Ministry of Justice UK
Human Resources Manager (Ref: 19605)
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Human Resources Manager (Ref: 19605)
Human Resources Manager
Location: HM Prison Risley (WA3 6BP) & HMYOI Hindley (WN2 5TH) Team/Directorate: MoJ People and Capability - HR Business Partnering (HMPPS) Grade: HEO Salary: £35,335 with a Civil Service Pension contribution of £10,236
About the Role
The Ministry of Justice People and Capability (MoJ P&C) supports organisational effectiveness by empowering employees to perform at their best. This role is for an HR generalist with a vision for people management, aiming to build a strong foundation for future career growth within HM Prison Service and Probation Services (HMPPS).
The HR Manager will collaborate with senior leaders to optimise HR solutions and enhance business performance. You’ll be the primary HR advisor, addressing complex cases, interpreting policy, and ensuring smooth delivery of critical HR processes—linking to systems such as SSCL, Occupational Health, and Civil Service Pensions.
Key Responsibilities
As the first point of contact for business leaders and managers, your day-to-day duties include:
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Proactively solving HR challenges through analysis, stakeholder engagement, and pragmatic decision-making.
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Providing expert advice on employment tribunal, grievance, disciplinary, and attendance management cases.
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Assisting with HR audits, compliance, and assurance reviews.
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Acting as an HR business partner, offering specialist consultancy on internal/external challenges.
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Traversing tensions between policy adherence and business needs with full propriety.
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Building trust and gathering intelligence to tailor high-quality HR support.
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Supporting business alignment through workplace performance, capability assessments, and succession planning.
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Traveling regularly across North West prisons and probation sites, plus occasional visits to HMPPS locations.
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Maintaining regulatory security compliance (e.g., SC Clearance checks).
Responsibilities, Activities & Duties
- Daily Problem-Solving: Tackle diverse HR and managerial challenges with independent decision-making (within policy boundaries).
- Policy Application: Interpret and apply HR policies, SNAPs, and Civil Service guidance to support operational delivery.
- Performance Analysis: Leverage HR data to assess performance gaps and guide improvements.
- Stakeholder Management: Engage with senior leaders, managers, and teams to optimise People Management practices.
- Networking: Partner with wider HR teams (e.g., case managers, training specialists) to ensure coherent solutions.
- Risk and Compliance: Support organisational audits and security-conscious risk mitigation.
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Key Accountabilities
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Specialist Advice & Consultancy
- Employment law disputes (discrimination, whistleblowing, disciplinary actions).
- Resilience and Attendance Support (well-being interventions, duty of care).
- Pension and progession-related questions in compliance with Civil Service pension rules.
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** Strategic Leadership** on HR metrics, workforce planning, and culture-building.
Required Behaviours & Skills
Essential Knowledge, Experience & Skills
- HR Delivery Experience: Prior experience in a HR operational role (assessed via CV).
- ** stakeholder management:** Ability to build trust across diverse stakeholders and senior leadership.
- Performance Support: Effective in helping managers amplify their People Management skills.
- Analytical Robustness: Strong data interpretation skills and ability to migrate prototypes into actionable recommendations.
- Soft Skills: Exceptional verbal/written communication, particularly in sensitive scenarios.
Desirable Traits
- Previous Civil Service HR experience and/or exposure to Civil Service HR protocols.
- Experience in HR consultancy or customer-centric service delivery.
- Denominational knowledge of workforce trends, payroll systems, or well-being frameworks.
Security & Local Requirements
- Location: Primary base at HM Prison Risley (WA3 6BP) or HMYOI Hindley (WN2 5TH); regular travel across the region.
- Security Clearance: Successful applicants must obtain an Enhanced SC Clearance.
- Tolerance for Flexible Support: Adaptive to rotational HR partnering demands.
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Benefits
- Generous Civil Service Pension: Employer contribution of £10,236p.a. / 28.97% salary contribution.
- Career Development: Access to Learning & Development initiatives, including CIPD qualifications.
- Flexible Working: Commitment to holistic work-life balance through flexible options.
- Inclusion & Diversity: Supportive culture for gender, disability, veterans, and LGBTQ+ communities.
- public Sector Perks: Season Ticket Advance, extraordinary holiday allowances, MET plans, and more.
Application Process & Key Dates
1. Sift & Essential Criteria
- Willingness to join CIPD or adherence to Continuous Professional Development standards.
- Evidence of HR operational experience (submitted via CV).
- Initial filtering assessed primarily on “Managing a Quality Service” STAR behaviours.
2. Behaviours & Experiences
Submit 250-word examples for each of the four critical behaviours:
- 1. Managing a Quality Service (Lead)
- 2. Communicating and Influencing
- 3. Leadership
- 4. Working Together
3. Interview (Remote):
Assesses behaviours, strengths, and case management agility using the Success Profiles framework.
Contact
For enquiries: Julie.Boulter1@justice.gov.uk For recruitment/HR-related questions: moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk
Other Important Notes
- Eligibility: Open to UK/EU/Commonwealth/Civil Service-aligned nationalities (see Civil Service nationality requirements for full details).
- Diversity & Inclusion: The Ministry of Justice is committed to a Great Place to Work for Veterans.
- Civil Service Code: Candidates must align with professional ethical standards.
Truth in Applications: All examples provided must reflect your own experiences.
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