This vacancy is only available to existing Civil Servant employees and employees of accredited non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs). Please review the "Eligibility" section before you apply.
General Information
Salary
The national salary range is £42,914 - £46,182, London salary range is £49,325 - £53,081. Your salary will be dependent on your base location
Working Pattern
Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working
Vacancy Approach
Cross Government
Location
Birmingham, Brighton and Hove, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Jarrow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Nottingham
Region
East Midlands, East of England, Greater Manchester, London, North East, North West, South East, South West, Wales, West Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber
Closing Date
18-Aug-2026
Post Type
Detached Duty, Loan
Civil Service Grade
SEO
Number of jobs available
1
Reserve List
12 Months
Job ID
20774
Descriptions & requirements
Job description
Job Title & Grade: SEO Data Transformation Manager
Contract Type: Detached Duty/Loan – 24 Months
Salary range (depending on location): National - £42,914 - £46,182
London - £49,325 - £53,081
Please note that unless you are currently employed by the Civil Service and are earning more than the minimum above, if successful you will be offered the minimum for the grade depending on your location.
Location: National – Any LAA Office including London
40% office attendance is required. That may be at base location and other offices.
Please note that whilst this role is open to all Civil Servants, you can only apply for London, Cambridge and Brighton offices if you are a current LAA staff member based in those offices. This is due to and in line with the LAA's Location Strategy and the Cabinet Office's Places for Growth Strategy.
Minimum Working Pattern: The post is supported by the MOJ flexible working policy and includes colleagues who work flexibly, remotely, part time or as part of a job share etc.
The Legal Aid Agency
We are an executive agency of the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). We are responsible for operationally administering the legal aid fund to provide criminal and civil legal aid advice to people in England and Wales.
Our people are at the heart of achieving excellence. Employing around 1,200 colleagues across England and Wales, we feel proud to have some of the best People Survey results in the Civil Service.
Corporate Services
Corporate Services provides the leadership, strategy, governance and business support that enables the LAA to deliver its organisational priorities.
This role supports a significant transformation programme to shape the future of data across legal aid, improving how services, systems and data support the delivery of legal aid across England and Wales.
Strategy, Data & Analysis
The role works across policy, operational, digital, analytical and transformation teams to ensure data is embedded effectively within service redesign and transformation activity.
Job Summary
Shape the future of data across legal aid.
The Legal Aid Agency (LAA) is undergoing significant transformation, redesigning how services, systems and data support the delivery of legal aid across England and Wales.
We are looking for a Data Transformation Manager to play a key role in shaping the future use of data across legal aid. This is an exciting opportunity to influence how data is created, managed
and used within new services and digital systems, helping ensure that data supports operational delivery, decision-making and improved outcomes for users.
This is a high-profile role working at the intersection of business change, digital transformation and data strategy. You will collaborate with colleagues across Legal Aid, the Ministry of Justice, Digital teams and wider government partners to help define the future data landscape for legal aid.
The Legal Aid Agency is recruiting two SEO roles to help shape the future of data across legal aid as part of a significant transformation programme. Whether your expertise lies in transformation, governance, change, strategy or data management, the role of Data Transformation Manager offers a rare opportunity to influence how data supports services used across England and Wales.
This role offers the opportunity to:
Influence a major transformation programme affecting services across England and Wales.
Help shape how data supports future legal aid operations.
Work with senior stakeholders across the Legal Aid Agency, Ministry of Justice and digital delivery teams.
Contribute to the design of future operating models, systems and business processes.
Build expertise across data strategy, transformation, governance and organisational change.
Deliver work that has a direct impact on public service delivery.
Key Responsibilities:
Shape future data design: define future data requirements across legal aid services and operating models; identify and map data flows across systems, services and business processes; support the design of data structures that enable operational delivery, reporting and business intelligence; and ensure data requirements are considered throughout transformation and service redesign activity.
Drive transformation outcomes: work with transformation, digital and operational teams to align short-term improvements with long-term strategic objectives; assess the impact of policy, service and operational changes on data requirements and reporting needs; support future approaches to data management, reporting and analytical capability; and contribute to the successful delivery of legal aid transformation priorities.
Build relationships and influence decisions: develop strong relationships with stakeholders across the Legal Aid Agency, Ministry of Justice and external delivery partners; translate technical and operational issues into clear recommendations and actions; facilitate discussions that help stakeholders reach agreement on future data solutions; and provide advice and challenge to ensure decisions support strategic objectives.
Enable continuous improvement: identify opportunities to improve how data is collected, managed and used; support the adoption of consistent standards, processes and ways of working; and use evidence, insight and stakeholder feedback to shape future improvements.
Essential Knowledge, Experience and Skills
Experience of delivering change, transformation or improvement initiatives involving data, digital or technology-enabled services.
Effective stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, including the ability to work across organisational boundaries.
Experience of translating complex business requirements into practical solutions.
Experience of working with data, systems or information to support operational or strategic decision-making.
Effective planning, prioritisation and delivery skills.
The ability to communicate complex concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Experience of working in complex environments with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
Desirable Knowledge, Experience and Skills
Experience of transformation programmes or major organisational change.
Understanding of data architecture, data management or analytical reporting.
Experience working with governance frameworks or assurance processes.
Knowledge of public sector, justice or operational delivery environments.
Familiarity with data quality or data governance frameworks.
Person Specification
You are curious, collaborative and motivated by improving public services.
You enjoy bringing people together to solve complex problems and can build trusted relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
You are comfortable working in ambiguity, helping shape solutions where the answer is not yet clear.
You can balance strategic thinking with practical delivery and are motivated by the opportunity to influence how data supports future services and decision-making.
Assessment approach
Application Process
To apply please provide a statement of suitability showing how you meet the essential criteria in no more than 1000 words and a Behaviour example for Communicating and Influencing of no more than 250 words.
An initial sift will be undertaken on the behaviour statement, Communicating and Influencing. Candidates who pass the initial sift will progress to a full sift of your statement.
Your statement should demonstrate your ability to do all the essential criteria listed, using examples can help strengthen your application.
When submitting an example of a behaviour remember to include the situation, what you did and why, and what was the outcome / result.
Please note we do not require a CV and we only require a Statement of Suitability and a behaviour example for your application. The wording on this advert may suggest that an Experience question is also required, however this is not necessary.
Interview / assessment Process
If you are successful through the application stage, you will be invited to an interview / assessment centre in person or via Microsoft Teams where you will be assessed against the following:
• Strengths relevant to the role.
• Behaviours:
Communicating and Influencing
Delivering at Pace
Seeing the Big Picture.
• Ability:
You will be assessed on your ability to establish future data requirements. This will be completed via a scenario-based exercise. You will have time during the interview to prepare your answer. You will be required to share your screen during this time. Further details of this will be shared at interview stage.
• Experience:
Your experience of implementing, promoting, or understanding diversity and inclusion policy.
For this SEO role, we would expect the candidate to demonstrate understanding of the terms Diversity and Inclusion and be able to explain why they are important in a work environment. We would also expect examples of action they have taken to embrace diversity, for example increasing understanding for self or others, or improve inclusion at a team or wider group level.
Recruitment Timeline
Shortlisting is planned for week commencing: Monday 17th August 2026
Interviews are planned for week commencing: Monday 7th September 2026.
If you would like more information on this opportunity, please contact LAAPerformanceandPlanning@justice.gov.uk
Our LAA commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain, and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.
As a Disability Confident organisation, we will offer a guaranteed interview to candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria for this role. Under the Equality Act 2010 a disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities which has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months.
If you are responding to a role within the Legal Aid Agency and would like to be considered under the guaranteed interview, please indicate this in your application and let us know of any reasonable adjustments you may require during the sift or later selection processes.
The LAA’s goal is to build an organisation that is open and inclusive and truly values and celebrates the diversity of its workforce. One that reflects and understands the needs of the diverse society we serve. This is regardless of social background, gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, beliefs, disabilities or long-term illness or caring responsibilities.
Reasonable Adjustments
We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all. If you have a disability or long-term condition (for example dyslexia, anxiety, autism, a mobility condition or hearing loss) and need us to make any reasonable adjustments to support you through the recruitment process, please let us know by adding the information to the applications system or emailing LAARecruitment@justice.gov.uk after you have applied so that we can discuss options with you.
Complaints procedure
If you have any complaints about this recruitment activity, please share your concerns by emailing LAARecruitment@justice.gov.uk initially. We aim to respond to any complaint within 10 working days.
Additional Information
Working Arrangements & Further Information
The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity.
Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.
For nationally advertised roles: All successful candidates will be appointed to the nearest viable office nearest to their home postcode and on its respective pay scale. This will be at either a HQ building (subject to desk allocation, a Justice Collaboration Centre (JCC) or a Justice Satellite Office (JSO) – See Map. All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity).
For current MoJ employees, your base location will need to be changed to the nearest viable office (to your home postcode), either at a HQ building, JCC or JSO within the National Office Network and moved its location’s respective pay scale (any legacy arrangements/locations will need to be amended).
Some of MoJ’s terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made.
MoJ candidates who are on a specialist grade, will be able to retain their grade on lateral transfer.
All candidates who are currently in receipt of Mark Time / Pay Protection should ensure they are familiar with the new policy on permanent and temporary promotion which can be found on the employee intranet.
Flexible working hours
The Ministry of Justice offers a flexible working system in many offices. Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week. MoJ welcomes part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the MoJ’s Flexible Working policy.
Benefits
The MoJ offers a range of benefits:
Annual Leave
Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years’ service.
There is also a scheme to allow qualifying staff to buy or sell up to three days leave each year. Additional paid time off for public holidays and 1 privilege day. Leave for part-time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.
Pension
The Civil Service offers a choice of pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.
Training
The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.
Networks
The opportunity to join employee-run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.
Eligibility
Staff on fixed term appointments must have been recruited through fair and open competition.
Vacancies advertised “cross-government” are only open to all Civil Service employees and employees of accredited non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) who were appointed on merit following a fair and open competition; or were appointed to a permanent post through an exception in the Civil Service Commissioners' rules.
Support
- A range of ‘Family Friendly’ policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
- Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
- For moves to or from another employer or moves across the Civil Service this can have implications on your eligibility to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for alternative government childcare support schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. More information can be found on www.www.GOV.UK or Childcare Choices. You can determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
- Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
- Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint in the following order
- To Transformative Business Services (0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk);
- To Ministry of Justice Resourcing team (resourcing-management-office@justice.gov.uk);
- To the Civil Service Commission (details available here)
As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns.
You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the TBS Recruitment Enquiries Team.
For more information on applying for a role as a candidate with a disability or long-term condition, please watch our animated videos.
Diversity & Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.
Redeployment Interview Scheme
Civil Service departments are expected to explore redeployment opportunities before making an individual redundant. The MoJ is committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'.
MoJ is able to offer an interview to eligible candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. Candidates will not be eligible for the Redeployment Interview Scheme if they are applying on promotion.
Civil Service Nationality Rules
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules
Reserve list
A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made for the same or similar roles.
Contact Information
MoJ:
If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk
Please quote the job reference 20774
HMPPS
If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk
Please quote the job reference
Job Description Attachment
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Job Description - Data Transformation Manager (SEO).docx (Job Description Attachment)
Application form stage assessments
Behaviours
A sift based on the lead behaviour, Communicating and Influencing, may be held if a large number of applications are received. If a large number of applications remain after the initial sift, your application will be progressed to a full sift, where all behaviours will then be considered.
Behaviours Application Form Question Word Limit
250
Communicating and Influencing
Experience
We will assess your experience for this role via the following methods
Experience Questions, Statement of Suitability
Experience Questions Application Form Question Word Limit
250
Evidence of Experience
Experience Questions, Statement of Suitability
Interview stage assessments
Interview Dates
Interviews are planned for week commencing: Monday 7th September 2026.
Abilities
A scenario-based exercise assessing the ability to establish future data requirements.
Behaviours
Communicating and Influencing
Seeing the Big Picture
Delivering at Pace
Experience
Your Experience for this role will be assessed at interview. To learn more about Experience and how they are assessed please click here.
We will assess your experience for this role via the following methods
Experience Questions
Strengths
Strengths will be assessed but these are not shared in advance. To learn more about Strengths and how they are assessed please click here.
Level of security checks required
Baseline Personnal Security Standard (BPSS)
Use of Artificial Intelligence (Al)
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.