliver. You delegate
You understand the wider context of the
honest and transparent in your
effectively, managing any risks associated with
organisation’s work, considering the political,
communications. You communicate effectively
doing so.
social, economic, and technological
with internal and external senior stakeholders
environment both currently and in the future.
Making Effective Decisions
to present information in a convincing and
You create and implement strategies to
influential manner. You tailor your
achieve the organisation’s aims and meet the
You make defensible, objective and fair high-
communication methods and content to the
impact decisions, considering the impact on
needs of the public. You promote the
audience, simplifying strategic messages.
the service user and wider organisation. You
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are willing to take ownership of your decisions,
being transparent and open about the reasons
for them. You effectively analyse data to make
evidence-based decisions, whilst being
comfortable taking considered risks based on
the best evidence available. You consult with
others to incorporate views and professional
expertise, ensuring appropriate individuals are
involved in the decision-making process.
Please click here or more information on
Behaviours and Success Profiles.
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Guidance for writing your Statement and CV
As part of the application process you need to
experience required for the role and describe
submit a Statement and CV. Both your
the outcome that came from this.
Statement and CV should demonstrate how
Providing a name-blind CV and Success
you meet the essential experience outlined in
Profile Statements
the Person Specification section.
In both your CV and Success Profile
Ensure you read through the role information
Statements please remove references to any
thoroughly and identify the essential criteria for personal information that could identify you.
each area. You should ensure you provide
For example:
evidence for each of the essential experience
• Name and title
which are required for the role in your
• Educational institution names
Statement and CV. You may not be
• Age and gender
progressed to the next stage of the
• Email address
assessment process if you do not provide this
• Postal address and telephone number
evidence.
• Nationality and immigration status.
When structuring your Statements try to:
This will help us to recruit based on your
• Group evidence of the same experience
knowledge and skills, and not on your
together by using subheadings and
background, gender or ethnicity. Recruiting this
paragraphs. This will help to ensure you are
way is called name-blind recruitment.
writing about the experience that is directly
For more information on how to write your
relevant for the role you are applying for.
Statement and CV please visit the Civil Service
• You should ensure that you detail recent and Careers Website.
relevant examples of the essential
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Expected Timeline
We will try and offer as much flexibility as we can, but it may not be possible to offer alternative dates for assessments or interviews. You are
therefore asked to note the below timetable, exercising flexibility through the recruitment and selection process, in order to meet the dates given.
Please note that these dates may be subject to change.
The anticipated timetable is as follows:
Advert Closing Date
24th August
Outcome of Application
Week Commencing 8th September
Panel Interview and Presentation
Week Commencing 15th September
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Working for the Ministry of Justice
We want everyone to be the best of
themselves, to feel supported and have a
Generous Annual Leave and Bank Holiday
strong sense of belonging in the workplace.
Allowance
Our commitment to creating a diverse and
inclusive workforce is reflected in all of our
25 days annual leave on entry, increasing on a
people policies and strategies.
sliding scale to 30 days after 5 years’ service.
This is in addition to 8 public holidays. This will
Benefits
be complemented by one further day paid
As a Ministry of Justice employee, you’ll be
privilege entitlement to mark the King’s
entitled to a large range of benefits which
Birthday.
include but are not limited to:
Flexible Working
Pension
While not every type of flexible working will be
The Civil Service Pension Scheme is one of
suitable for every role and business area,
the best workplace pension schemes in the UK flexible working can take many forms and The
Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing public sector. For SCS 1 roles, you will start
Ministry of Justice is committed to delivering its
Our departmental values - purpose, humanity,
with a base salary of £76,000. In addition,
business effectively and sustainably by
openness and together - are at the heart of our through automatic enrolment to the Civil
creating modern and inclusive workplaces that
commitment to create a culture where all our
Service Pension Scheme, we will contribute
enable smart, flexible and hybrid working.
people are able to thrive and flourish in the
£22,000 to your pension, providing a total
For more information on our amazing benefits
workplace.
reward package of £98,000.
including our Civil Service Pension Scheme,
We want to attract and retain the best talent
Visit www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk
annual and special leave, and our Equality,
from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
for more details.
Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing schemes
please visit our Senior Civil Service website.
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Disability Support
What reasonable adjustments can be made We understand that the support requested will
• Providing interview questions in a written
if I have a disability?
be unique to every candidate and we will work
format at the interview as well as orally;
with you to help you to identify your individual
We welcome and encourage applications from
• An interview at a certain time of day;
requirements.
all candidates and are committed to supporting
• Coloured overlays or different fonts for
all candidates to take part in the recruitment
Disclosing information regarding your disability
assessment materials.
process. This includes supporting individuals
or access requirements will have no impact on
who have a disability by making reasonable
the outcome of your application, regardless of
This is not intended to be an exhaustive list but
adjustments to the recruitment process.
your request or the role you have applied to.
rather some examples of how we can support
you during the SCS Recruitment Process.
We are also able to provide support to
How we can support you
candidates who require adjustments to the
Whilst we aim to confirm all adjustments
There are many types of reasonable
assessment process due to more temporary
requested, there may be occasions where this
adjustments that can be made during
difficulties (e.g. linked to a recent injury).
isn’t possible. If an adjustment cannot be
assessment processes, and the type or
provided, the reasons for this will be explained
We will ask you within your application form if
combination you choose to request will depend to you during your contact with the reasonable
you would like to request reasonable
on your individual requirements.
adjustment scheme team.
adjustments. If you feel you require any kind of Examples of some types of adjustments
support and/or would like to discuss this with
Help with your application
someone, please indicate ‘yes’ to requesting
include:
reasonable adjustments and ensure that you
•
During the application process, we will ask you
Extra time to complete assessments;
respond to the Reasonable Adjustments
if you require reasonable adjustments. You will
•
Scheme team by email.
Providing a break within an assessment;
need to contact us by email to discuss this with
a member of the team. It is important you tell
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us as early as possible if you would like to
request reasonable adjustments so that the
recruitment process runs smoothly for you.
If you do decide during the process that you do
require adjustments and you have not
completed all your assessments, please
contact the SCS recruitment team in advance
of your next assessment.
If you have any questions in advance of
making your application regarding reasonable
adjustments for the assessment process,
please contact the SCS recruitment team at
scsrecruitment@justice.gov.uk.
Do you offer a Disability Confident Scheme
for Disabled Persons?
As a Disability Confident employer, the MoJ
are able to offer an interview to disabled
candidates who meet the minimum selection
criteria, except in a limited number of
campaigns. This could be in terms of the
advertised essential skills and/or application
form sift criteria. Within the application form,
you will be asked if you would like to be
considered for an interview under this scheme,
so please make us aware of this when
prompted.
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FAQs
Can I apply if I am not currently a
Yes. If successful you must hold, or be willing
If you are not satisfied with the response you
civil servant?
to obtain, security clearance to SC level. More
receive from the Department you are able to
information about the vetting process can be
raise a formal complaint in the following order.
Yes.
found here.
1. To Shared Service-Connected Ltd (0845
Is this role suitable for part-time working?
Will this role be overseen by the Civil
241 5358 (Monday to Friday 08.00 - 18.00)
This role is available for full-time or flexible
Service Commission?
or e-mail Moj-recruitment-vetting-
working arrangements (including job shares).
enquiries@gov.sscl.com)
No. However, the recruitment process will still
To discuss your needs in more detail please
be governed by the Civil Service Commission’s 2. To Ministry of Justice Resourcing
get in touch with the SCS Recruitment Team.
Recruitment Principles.
(resourcing-services@justice.gov.uk)
Where will the role be based?
What do I do if I want to make a complaint? 3. To the Civil Service Commission
This is a National role.
(https://civilservicecommission.independent
The law requires that selection for appointment
.gov.uk/contact-us/)
Can I claim back any expenses incurred
to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of
during the recruitment process?
fair and open competition as outlined in the
What should I do if I think that I have a
Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment
conflict of interest?
Unfortunately we will not be able to reimburse
Principles.
you, except in exceptional circumstances.
If you believe that you may have a conflict of
Should you feel that the recruitment process
interest you must declare it by contacting SCS
Am I eligible to apply for this role?
has breached the recruitment principles and
Recruitment on scsrecruitment@justice.gov.uk
For information on whether you are eligible to
you wish to make a complaint, you should
before submitting your application.
apply, please visit Gov.UK.
contact scsrecruitment@justice.gov.uk in the
first instance.
Is security clearance required?
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Data Sharing
We will ensure that we will treat all experiences and feelings about working in the
the Civil Service, so that appropriate action
Civil Service can inform decision taken to
can be taken to level this experience;
personal information in accordance improve these experiences, and ultimately
with data protection legislation,
2. Processing is of a specific category of
organisation performance.
personal data and it is necessary for the
including the General Data
Sensitive personal data is personal data
purposes of identifying or keeping under
Protection Regulation and Data
revealing racial or ethnic origin, political
review the existence or absence of equality
opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, or
of opportunity or treatment between groups
Protection Act 2018.
trade union membership, and the processing of
of people with a view to enabling such
genetic data, biometric data for the purpose of
equality to be promoted or maintained.
Data Sharing
uniquely identifying a natural person, data
3. Please note if you are successful in your
To process your application your personal data concerning health or data concerning a natural
application your sensitive personal data will
will be shared with the Ministry of Justice SCS
person's sex life or sexual orientation.
be used as part of the on-boarding process
Recruitment Team, campaign Panel Members
The legal basis for processing your
to build your employee record.
and anyone else necessary as part of the
sensitive personal data is:
recruitment process.
For further information please see the GDPR
1. Processing is necessary for reasons of
Privacy Notice.
The legal basis for processing your
substantial public interest for the exercise
personal data is:
of a function of the Crown, a Minister of the
Processing is necessary for the performance of
Crown, or a government department: it is
a task carried out in the public interest.
important to know if groups of staff with
Personal data are processed in the public
specific demographic characteristics have a
interest because understanding civil servant
better or worse experience of working for
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Diversity & Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain
and invest in talent where it is found. To learn
more, please see the Civil Service People Plan
and the Civil Service D&I Strategy
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Contact us
Should candidates like to discuss the role in more detail before
submitting an application, please contact SCS Recruitment on
scsrecruitment@justice.gov.uk.
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