Criminal Justice System Programme Strategy Manager (Ref: 6128)

Ministry of Justice UK; London; Hybrid; GBP 41,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

Join the Ministry of Justice as a CJS Programme Strategy Manager, where you'll drive strategic change within the Criminal Justice System. This role focuses on data transformation, collaboration with key stakeholders, and delivering impactful projects that enhance decision-making across the justice system.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Learning budget

Generous civil service pension

25 days leave plus bank holidays

Wellbeing support

Bike loans

Season ticket loans

5 days volunteering paid leave

Free membership to BCS

Qualifications

• Proven experience in influencing and shaping strategic direction.
• Ability to build cross-organisational relationships.
• Experience in delivering projects independently.

Responsibilities

• Support the design and implementation of the future 'CJS Data Function'.
• Lead day-to-day evaluation activities for the programme.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders.

Skills

Influencing

Collaboration

Project Management

Communication

Job description

East Midlands (England), East of England, London (region), North East England, North West England, Scotland, South East England, South West England, Wales, West Midlands (England), Yorkshire and the Humber

Job Summary

This position is based Nationally

Job Description

Criminal Justice System Programme Strategy Manager

Location: National*

Closing Date: 4th June 2025

Interviews: from 26th June 2025 (this may be subject to change)

Grade: SEO

(MoJ candidates who are on a specialist grade will be able to retain this grade on lateral transfer)

Salary: £41,463 - £45,276 (National), £47,657 - £52,040 (London)

Working pattern: Full-time, part-time, flexible working

Contract Type: Permanent

• We offer a hybrid working model, allowing for a balance between remote work and time spent in your local office. Office locations can be found ON THIS MAP
  
  

The Role

We’re recruiting for a CJS Programme Strategy Manager here at the Ministry of Justice, to be part of our warm and collaborative Data Directorate.

About The Team

The CJS Data Improvement Programme is a joint initiative led by the Ministry of Justice and Home Office, in close partnership with the Crown Prosecution Service, to transform how we use data across the criminal justice system. In the short term, we are creating new tools and ways of working that will help join up data between different parts of the CJS, making it easier to understand how individuals flow through the system from offence through to sentencing, prison, and probation. This will help decision-makers across the system make better informed and evidenced choices about policies and services. Our long-term vision is to work with CJS stakeholders to shape an ambitious future strategy for CJS data.

For further information, read our blog from last year on Improving Data in the Criminal Justice System.

Why join us?

We are driving ambitious strategic change, delivering innovative data projects and having impact and influence across the CJS data space - making this an incredibly exciting programme to be part of.

• Strong Support: This is an opportunity to work on a high-profile programme with significant ministerial interest and support to improve how data is linked, shared, and accessed across the CJS.
  
  

• Transformational Impact: Our programme is delivering trailblazing ambitions. For example, development of our linked cross-CJS dataset will open up a world of linked data that hasn't been explored before, which will greatly enhance our understanding of the CJS and will directly influence strategic, policy and operational decisions.
  
  

• Cross-Government Collaboration: The role provides significant opportunity to work with stakeholders across the CJS, including the Police, Home Office, Crown Prosecution Service, as well as wider government such as Number 10, Cabinet Office, Treasury, and Ministry of Justice partners such as HMCTS and HMPPS. Your work will cross departmental boundaries and provide excellent opportunities to lead on joint stakeholder initiatives.
  
  

Why Work in the Data Directorate?

The CJS Data Improvement Programme sits within the Data Directorate. We are committed to creating an environment where all our people feel valued for who they are and the work they contribute. Working in the Data Directorate offers the opportunity to be at the forefront of data transformation in government, while being part of an inclusive workplace that provides flexible working arrangements and competitive benefits as part of our people offer.

Key Responsibilities:

This role is a challenging but exciting new position designed to support the long-term aims of the CJS Data Improvement Programme. Within this, you’ll assist with the delivery of the new data enabling function’s objectives, helping turn vision into reality.

Work Will Include:

• Supporting the design and implementation of the future 'CJS Data Function', working with stakeholders across government to get consensus and agreement.
• Working with cross-CJS stakeholders to define the scope and ambition for longer-term data improvement initiatives.
• Leading on day-to-day evaluation activities for the programme in close collaboration with our evaluation lead
• Engage with cross-CJS stakeholders to gather relevant data, insights, and feedback to inform the development of business cases and ensure alignment with strategic goals.
• Contribute to the development of programme strategies, ensuring programme priorities align with overarching departmental and government objectives.
• Provide strategic advice and guidance to senior leadership based on analysis and evaluation of programme performance and outcomes.
• Build, maintain, and own effective relationships with stakeholders across government departments, agencies, and external partners.
• Represent the programme and department in meetings, workshops, and forums, fostering collaboration and driving consensus on key initiatives.
  
  

If this feels like an exciting challenge, something you are enthusiastic about, and want to join our team please read on and apply!

Benefits

• 37 hours per week and flexible working options including working from home, working part-time, job sharing, or working compressed hours.
• A £1k per person learning budget is in place to support all our people, with access to best-in-class conferences and seminars, accreditation with professional bodies, fully funded vocational programmes and e-learning platforms
• Staff have 10% time to dedicate to develop & grow
• Generous civil service pension based on defined benefit scheme, with employer contributions of 28.97% from April 1st 2024 (Contribution Rates)
• 25 days leave (plus bank holidays) and 1 privilege day usually taken around the Kings’ birthday. 5 additional days of leave once you have reached 5 years of service.
• Compassionate maternity, adoption, and shared parental leave policies, with up to 26 weeks leave at full pay, 13 weeks with partial pay, and 13 weeks further leave. And maternity support/paternity leave at full pay for 2 weeks, too!
• Wellbeing support including access to the Calm app.
• Bike loans up to £2500 and secure bike parking (subject to availability and location)
• Season ticket loans, childcare vouchers and eye-care vouchers.
• 5 days volunteering paid leave.
• Free membership to BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT.
• Some offices may have a subsidised onsite Gym.
  
  

Person Specification

Essential:

• Proven experience in influencing and shaping the strategic direction of work to ensure alignment with wider priorities
• Proven ability to build cross-organisational relationships, including managing diverse stakeholders to foster collaboration
• Proven ability to confidently and independently deliver projects
• Ability and desire to work in changeable, fast-paced environments where priorities and timings may flex
• Have experience and confidence in presenting and communicating with both senior and technical audiences, both written and orally
  
  

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 D&I Strategy.

How To Apply

Candidates must submit an anonymised CV, personal statement (max 750 words) and a lead criterion (max 250 words), which describes how you meet the requirements set out in the Person Specification above.

We Are Recruiting Using The Success Profiles Framework. We Will Assess Your Experience And The Following Behaviours During The Assessment Process:

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Communicating and Influencing
• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together
  
  

A diverse panel will review your application against the Person Specification above.

Successful candidates who meet the required standard will then be invited to a 1hour panel interview held via video conference. Candidates will also be required to provide a 5-minute presentation during the interview stage.

Should we receive a high volume of applications, a pre-sift based on the lead criterion (Proven experience in influencing and shaping the strategic direction of work to ensure alignment with wider priorities) will be conducted.

Should you be unsuccessful in the role that you have applied for but demonstrate the capability for a role at a lower level, we reserve the right to discuss this opportunity with you and offer you the position without needing a further application.

A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months, from which further appointments may be made.

Terms & Conditions

Please review our Terms & Conditions which set out how we recruit and provide further information related to the role and salary arrangements.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact [e-mail]

Criminal Justice System Programme Strategy Manager

Location: National*

Closing Date: 4th June 2025

Interviews: from 26th June 2025 (this may be subject to change)

Grade: SEO

(MoJ candidates who are on a specialist grade will be able to retain this grade on lateral transfer)

Salary: £41,463 - £45,276 (National), £47,657 - £52,040 (London)

Working pattern: Full-time, part-time, flexible working

Contract Type: Permanent

• We offer a hybrid working model, allowing for a balance between remote work and time spent in your local office. Office locations can be found ON THIS MAP
  
  

The Role

We’re recruiting for a CJS Programme Strategy Manager here at the Ministry of Justice, to be part of our warm and collaborative Data Directorate.

We Are Recruiting Using The Success Profiles Framework. We Will Assess Your Experience And The Following Behaviours During The Assessment Process:

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Communicating and Influencing
• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together
  
  

A diverse panel will review your application against the Person Specification above.

Successful candidates who meet the required standard will then be invited to a 1hour panel interview held via video conference. Candidates will also be required to provide a 5-minute presentation during the interview stage.

Should we receive a high volume of applications, a pre-sift based on the lead criterion (Proven experience in influencing and shaping the strategic direction of work to ensure alignment with wider priorities) will be conducted.

Should you be unsuccessful in the role that you have applied for but demonstrate the capability for a role at a lower level, we reserve the right to discuss this opportunity with you and offer you the position without needing a further application.

A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months, from which further appointments may be made.

Terms & Conditions

Please review our Terms & Conditions which set out how we recruit and provide further information related to the role and salary arrangements.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact [e-mail]

Person specification

Please Refer To Job Description

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Communicating and Influencing
• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together
  
  

Alongside your salary of £41,463, Ministry of Justice contributes £12,011 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 employer contribution of 28.97%
• Annual Leave
• Public Holidays
• Season Ticket Advance
  
  

For more information about the recruitment process, benefits and allowances and answers to general queries, please click the below link which will direct you to our Candidate Information Page.

Link: https://justicejobs.tal.net/vx/candidate/cms/About%20the%20MOJ

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

https://justicejobs.tal.net/vx/candidate/cms/About%20the%20MOJ

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

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)
• 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)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) 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 (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) 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 (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

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 (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.

The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job Contact :

• Name : SSCL Recruitment Enquiries Team
• Email : [e-mail]
• Telephone : [phone]
  
  

Recruitment team

• Email : [e-mail]
  
  

Further information

Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles. I you feel a department has breached the requirement of the Recruitment Principles and would like to raise this, please contact SSCL ([e-mail]) in the first instance. If the role has been advertised externally (outside of the Civil Service) and you are not satisfied with the response, you may bring your complaint to the Commission. For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their web pages: http://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/civil-service-recruitment/complaints/

https://jobs.justice.gov.uk/careers/JobDetail/6128?entityId=6128