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.
About the Joint Strategic Policy Unit
The Joint Strategic Policy Unit was set up across MoJ and HMPPS to help shape our ongoing response to COVID 19 in custody. It has now been made a permanent team. As we recover from the pandemic, the Joint Unit will begin to take on other areas of priority work identified by MOJ and HMPPS Senior Leadership Teams. This unit sits in both the Prisons Policy Directorate in MoJ and the Central Operational Services Directorate in HMPPS.
Our team provides advice to senior officials, Ministers, and across Government on immediate challenges in the prison system, as well as longer term contingency planning and preparations.
This fast moving and high profile area of policy works across a range of areas in the MoJ and HMPPS.
We are a friendly, enthusiastic and collaborative team with a strong emphasis on ensuring members feel happy, supported and engaged in their work. We are keen to make a difference, working closely with partners and supporting everyone to play their part to improve prisons and the outcomes for prisoners. We have a strong commitment to personal and career development, helping everyone to grow and fulfil their potential.
Support with your application
We are running an online information sessions (via Microsoft Teams) for potential applicants at 17:30 on Monday 20th June and at 12:30 on Wednesday 22nd June. During the session you will hear from existing members of the team and have an opportunity to ask questions about working in the team and the application process.
If you would like to attend, please email Stewart.Mcgill@justice.gov.uk with the subject title – HEO Policy Advisor - Information Evening to attend on Monday 20th June or HEO -Policy Advisor – Information Morning to attend on Wednesday 22nd June. You will be sent the link to either event by 12 noon on Monday 20th June.
Overview of the job
Job Holder will support the development and implementation of specific policy. Acts as policy lead on certain aspects of the policy providing advice on complex or high profile issues.
Summary
The job holder will require a strong knowledge and awareness of current policies and practices and will be expected to write at a level that is suitable for legal correspondence and maintain this in dialogue with solicitors and legal representatives.
Job Holder will on occasions be required to represent NOMS 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:
· Provides support and assistance to the Head of Policy
· Provides expert policy advice and guidance to staff and managers
· Act as point of contact for day-to-day written or verbal advice and consultation to key stakeholders and senior officials
· Responsible for contributing relevant information to draft Ministerial submissions and briefing for senior officials
· Where necessary commission and analyse reports from internal or external colleagues, including contractors, and criminal justice stakeholders for information related to the subject matter
· Consolidate and analyse complex policy information and data evidence provided by policy leads and contractors to draft new protocols, sometimes in the face of conflicting stakeholder viewpoints. Develops operational and non operational policy
· Attend ad-hoc meetings on behalf of the team as required
· Provide secretariat support as and when required. Act as the Key Information Liaison Officer (KILO)
· Ensure draft responses to reports and correspondence submited to Team Leaders, are compliant and in line with current NOMS and Ministry of Justice (MoJ) policy,
· Provide senior managers with draft responses or contributions to Parliamentary Questions, Treat Official letters, Freedom of Information enquiries as well as contributing to briefing for minister and senior managers ensuring responses are prepared in accordance with the requirements of statutory legislation.
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
· Seeing the Big Picture
· Changing and Improving
· Managing a Quality Service
· Delivering at Pace
· Communicating and Influencing
· Leadership
· Working Together
Essential Experience
· Needs excellent written and oral communication skills to present a clear and accurate understanding of these issues to Ministers, the MOJ, other Government departments and the wider public
Technical requirements
· A high level of organisational knowledge and operational understanding of NOMS and the prison estate is required.
Ability
· The ability to understand, interpret and summarise complex information is required.
· The ability to interact with and influence senior staff and stakeholders is required
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