Ministry of Justice

Hear about what Justice Policy does from Ross Gribbin, one of the Justice Policy Directors General.

Hear from Farah Ziaulla, one of the Justice Policy Directors, talking about her role and what it's like to work in Justice Policy.

See the organisation chart to see the different areas in Justice Policy.

Policy Group organisational chart

Justice Policy acts as the bridge between Ministers and the frontline of the justice system, leading on work to implement and improve a system that is fair, resilient, open, and equitable.

Why:

We play a central role in supporting the Ministry of Justice priorities of protecting the public, rehabilitating offenders, delivering swift access to justice, and progressing constitutional reform. Our work has a wide reach, upholding the rule of law at home and internationally and supporting the UK's economic growth.

What:

We deliver improvements across every aspect of the justice system. We provide support to those who need it and enable everyone to seek justice and enforce their rights. Through our work, we achieve fair outcomes the public can have confidence in.

Justice Policy is responsible for setting and advising on policy across criminal, civil, family and administrative justice; the criminal and civil law; the court system, legal aid and support and the legal services sector; the prison and probation systems, and offender policy; the youth justice system; as well as the UK's domestic human rights framework and international obligations.

How:

We are system leaders, drawing on our diverse backgrounds, skills, and policy expertise, to drive Ministers' agenda across the justice system and wider government. We are committed to collaboration and are trusted by colleagues and partners for our innovative approaches and ability to deliver evidence based, politically aware policy.

We work collaboratively with colleagues across and beyond Ministry of Justice and are outward facing, working in partnership with the judiciary and a wide range of national and international organisations. See the talent and development opportunities section for more information about how we support our people.

The role of a Policy Advisor

As a Policy Advisor you could be briefing Ministers, working on and implementing new legislation, developing strategies for publication and working with parliamentary and communications teams to ensure accurate public commentary on justice policy.

These are the types of things you might do in Justice Policy on a day-to-day basis.

• Identifying Issues: Recognising and defining the problem/issue that needs to be addressed. Identifying and engaging stakeholders to ensure perspective and understanding of their concerns.
• Research and Analysis: Gathering relevant data and information to analyse and understand the root cause of the issue and start developing options to resolve.
• Formulating Policy: Developing multiple policy options or potential solutions to address the issue. Discussion with stakeholders, experts, public (as appropriate) to gather feedback on proposals. Writing detailed proposals, including objectives, strategies, communication, and implementation plans.
• Decision Making: Presenting policy proposals through appropriate governance structures for key decision makers to review and provide approval. If appropriate, making revisions may be necessary based on feedback and further analysis required.
• Implementation: Developing implementation and communication plans that include timelines, resources, roles, and responsibilities. This may include developing plans to bid for and spend public money and working with finance and commercial teams on contracts and grants to ensure the effective use of government funding.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Tracking policy implementation whilst assessing its effectiveness in achieving objectives. This can involve but not limited to identifying any issues, measuring outcomes, and adjusting the policy if needed.
• Review and Adjustment: Using evaluation results to inform future policy development which may involve revising the policy or testing new policies to address emerging issues

Another area that sits within Justice Policy is the Private Office and Parliament directorate which ensures that the department is clear on what Ministers want. Work in Private Office and Parliament is fast paced and ever-changing, each day bringing new and exciting work opportunities, some of which are set out below:

• Ministry of Justice and Ministers: Ensure that ministers can agree priorities by receiving the best possible advice from departments.
• Communication: Communicating ministerial decisions clearly and guiding the department's work through Parliament.
• Strategy: Provide overarching strategic advice on how to engage with Parliamentarians and coordinate the department's parliamentary and legislative activities to ensure ministerial priorities are delivered in Parliament.

Working in Policy - Civil Service Careers (civil-service-careers.gov.uk)

Hear from Yasmin and Kai to find out what a day in the life of a Justice Policy professional looks like and find out more through testimonials from other Justice Policy staff.

“I joined my directorate in Justice Policy around five months ago and have really enjoyed it so far. One of the best parts is the team camaraderie and work atmosphere: everyone is really kind, welcoming, and happy to help where they can. The work is incredibly wide-ranging as well, and I feel like I am developing my knowledge on a varied set of legal policies." Head of Council of Europe Human Rights, International Rights and Constitutional Policy.

“With a career built in HMCTS operations, Justice Policy enabled me to transition my skills easily. Understanding the business for the policy I develop motivates my engagement with the work and I am glad I took the step to change my career path." Senior Policy Advisor, Justice and Legal Services Policy.

“I joined Justice Policy earlier in the year and have felt so supported by my manager, team and the wider directorate. I was apprehensive about the move from operational front line work to Justice Policy, but the induction sessions and material made the whole process feel smooth and I have found the work engaging and incredibly interesting!" Policy Advisor, Youth Justice and Offender Policy.

“I've been in Justice Policy for just over three years - it's been my first role as a civil servant and I came from a completely different industry. It's been great to bring my transferable skills to the role. The job is so varied and it's impossible to be bored. There's something new and challenging and there's always someone to turn to if I need to lean into their experience or expertise." Senior Policy Advisor, Courts, Criminal and Family Justice Directorate.

Justice Policy locations

Justice Policy is based in two locations - 5 Wellington Place, Leeds and 102 Petty France, London. Justice Policy works collaboratively across both offices and staff are expected to work from their base location (either Leeds or London) at least 40% of their working week

Both offices are modern and airy and are centrally located with great transports links and food, coffee and drinks nearby. There is also a coffee shop and gym on site at 102 Petty France.

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If you're driven to make a difference, fuelled by a passion for justice, would like a fascinating role in the public sector and have a flexible and adaptable approach, our roles might be perfect for you.

Justice Policy roles are challenging, interesting and play a crucial part in improving the justice system, keeping people safe, ensuring fairness and guaranteeing individual rights across society.

Justice Policy has a supportive and inclusive culture and is committed to attracting, retaining and investing in talent wherever it is found. It is important for Justice Policy to have a diverse mix of people, ideas and perspectives to ensure that we represent the society we serve.

To learn more about diversity and inclusion in the Civil Service please see the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy

Benefits of working in the Civil Service:

Alongside your salary, the department you work in will contribute a percentage of your salary towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides

• Access to learning and development
• A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options to enhance your work life balance
• A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
• Annual Leave
• Public Holidays
• Season Ticket Advance

For more information about the recruitment process, benefits and allowances and answers to general queries, please visit our candidate information page

Working in Justice Policy can be demanding and rewarding. To help you rise to the challenge, you will have access to an excellent package of learning and development.

The Ministry of Justice offers employees a minimum of 5 days learning a year; support and development could include:

• Induction - a bespoke induction package for all new starters, covering everything you need to know in your first few months.
• Coaching - a reflective learning space facilitated by a trained professional to support you in developing your leadership skills.
• Mentoring - an opportunity to build your network, confidence and knowledge.
• Apprenticeships and qualifications - funded opportunities to support progress in your role and career, and build your professional skills in specific areas through dedicated time for study and on-the-job training.
• Talent development programmes - supporting you to recognise the talent within yourself, develop your potential and nurture the talent of others.
• Bi-monthly learning and development programmes - a variety of internal and external learning events tailored to your needs and interests, including training on building policy-specific skills and capability, bespoke sessions to support line managers, talks from academics and other core learning on presenting, writing, leadership, managing change and much more!

Hear from Roshani and Olivia talking about the learning and development opportunities they have had since working in Justice Policy.

Whatever your background, whatever your experience there could be a role for you in Justice Policy.

Do you have an underlying passion for change and continuous improvement?

Are you interested in using your skills to improve the justice system?

Think about what values you work to. Whether you would be new to the Civil Service or have worked here before, just finishing your education, or transitioning from the private sector, a diverse range of experiences and skills can seamlessly translate into policy work.

You will find below a list of skills to help you think about what you can offer, and you don't need to be able to tick off each one but if you can relate to two or three then we would invite you to consider thinking about a career in policy!.

• Communication: Being able to communicate clearly and persuasively, in writing and verbally, is crucial when conveying policy ideas to diverse audiences, including stakeholders, colleagues, Ministers and the public.
• Analytical thinking: Analysing data and research can help formulate evidence-based policies.
• Problem-solving: Developing policy often involves addressing complex issues, so strong problem-solving skills are essential when looking to develop options.
• Teamwork and collaboration: Not to be underestimated, investing and managing relationships is key for successful policy development and enabling workstreams.
• Adaptability: The policy landscape can change rapidly, so being adaptable and open to new information and approaches is important.
• Empathy and emotional intelligence: Understanding and considering the perspectives and needs of others can lead to more inclusive and effective policies.
• Leadership and accountability: Even if you're not in a formal leadership position, demonstrating leadership qualities like initiative, integrity, and the ability to inspire others will be very beneficial. However, in many of our roles you will have the opportunity to line manage colleagues and may be accountable for teams and budgets.
• Resilience and courage: Having personal strength in the face of changing deliverables will be an asset.

Can I apply?

There are some restrictions on who can work in the Civil Service. Read about the security vetting and nationality rules to check if you're eligible. Security vetting is linked to the role that you apply for. Many of our roles require basic security checks.

How to Succeed:

The Civil Service application process uses Success Profiles to attract and retain talented people with experience from a range of sectors and all walks of life. The Success Profile framework moves recruitment away from using a purely competency based system of assessment and instead uses a flexible framework which assesses candidates against a range of elements using a variety of selection methods. Success Profiles gives the best possible chance of finding the right person for the job, driving up performance and improving diversity and inclusivity.

Success Profiles can include behaviours, strengths, ability, experience and technical aspects. As part of the application process to join Justice Policy, you may be asked provide a CV, a personal statement and/or behaviour examples. At interview you are likely to be assessed on behaviours and strengths.

The links below provide some helpful information on Success Profiles and how to navigate the application process.

About the application process | Civil Service Careers (civil-service-careers.gov.uk)

How to write your CV | Civil Service Careers (civil-service-careers.gov.uk)

How to write your personal statement | Civil Service Careers (civil-service-careers.gov.uk)

A guide to Civil Service success profiles | Civil Service Careers (civil-service-careers.gov.uk)

Behaviours | Civil Service Careers (civil-service-careers.gov.uk)

Assessments and interviews | Civil Service Careers (civil-service-careers.gov.uk)

Reasonable adjustments | Civil Service Careers (civil-service-careers.gov.uk)

Help and feedback - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK

Apply now

You can apply by looking at all of our current vacancies on Civil Service Jobs stay updated on new opportunities that match your skills and experience by signing up for personalised job alerts on the Civil Service Jobs portal. Don't miss out!

Contact details

If you are interested in a specific position that is being advertised and want more information, please refer to the advert for the contact details of the Vacancy Manager.

Join our Justice Policy community by exploring our latest recruitment campaigns. Stay updated on new opportunities that match your skills and experience by signing up for personalised job alerts on the Civil Service Jobs portal. Don't miss out!

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