Ministry of Justice UK
22816 - Senior Policy Advisor - Criminal Court and Miscarriages of Justice (up to 3 posts available)
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Senior Policy Advisor - Criminal Court and Miscarriages of Justice
Victims and Courts Directorate
Description
The Criminal Court Procedure and Miscarriages of Justice Unit is recruiting for 3 x Senior Policy Advisors. This campaign is open to all who consider themselves suitable for the roles and meet the eligibility criteria.
Location
Successful candidates will have the option to be based at one of the following locations:
- 102 Petty France, London
- 5 Wellington Place, Leeds
Occasional travel between the two locations may be required. A hybrid working model is offered, allowing for a balance between remote work and time spent in your base location.
Ways of Working
- Full-time, part-time, job share, or flexible working patterns.
Salary
New entrants to the Civil Service will be expected to join on the minimum of the pay range. If you are already a civil servant and are successful in an external recruitment competition, your starting pay will be the better of:
- Promotion terms or transfer terms, as appropriate; or
- Pay on appointment arrangements (minimum of pay range)
The Work of Criminal Court Procedure and Miscarriages of Justice Unit
The unit works on significant issues in the criminal justice system, focusing on policy, legislation, and reform. The work includes criminal court processes, criminal appeals, and miscarriages of justice. The unit combines policy and casework, working closely with Ministers, senior officials, and partners across the criminal justice system.
Senior Policy Advisor - the roles
All roles offer the opportunity to lead high-profile policy work at the heart of the criminal justice system. You will work closely with Ministers, senior officials, HMCTS, the CPS, legal professionals, and partners across government to develop and implement reforms.
Portfolio 1 – Criminal Court Procedure
Focuses on high-profile and complex issues across the criminal courts. Key areas include:
- Single Justice Procedure (SJP)
- Magistrates’ Court Reform and Efficiency
- Fair Trial and Open Justice Issues
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Portfolio 2 – Defendant Court Process
Covers criminal court processes that directly affect defendants. Current priorities include:
- Reviewing non-financial support for unrepresented defendants
- Implementing reforms on non-attendance at sentencing hearings
- Developing policy on unfitness to plead
Portfolio 3 – Criminal Appeals and Miscarriages of Justice Policy
Focuses on preventing future wrongful convictions and supporting those affected by miscarriages of justice. Responsibilities include:
- Leading policy work on forensic science and expert evidence
- Acting as the MoJ's policy sponsor for the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC)
- Managing the Miscarriage of Justice Support Service Grant
Key Responsibilities
- Lead complex policy projects and reforms
- Assess evidence, options, risks, and operational implications
- Provide clear submissions, advice, and briefings to Ministers and senior officials
- Build effective relationships across the Criminal Justice System
- Produce high-quality written and oral advice
- Work in a supportive and collaborative team environment
Skills and Experience
Essential:
- Strong policy judgement and the ability to provide clear, evidence-based recommendations
- Experience in analysing complex evidence, data, legal or technical advice
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
- Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes at pace
Desirable:
- Experience or knowledge of the criminal justice system
- Experience of working on policy where legislation, evidence, and operational delivery interact
Application process
You will be assessed against the Civil Service success profiles framework.
Experience
Provide a CV and a Statement of Suitability of no more than 500 words.
Behaviours
Provide examples of how you have demonstrated:
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- Leadership (Lead)
- Communicating and influencing
Interview
Candidates invited to interview will be asked to prepare a 5-minute short presentation. Interviews will be carried out remotely.
Contact information
- Portfolio 1 – Criminal Court Procedure: hambridge1@justice.gov.uk
- Portfolio 2 – Defendant Court Process: maddison@justice.gov.uk
- Portfolio 3 – Criminal Appeals and Miscarriages of Justice Policy: atwell1@justice.gov.uk
Additional Information
- Working Arrangements & Further Information
- Flexible working hours
- Benefits
- Eligibility
- Support
- Working for the Civil Service
- Diversity & Inclusion
- Redeployment Interview Scheme
- Civil Service Nationality Rules
- Reserve list
- Contact Information
Application Form Stage Assessments
- Behaviours: Leadership, Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace
- Experience: CV or Work History, Statement of Suitability
Interview Stage Assessments
- Behaviours: Leadership, Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace
- Strengths
- Presentation
General Information
- Salary
- Working Pattern
- Vacancy Approach
- Location
- Region
- Closing Date
- Post Type
- Civil Service Grade
- Number of jobs available
- Reserve List
- Job ID
For more information on applying for a role as a candidate with a disability or long-term condition, please watch our animated videos.
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.
More information on applying for a role as a candidate with a disability or long-term condition
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.
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