Chief Engineer
Ministry of Justice
SCS Pay Band 1
Closing Date: 23:55 21st September 2025
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Contents
Person
Introduction
The Role
Benefits
Specification
Recruitment
Diversity &
FAQs
Contact Us
Process
Inclusion
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Welcome and Introduction
Thank you for your
This is a pivotal opportunity to tackle the
need to deliver high-quality services at
department’s most significant technology
pace.
interest in the Ministry of
challenges, addressing complexity,
Justice’s new Chief
reducing legacy systems, and driving a
The role extends beyond the MoJ, working
bold digital transformation across the
with peers across government to share
Engineer role
largest Whitehall department. Whether you
solutions, establish common standards,
are an experienced Civil Servant or joining
and promote open innovation in line with
from outside government, we value the
wider digital strategy.
expertise you can bring.
Every year, millions of people use our
At the Ministry of Justice, we’re
justice services, often at some of the most
transforming how services work for the
challenging moments in their lives. By
people who rely on them: millions of users
ensuring our technology is robust, modern,
every year, often at the hardest points in
and responsive, the Chief Engineer will
their lives. We are transforming services
play a defining role in improving access to
through smarter, more effective use of
justice and supporting rehabilitation. Few
technology. With a £13bn annual budget
roles in the Civil Service combine such
and over 90,000 staff, we rely on world-
technical complexity with such purpose.
class engineering to deliver secure,
We look forward to receiving your
scalable, and sustainable digital services.
application.
As Chief Engineer, you will provide the
technical vision and leadership to set cross-
If that excites you, I look forward to
cutting standards, manage technology risk,
receiving your application.
and equip more than 400 engineers with
the tools, platforms, and guidance they
Mark Thompson, Chief Digital Information
Officer
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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
justice, probation services, and
confidence to flourish.
justice.
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
Salary
The Role
Chief Engineer
The salary for this role is set within the MoJ
SCS PB1 range.
The Chief Engineer will lead teams
Location
spanning Software Engineering, DevOps
External candidates should expect their
National
Engineering, Quality, Infrastructure
salary upon appointment to be up to
Engineering, Platforms Operations,
The MoJ is working to open more Justice
£117,800 per annum.
Developer Experience, and Cloud Centre of
Collaboration Centres and Justice Satellite
Existing Civil Servants will be appointed in
Offices over time. Click here to learn more
Excellence. You will report to the new MoJ
line with the Civil Service pay rules in place
about MoJ’s offices, including where our
Group Chief Technology Officer alongside
on the date of their appointment.
currently open Justice Collaboration
the Chief Architect, and Chief Data
Centres and Justice Satellite Offices are, to
Contract Type
Architect to align strategy, priorities, and
identify where you may be based
security standards.
This role is being offered on a permanent
The successful applicant must spend at
basis.
In this role, you will be responsible for
least 60% of the week working from a MoJ
This role has a minimum assignment
delivery and quality ensuring engineering
site. Some travel to MoJ locations may be
duration of 3 years - in line with the
standards and practices align with the
required.
deliverables identified. Please note this is
department’s strategic objectives, boosting
Please note the requirements for travel and
an expectation only, it is not something
resilience and driving productivity through
level of flexibility available as set out in the
which is written into your terms and
conditions or indeed which the employing
standards, expertise and tooling.
FAQs section.
organisation or you are bound by.
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Your leadership will unite a diverse
Key Responsibilities
• Provide strategic leadership and
community of technical professionals,
oversight across the Software,
The Chief Engineer will:
ensuring our services integrate seamlessly,
DevOps, Quality and Infrastructure
professions, supporting Heads of
operate securely and cohesively, and meet
• Oversee the development and
Profession to develop capability,
both user and compliance needs. In
implementation of the MoJ's
grow inclusive communities of
partnership with directors leading our
engineering standards and
practices underpinning key justice
practice, and promote a culture of
product and digital teams, you will cultivate
services such as prisons,
innovation, collaboration and high
a culture of product-centred thinking,
probation, victim services and legal
performance.
innovation, security-by-design, and efficient
aid.
• Develop and manage strategic
delivery. Together, you will enable
• Provide strategic oversight and
relationships with key suppliers,
multidisciplinary teams to develop service
leadership on engineering
ensuring the Ministry of Justice
and product roadmaps underpinned by
decisions, ensuring they align with
achieves quality service delivery
modern, secure engineering solutions.
the department’s strategic goals
and value for money for the
taxpayer.
Further, your role involves close
and adhere to governance
frameworks.
collaboration with the Department of
• Provide leadership across justice
Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT)
• Embed secure-by-design principles
agencies, government, and industry
and other government bodies to support
across the engineering lifecycle,
to help shape the future of digital
the development of cross-government
fostering a culture where security is
justice through effective
strategies, champion and embed best
a shared responsibility and
collaboration and influence.
integrated into every stage of
practices. You will also establish and
software and service development.
maintain strong links with industry and
academia to ensure the Ministry of Justice
• Own engineering strategy
is harnessing new and emerging
underpinning the MoJ’s services
ensuring efficient, resilient and
technologies, informed by the latest
future-proof structures.
research and developments in innovation.
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Person Specification
It is important through the recruitment
Essential Experience:
• technical credibility. Able to advocate for
process that you give evidence and
investment in modern engineering
examples of proven experience of each of
• Deep expertise in modern engineering
practices, platforms, and shared
the essential and desirable criteria.
practices, including CI/CD, cloud-native
development, secure software delivery, and
capabilities that accelerate delivery and
Later on in the pack you will be told what is
the technical and cultural capabilities
reduce long term cost.
being assessed at which stage of the
process.
associated with high-performing teams
• Experience leading technical governance
• Significant experience leading and scaling
and assurance across multiple teams to
large engineering functions or professions,
maintain quality, consistency, and
including developing capability across
engineering standards at scale.
diverse communities of practice and
• A track record of driving innovation and
mentoring the next generation of
technical experimentation, creating
engineering leaders.
environments where teams can explore
• Engaging with industry to build
new tools, technologies, and approaches to
partnerships, gaining new insights and
continuously improve delivery.
expertise, and influencing roadmaps
• Deep understanding of secure software
• Strong influencing and stakeholder
delivery, with a proven ability to embed
engagement skills, underpinned by deep
security throughout the development
lifecycle (‘shift-left’), ensuring teams build
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resilient, compliant, and secure-by-design
systems
MoJ SCS Pay Band 1 Behaviours:
You will also be assessed against the following
Behaviours during the Recruitment Process:
● Leadership
● Changing and Improving
● Making Effective Decisions
● Working Together
Read more inn the Civil Service Success
Profiles Section.
Civil Service Leadership Statement
All leaders within the Civil Service are
expected to demonstrate the qualities within
the Civil Service Leadership Statement during
their Staff Engagement Exercise.
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The Recruitment Process
Recruitment Process
depth, as well as provide information about 1. Responses to the eligibility questions to
what you can expect while working in
check you are eligible to apply for the role.
The selection process will be chaired by Mark
Ministry of Justice.
2. A response to whether you would like to
Thompson, CDIO, MoJ. The other panel
request reasonable adjustments during
members will be senior stakeholders from
• The session will also give you the chance
the selection process. The Disability
within MoJ
to ask any questions you may have before
Support section explains how adjustments
applying to the role.
can be made to the selection process to
Support during the selection process
accommodate a disability.
• To attend the session please join using 3. You will also need to complete a CV and
If you need any support or have any questions
this link -
Statement of Suitability of 1000 words. It is
during any stage of the selection process,
important that your CV and Statement of
please contact the SCS Recruitment Team
Suitability give evidence and examples of
scsrecruitment@justice.gov.uk.
Chief Engineer Information session
how you meet the essential experience
Stages of the selection process
set out on page 7.
Information Session
Find out more information about our
Application
application process here.
• For those interested in finding out more
about the role, we encourage applicants to You will need to complete the online
After the Application Stage
attend the information session on
application process accessed via the
Wednesday 10th September at 9:00am - advertisement for this role.
You will be advised whether your application
10:00am.
has been shortlisted for the next stage of the
This should be completed no later than 23:55
selection process. If you are shortlisted, we will
• Mark Thompson and an HR Lead will be
on 21st September 2025. As part of the
contact you to arrange the next stage of the
present to discuss the position in more
application process, you will be asked to
complete:
selection process.
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Feedback will only be provided if you attend an Behaviours, as listed on page 8.
interview or assessment.
After the Panel Interview
Following the interview, the performance of all
Other Assessments
candidates will be reviewed, and the
successful candidate identified. All candidates
Staff Engagement Exercise
will be notified of the outcome as soon as
The Staff Engagement Exercise or SEE is an
possible after the conclusion of all interviews. If
opportunity to engage in a two-way discussion you are not the successful candidate but you
on a set topic area with a group of staff from
meet the standard required, you may be invited
the organisation. The topic area will be shared to have your details retained on a merit list to
with you in advance. An Occupational
be considered for future SCS roles.
Psychologist will brief you before the
assessment, observe the assessment and
debrief you. They will facilitate a discussion to
seek feedback from the staff, which will be
considered alongside their own observations
Panel Interview and Presentation
You will be invited to attend an interview and
presentation with the selection panel. You will
be asked to prepare a verbal 5-minute
presentation based on a topic that will be
provided in advance. The interview [and
presentation] will last for approximately 45
minutes.
What is being assessed?
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Civil Service Behaviours
What are Behaviours?
as individuals and actively valuing diversity
Making Effective Decisions
within the organisation. You empower teams
The Civil Service recruits using Success
and individuals to excel by creating a shared
You make defensible, objective and fair high-
Profiles and Behaviours are an element of
vision and objectives and demonstrate trust in impact decisions, considering the impact on
Success Profiles used to see whether
staff by giving autonomy.
the service user and wider organisation. You
candidates are able demonstrate specific
are willing to take ownership of your decisions,
Behaviours associated with the role they are
Changing and Improving
being transparent and open about the reasons
applying for during the selection process.
for them. You effectively analyse data to make
You create an environment of continuous
evidence-based decisions, whilst being
In this process the below Behaviours are most improvement and change. You see the benefit comfortable taking considered risks based on
relevant to this role and will be assessed
of change and promote this within your area of the best evidence available. You consult with
during the Interview stage of the process. The responsibility. You identify business needs,
others to incorporate views and professional
definitions of Behaviours are set out below:
both current and future, and use this to identify expertise, ensuring appropriate individuals are
opportunities for change, utilising innovative
Leadership
involved in the decision-making process.
solutions that benefit the end user. You are
You visibly demonstrate the organisation’s
able to embed change, managing risks. You
Working Together
values in all your activity, leading authentically. evaluate the impact of change against the
You work collaboratively to achieve outcomes
You seek to engage staff in the aims of the
expected outcomes for service users and the
both within your area of responsibility and
organisation and communicate the
public.
across the organisation. You create a
organisation’s strategy in an inspiring way. You
supportive working environment where all
create an inclusive and fair culture which
opinions are considered, and individuals are
creates a sense of belonging by treating staff
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valued for their expertise and unique
contribution.
You proactively maintain relationships with
peers and external senior stakeholders and
utilise these to achieve positive outcomes.
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
evidence.
• Postal address and telephone number
• 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
skills 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
23:55 on the 21st September 2025
Outcome of CV and Statement of Suitability
2nd or 3rd October 2025
Other Assessment Stages
10th or 13th October 2025
Panel Interview and Presentation
23rd October 2025 onwards
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Working for the Ministry of Justice
We want to attract and retain the best talent
25 days annual leave on entry, increasing on a
from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
sliding scale to 30 days after 5 years’ service.
We want everyone to be the best of
This is in addition to 8 public holidays. This will
themselves, to feel supported and have a
be complemented by one further day paid
strong sense of belonging in the workplace.
privilege entitlement to mark the King’s
Our commitment to creating a diverse and
Birthday.
inclusive workforce is reflected in all of our
people policies and strategies.
Flexible Working
Benefits
While not every type of flexible working will be
suitable for every role and business area,
As a Ministry of Justice employee, you’ll be
flexible working can take many forms and The
entitled to a large range of benefits which
Ministry of Justice is committed to delivering its
include but are not limited to:
business effectively and sustainably by
creating modern and inclusive workplaces that
Pension
enable smart, flexible and hybrid working.
Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing The Civil Service Pension Scheme is one of
For more information on our amazing benefits
Our departmental values - purpose, humanity, the best workplace pension schemes in the UK including our Civil Service Pension Scheme,
openness and together - are at the heart of our public sector. Visit
annual and special leave, and our Equality,
commitment to create a culture where all our
www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk for
Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing schemes
people are able to thrive and flourish in the
more details.
please visit our Senior Civil Service website.
workplace.
Generous Annual Leave and Bank Holiday
Allowance
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Disability Support
What reasonable adjustments can be made • Providing interview questions in a written
If you have any questions in advance of
if I have a disability?
format at the interview as well as orally;
making your application regarding reasonable
• An interview at a certain time of day;
adjustments please contact the SCS
We are committed to supporting all candidates This is not an exhaustive list but rather some recruitment team at
to take part in the recruitment process. This
examples of how we can support you during
scsrecruitment@justice.gov.uk.
includes supporting individuals who have a
the SCS Recruitment Process.
disability by making reasonable adjustments to
Do you offer a Disability Confident Scheme
the recruitment process.
Whilst we aim to confirm all adjustments
for Disabled Persons?
requested, there may be occasions where this
If you feel you require any kind of support
As a Disability Confident employer, the MoJ
isn’t possible. If an adjustment cannot be
and/or would like to discuss this with someone,
offer an interview to disabled candidates who
provided, the reasons for this will be explained
please indicate ‘yes’ to requesting reasonable
meet the minimum selection criteria, except in
to you.
adjustments in your application form and
a limited number of campaigns. This could be
ensure that you respond to the Reasonable
Help with your application
in terms of the advertised essential skills
Adjustments Scheme team by email.
and/or application form sift criteria. Within the
It is important you contact us as early as
application form, you will be asked if you would
How we can support you
possible by email if you would like to request
like to be considered for an interview under this
reasonable adjustments so that the recruitment
There are many types of reasonable
scheme, so please make us aware of this
process runs smoothly for you.
adjustments that can be made during
when prompted.
assessment processes.
If you do decide during the process that you do
require adjustments and you have not
Examples of some types of adjustments
completed all your assessments, please
include:
contact the SCS recruitment team in advance
• Extra time to complete assessments;
of your next assessment.
• Providing a break within an assessment;
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FAQs
Can I apply if I am not currently a
Am I eligible to apply for this role?
you wish to make a complaint, you should
civil servant?
contact scsrecruitment@justice.gov.uk in the
For information on whether you are eligible to
first instance.
Yes.
apply, please visit Gov.UK.
If you are not satisfied with the response you
Is this role suitable for part-time working?
Is security clearance required?
receive from the Department you are able to
This role is available for full-time or flexible
Yes. If successful you must hold, or be willing
raise a formal complaint in the following order.
working arrangements (including job shares).
to obtain, security clearance to SC level. More 1. To Shared Service-Connected Ltd (0845
To discuss your needs in more detail please
information about the vetting process can be
241 5358 (Monday to Friday 08.00 - 18.00)
get in touch with the SCS Recruitment Team.
found here.
or e-mail Moj-recruitment-vetting-
Where will the role be based?
Will this role be overseen by the Civil
enquiries@gov.sscl.com)
Service Commission?
The base location is flexible and subject to
2. To Ministry of Justice Resourcing
agreement with the successful candidates. You No. However, the recruitment process will still
(resourcing-services@justice.gov.uk)
can be based at any of the buildings in the UK be governed by the Civil Service Commission’s 3. To the Civil Service Commission
that are listed here .
Recruitment Principles.
(https://civilservicecommission.independent
Relocation costs will not be reimbursed.
What do I do if I want to make a complaint?
.gov.uk/contact-us/)
This role will also require travel to London.
The law requires that selection for appointment What should I do if I think that I have a
to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of
conflict of interest?
Can I claim back any expenses incurred
fair and open competition as outlined in the
during the recruitment process?
If you believe that you may have a conflict of
Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment
interest you must declare it by contacting SCS
Unfortunately, we will not be able to reimburse Principles.
Recruitment on scsrecruitment@justice.gov.uk
you, except in exceptional circumstances.
Should you feel that the recruitment process
before submitting your application.
has breached the recruitment principles and
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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,
organisation performance.
2. Processing is of a specific category of
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
Data Sharing
genetic data, biometric data for the purpose of
equality to be promoted or maintained.
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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