The Policy Advisor works in the NOMS Agency policy function within HMPPS, supporting the Head of Policy on a two-year loan or detached-duty basis. The post develops policy and provides advice on complex issues, including drafting ministerial and parliamentary material and corresponding with legal representatives. It is a national, full-time role with hybrid working possible and an agreed MoJ office base. Applicants must be existing Civil Service or accredited NDPB employees; the role is 37 hours a week and requires a Standard DBS check.
What the job involves
- Support the Head of Policy
- Advise and guide staff and managers on policy
- Provide day-to-day written and verbal advice to stakeholders and senior officials
- Contribute information for ministerial submissions and senior-official briefings
- Commission and analyse reports from colleagues, contractors and criminal justice stakeholders
- Analyse complex policy information and evidence, draft protocols and develop operational and non-operational policy
- Represent NOMS at meetings with external organisations, stakeholders and other government departments
- Draft legal correspondence and liaise with solicitors and legal representatives
- Attend ad hoc meetings for the team
- Provide secretariat support and act as Key Information Liaison Officer
- Check draft reports and correspondence for compliance with current NOMS and MoJ policy
- Draft or contribute to Parliamentary Questions, official letters and Freedom of Information responses, and prepare briefings in line with statutory requirements
What’s required
Experience
- Excellent written and spoken communication to explain issues clearly and accurately to ministers, the MoJ, other government departments and the public
Skills & knowledge
- Strong awareness of current policies and practices
- Writing suitable for legal correspondence and dialogue with solicitors and legal representatives
- Strong organisational knowledge and operational understanding of NOMS and the prison estate
- Ability to interpret and summarise complex information
- Ability to engage and influence senior staff and stakeholders
- Behaviours assessed include Seeing the Big Picture, Changing and Improving, Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace, Communicating and Influencing, Leadership and Working Together
Checks & eligibility
- Existing Civil Service employee or employee of an accredited NDPB
- Eligibility under Civil Service nationality rules
- Standard DBS check and security and identity checks
- External candidates serve six months’ probation; internal candidates do so if they have not completed probation within HMPPS
Other
- Declare membership of any group or organisation HMPPS considers racist
What’s offered
- Annual leave, calculated pro rata where applicable
- Nine days (66 hours 36 minutes) for bank, public and privilege holidays
- Choice of two Civil Service pension schemes
- Flexible working arrangements, subject to business needs and applicable conditions
- Season ticket advance after two months’ service
- Training and development opportunities
- Access to promotion programmes
- Security and diversity training and an individual induction
24005 - Policy Advisor employer: Ministry of Justice
The Ministry of Justice is an exceptional employer, dedicated to transforming lives through education and vocational training. With a strong emphasis on supportive relationships and personal development, employees benefit from a collaborative work culture that prioritises safety and security while offering opportunities for professional growth and meaningful impact in the community. Working in this role not only allows you to make a difference but also provides a unique chance to contribute to the rehabilitation and resettlement of individuals in a dynamic environment.
