Policy Officer

Ministry of Justice; City of Westminster; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A national government organization in the UK is hiring a Policy Officer to support policy development and implementation. This role involves drafting business cases, responding to inquiries, and collaborating with stakeholders across the justice system. Candidates should be skilled in managing quality service, decision-making, and communication. The position offers a hybrid work arrangement and a full-time schedule of 37 hours per week, with a national salary range between £36,151 and £37,887, plus benefits.

Benefits

Pension schemes

Public holidays

Training opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in managing policy development and implementation.
• Ability to conduct impact assessments for policy changes.
• Strong communication skills for drafting responses and managing queries.

Responsibilities

• Draft business cases and impact assessments for policies.
• Support teams in reviewing and developing new policies.
• Research and prepare responses to government queries.

Skills

Managing a Quality Service

Making Effective Decisions

Communicating and Influencing

Delivering at Pace

Job description

Job Overview

The Policy Officer will support the Policy Team in the planning and management of policy development and implementation for a range of policies. The role is based in 102 Petty France, London, and is national with a minimum expectation of attending an office at least 60% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Draft business cases and conduct impact assessments for the introduction or review of operational and non‑operational policies.
• Support the policy teams in reviewing existing policies and developing new ones.
• Research and prepare first‑draft responses to Parliamentary Questions, Ministers’ Cases, Judicial Reviews, Freedom of Information requests and Treat Official correspondence.
• Respond to policy queries from prison staff, NOMS colleagues, members of the public and prisoners via email, phone or letter.
• Provide advice on the application of existing policy and related processes.
• Draft responses and defences for less complex legal challenges concerning policies and their implementation, coordinating with other policy leads, stakeholders, legal advisers and Treasury Solicitors.
• Devise effective and efficient ways to develop and implement policies, engaging a wide range of stakeholders across the criminal justice system and within NOMS.
• Provide draft responses and comments for NOMS responses to reports such as IMB and HMCIP.
• Maintain system databases and take minutes of meetings as required.
• Support the policy work for the Pregnancy, Mother and Baby Unit and Maternal Separation from Children up to the Age of Two in Women’s Prisons Policy Framework and operational guidance.
• Answer queries from establishments and government departments about the policy, deal with appeals on Mother and Baby Unit decisions and coordinate management information/data for pregnancy and Mother and Baby Units.

Behaviours (assessed at application and interview)

• Managing a Quality Service
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace

Working Arrangements & Further Information

Hybrid working arrangements are possible within the MoJ and may involve working from a base location, different MoJ sites, or from home. The role is only available for candidates based in the UK.

Standard full‑time working hours are 37 hours per week excluding unpaid breaks. Part‑time, flexible and job‑sharing patterns are considered in line with HMPPS Flexible Working policy.

Salary & Benefits

National salary range: £36,151 – £37,887. London salary range: £39,315 – £42,928.

Annual leave is calculated on a pro‑rata basis and is expressed in hours or days for non‑standard work patterns.

Other benefits include pension schemes, public and privilege holidays, and training opportunities covering Equality and Diversity, Dealing with Challenging Behaviour, Suicide Prevention and anti‑bullying programmes.

Inclusivity & Equality

The MoJ is a Disability Confident employer and encourages applicants with disabilities to request reasonable adjustments. Civil Service commitments to equality, diversity and inclusion apply to all applicants.

Security and Application Requirements

All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to appointment. External candidates undergo a 6‑month probation, whereas internal candidates are subject to probation only if they have not served a prior probationary period within HMPPS.

Recruitment Process

Recruitment follows the Civil Service Code and is conducted on merit and open competition. Applicants may raise a formal complaint if they believe the process has breached recruitment principles.