We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about how we do this visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity.
The Team - Capacity & Efficiency Project
The Capacity and Efficiency project is responsible for developing policy and strategy on recruiting and retaining probation staff to meet the demands of the probation service over coming years. We are at a exciting stage of the project, implementing year 2 of our 3 year Recruitment and Retention Strategy to identify and attract the future workforce, whilst enabling us to retain talent and develop individuals. The team lead on policy development in; the end to end recruitment process; reliably and efficiently forecasting demand for qualified probation officers; improving the diversity of the workforce so that better reflects the UK population; creating opportunities to retain staff for longer; and deploying staff to the right role at the right grade.
The Role
We are looking for an experienced leader to join our friendly team to work on the implementation of the Recruitment and Retention Strategy and help us shape our plans for year 3 of the strategy. The postholder will manage a small team and drive forward the implementation of the actions in the strategy to enhance recruitment and retention in the Probation Service.
The postholder will work with a range of stakeholders from across Probation Service, HMPPS and MoJ to embed change and to design new proposals to develop policy further. They will be required to share this work with senior officials with clarity and seek their support where required. The postholder will be expected to interpret data and evidence and use it to help inform and monitor policy changes. The postholder will be responsible for objective setting for their team, clearly articulating how the different roles in the team fit with the wider goals of the project and supporting them in their professional development.
Overview of the job
The job holder provides strategic leadership and is responsible for planning and managing the work of the policy unit.
Summary
The job holder will be a member of Senior Management Team within the Group, focusing on developing and advising on policy and improving organisational performance across a range of issues, as well as leading on briefing for the whole group.
Responsible for agreeing operational policy priorities with Ministers and senior HMPPS officials, ensuring delivery of agreed outputs and business plan targets and develop strategic relationships with internal and external partners and stakeholders at a CEO and Director level.
The job holder will be required to represent HMPPS in meetings with outside organisations and stakeholders and Other Government Departments.
Responsibilities, Activities & Duties
The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:
· Ensure that all policies are safe, legal, decent and affordable, remain compliant with relevant legislation and are sensitive to the needs of the operational line.
· Responsible for the delivery of well researched, quality assured and timely policies that support identified business need.
· Draft replies to more complex ministerial submissions, ministers’ cases, PQs, IMB and HMIP recommendations.
· Work closely with strategic policy holders within the MoJ and other Government Departments and their Agencies to deliver Ministerial ambition through operational policies.
· Build strong working relationships with Ministers’ Private Offices, senior officials, external non-departmental public body stakeholders and third sector partners
· Accountable for writing and implementing policy strategy that is appropriately tailored and conforms HMPPS business plan and wider organizational objectives.
· Developing and implementing a relevant business plan that addresses how HMPPS can meets its responsibilities in advancing; including the staffing and budgetary resource required and delivery costs.
· Setting up projects, with appropriate governance arrangements to support the project, identifying risks and mitigating action and reporting on progress to senior managers and stakeholders.
· Oversee and approve draft business cases and impact assessments arising from policy development / modification. Ensure requirements for any central monitoring arrangements have been discussed with relevant stakeholders and have been set up and are fit for purpose.
· Quality assure and approve all advice to Ministers and senior HMPPS officials related to policies
· Oversee projects within team, ensuring appropriate governance arrangements to support the project, identifying risks and mitigating action and reporting on progress to senior managers and stakeholders.
· Develop and manage projects relationship with key external stakeholders/policy holders at senior level to ensure value for money
· Represent HMPPS in responses and defence to legal challenges brought by prisoners / staff or other external factors in relation to the full range of policies. Brief Treasury Solicitors and Counsel on policy and law underpinning decisions, and, where necessary, brief Ministers on the implications of possible outcomes. Where necessary, consider remedial policy action and obtain buy-in from Ministers and senior officials
· Interpret relevant performance data and research evidence to develop explanations for disproportionality in outcomes - and other examples of unfairness - for offenders of different protected groups;
· Accountable for the delivery of well researched, quality assured and timely responses
The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary. Significant adjustments may require re-examination under the Job Evaluation scheme and shall be discussed in the first instance with the Job Holder.
Behaviours
· Changing and Improving
· Seeing the Big Picture
· Leadership
· Working Together
· Communicating and Influencing
· Managing a Quality Service
Essential Experience
· Excellent briefing skills;
· Excellent communication skills;
· Excellent analytical skills
· Excellent inter-personal and presentational skills, diplomatic experience or proven track record in engaging with foreign governments is essential.
· The role requires relevant experience in the management, review and development of policy at a national level.
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