Chief Architect
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
At the Ministry of Justice, we’re
shaping how our systems evolve to meet
transforming how services work for the
the real-world needs of people and
interest in the Ministry of
people who rely on them: millions of users
professionals.
Justice’s Chief Architect
every year, often at the hardest points in
You’ll lead a community of architects and
their lives. That means smarter, faster,
set the tone for architectural thinking across
role
more personal services, underpinned by
Justice Digital. As Head of Profession,
modern platforms and secure, scalable
you’ll develop capability, grow influence,
technology.
and set direction over a sizeable budget.
The Chief Architect will be at the heart of
And you’ll be a visible, senior voice in key
this mission. Reporting to the CTO, you
delivery programmes and strategic
decisions, working with our partners and
will focus on the integrity and coherence of
cross-government teams to make sure
our technical architecture. You will lead the
we’re building things that last.
development of architectural standards,
This is one of the most challenging and
patterns, and roadmaps, ensuring that
meaningful architecture roles in the Civil
systems are secure, interoperable, and
Service, one that combines technical depth,
scalable. This is a hands-on role in which
leadership and a chance to make a lasting
you will shape solution design, guide
impact on society.
This is a new and pivotal post, central to
engineering teams, and manage technical
If that excites you, I look forward to
delivering one of the most ambitious digital
debt.
receiving your application.
transformations in government, and vital to
You will work across prison and probation
modernising the criminal justice system
services, courts and tribunals, legal aid,
Mark Thompson, Chief Digital Information
across the largest department in Whitehall.
victim support, and the Ministry itself,
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 Architect
The salary for this role is set within the MoJ
SCS PB1 range.
The Chief Architect will report to the new
Location
Group Chief Technology Officer and lead a
External candidates should expect their
highly skilled, multi-disciplinary full-stack
National
salary upon appointment to be up to
team of technical, solution, security,
The MoJ is working to open more Justice
£117,800 per annum.
enterprise and business architects. You will
Collaboration Centres and Justice Satellite
work closely with the Chief Engineer, Chief
Existing Civil Servants will be appointed in
Offices over time. Click here to learn more
Data Architect and Cyber Information
line with the Civil Service pay rules in place
about MoJ’s offices, including where our
Security Officer.
on the date of their appointment.
currently open Justice Collaboration
In this role, you will ensure that our
Centres and Justice Satellite Offices are, to
Contract Type
architecture supports the department’s
identify where you may be based
This role is being offered on a permanent
strategic objectives, enhances security and
The successful applicant must spend at
basis.
resilience, drives operational efficiency, and
least 60% of the week working from a MoJ
enables a transformation that modernises
This role has a minimum assignment
site. Some travel to MoJ locations may be
the infrastructure underpinning the UK
duration of 3 years - in line with the
required.
justice system, making it flexible,
deliverables identified. Please note this is
sustainable, and cost-effective.
Please note the requirements for travel and
an expectation only, it is not something
level of flexibility available as set out in the
which is written into your terms and
Your leadership will unite a diverse
conditions or indeed which the employing
FAQs section.
organisation or you are bound by.
community of technical professionals,
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ensuring our services integrate seamlessly,
Key Responsibilities
Data professionals promoting a
operate securely and cohesively, and meet
culture of innovation, collaboration
The Chief Architect will:
and high performance.
both user and compliance needs. In
● Oversee the development and
partnership with directors leading our
● Collaborate closely with internal
implementation of the MoJ's
product and digital teams, you will cultivate
and external stakeholders,
architecture strategy and standards
a culture of product-centred thinking,
including justice services.
underpinning key justice services
innovation, security-by-design, and efficient
such as prisons, probation, victim
delivery. Together, you will enable
services and legal aid.
multidisciplinary teams to develop service
and product roadmaps underpinned by
● Provide strategic oversight and
modern, secure engineering solutions.
leadership on architecture
decisions, ensuring they align with
You will also chair the Technical Design
the department’s strategic goals,
Authority ensuring design decisions are
adhere to governance frameworks,
coherent with standards and governing
and enhance security and
technical delivery across the Ministry of
resilience.
Justice. Beyond this, you will work closely
with the Department for Science,
● Own the architecture and security
Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and
governance frameworks, chairing
other government bodies to support cross-
the Technical Design Authority to
government strategies, promote best
drive consistency and future-proof
practice, and embed emerging
solutions across MoJ services.
technologies. You will establish strong links
with industry and academia to ensure the
● Act as Head of Profession for
Ministry of Justice stays at the forefront of
Architecture, using your technical
innovation, research, and security trends.
expertise and experience to lead,
mentor, develop and inspire a
diverse team of technical Digital &
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Person Specification
• Deep expertise in software development
It is important through the recruitment
Essential Experience:
and application architecture, with expert
process that you give evidence and
knowledge of open-source technologies
examples of proven experience of each of
• Inspiring, credible leadership with the
and testing;
the essential and desirable criteria.
gravitas to set strategic architectural
direction, build technical capability, and
• Comprehensive understanding of IT
Later on in the pack you will be told what is
influence and collaborate effectively across
governance, security, risk management,
being assessed at which stage of the
and compliance in regulated or similarly
process.
a complex stakeholder environment.
complex environments.
• Proven experience in designing and
delivering secure, coherent, scalable
MoJ SCS Pay Band 1 Behaviours:
architecture strategies in large, complex
You will also be assessed against the following
organisations, resulting in measurable
Behaviours during the Recruitment Process:
improvements to operational efficiency and
● Leadership
user outcomes.
● Changing and Improving
• Strong commercial acumen, with
experience in building and managing high
● Making Effective Decisions
performing partnerships with technology
● Working Together
suppliers to support delivery at scale;
Read more inn the Civil Service Success
Profiles Section.
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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
present to discuss the position in more
This should be completed no later than 23:55
on 21st September 2025. As part of the
Recruitment Process
application process, you will be asked to
complete:
The selection process will be chaired by Mark
Thompson, CDIO, MoJ. The other panel
• depth, as well as provide information about 1. Responses to the eligibility questions to
members will be senior stakeholders from
what you can expect while working in
check you are eligible to apply for the role.
within MoJ
Ministry of Justice.
2. A response to whether you would like to
request reasonable adjustments during
Support during the selection process
• The session will also give you the chance
the selection process. The Disability
to ask any questions you may have before
Support section explains how adjustments
If you need any support or have any questions
applying to the role.
can be made to the selection process to
during any stage of the selection process,
accommodate a disability.
please contact the SCS Recruitment Team
• To attend the session please join using 3. You will also need to complete a CV and
scsrecruitment@justice.gov.uk.
this link -
Statement of Suitability of 1000 words. It is
Stages of the selection process
important that your CV and Statement of
Suitability give evidence and examples of
Information Session
Chief Architect Information Session
how you meet the essential experience
set out on page 7.
• For those interested in finding out more
about the role, we encourage applicants to
Find out more information about our
attend the information session on
Application
application process here.
Wednesday 10th September at 15:30 -
16:30pm. Please note that the time and link You will need to complete the online
After the Application Stage
to the call will be confirmed shortly.
application process accessed via the
advertisement for this role.
You will be advised whether your application
• Mark Thompson and an HR Lead will be
has been shortlisted for the next stage of the
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selection process. If you are shortlisted, we will presentation] will last for approximately 45
contact you to arrange the next stage of the
selection process.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an
interview or assessment.
Other Assessments
Staff Engagement Exercise
The Staff Engagement Exercise or SEE is an
minutes.
opportunity to engage in a two-way discussion
on a set topic area with a group of staff from
the organisation. The topic area will be shared What is being assessed?
with you in advance. An Occupational
Psychologist will brief you before the
Behaviours, as listed on page 8.
assessment, observe the assessment and
After the Panel Interview
debrief you. They will facilitate a discussion to
seek feedback from the staff, which will be
Following the interview, the performance of all
considered alongside their own observations
candidates will be reviewed, and the
successful candidate identified. All candidates
Panel Interview and Presentation
will be notified of the outcome as soon as
You will be invited to attend an interview and
possible after the conclusion of all interviews. If
presentation with the selection panel. You will
you are not the successful candidate but you
be asked to prepare a verbal 5-minute
meet the standard required, you may be invited
presentation based on a topic that will be
to have your details retained on a merit list to
provided in advance. The interview [and
be considered for future SCS roles.
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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 • You should ensure that you detail recent and For more information on how to write your
submit a Statement and CV. Both your
relevant examples of the essential
Statement and CV please visit the Civil Service
Statement and CV should demonstrate how
experience required for the role and describe Careers Website.
you meet the essential experience outlined in
the outcome that came from this.
the Person Specification section.
Providing a name-blind CV and Success
Profile Statements
Ensure you read through the role information
thoroughly and identify the essential criteria for In both your CV and Success Profile
Statements please remove references to any
each area. You should ensure you provide
personal information that could identify you.
evidence for each of the essential experience
For example:
which are required for the role in your
•
Statement and CV. You may not be
Name and title
progressed to the next stage of the
• Educational institution names
assessment process if you do not provide this
• Age and gender
evidence.
• Email address
When structuring your Statements try to:
• Postal address and telephone number
• Nationality and immigration status.
• Group evidence of the same experience
skills together by using subheadings and
This will help us to recruit based on your
paragraphs. This will help to ensure you are knowledge and skills, and not on your
writing about the experience that is directly
background, gender or ethnicity. Recruiting this
way is called name-blind recruitment.
relevant for the role you are applying for.
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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
Unfortunately, we will not be able to reimburse Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment
civil servant?
you, except in exceptional circumstances.
Principles.
Yes.
Should you feel that the recruitment process
has breached the recruitment principles and
Is this role suitable for part-time working?
Am I eligible to apply for this role?
you wish to make a complaint, you should
This role is available for full-time or flexible
For information on whether you are eligible to
contact scsrecruitment@justice.gov.uk in the
working arrangements (including job shares).
apply, please visit Gov.UK.
first instance.
To discuss your needs in more detail please
If you are not satisfied with the response you
get in touch with the SCS Recruitment Team.
Is security clearance required?
receive from the Department you are able to
Where will the role be based?
Yes. If successful you must hold, or be willing
raise a formal complaint in the following order.
to obtain, security clearance to SC level. More
The base location is flexible and subject to
information about the vetting process can be
1. To Shared Service-Connected Ltd (0845
agreement with the successful candidates. You found here.
241 5358 (Monday to Friday 08.00 - 18.00)
can be based at any of the buildings in the UK
or e-mail Moj-recruitment-vetting-
that are listed here .
Will this role be overseen by the Civil
enquiries@gov.sscl.com)
Service Commission?
Relocation costs will not be reimbursed.
2. To Ministry of Justice Resourcing
No. However, the recruitment process will still
(resourcing-services@justice.gov.uk)
There is also an expectation that you will visit
be governed by the Civil Service Commission’s
offices where we have an architecture staff
Recruitment Principles.
3. To the Civil Service Commission
presence, including Sheffield, Birmingham,
(https://civilservicecommission.independent
Bristol and Manchester.
What do I do if I want to make a complaint?
.gov.uk/contact-us/)
Can I claim back any expenses incurred
The law requires that selection for appointment What should I do if I think that I have a
during the recruitment process?
to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of
conflict of interest?
fair and open competition as outlined in the
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If you believe that you may have a conflict of
interest you must declare it by contacting SCS
Recruitment on scsrecruitment@justice.gov.uk
before submitting your application.
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Data Sharing
We will ensure that we will treat all experiences and feelings about working in the
for the Civil Service, so that appropriate
Civil Service can inform decision taken to
action 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 a
interest because understanding civil servant
better or worse experience have of working
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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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