At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Regional Support Unit and provide strategic support to ensure operational excellence.
- Company: Join a proud organisation dedicated to maintaining justice in the North West.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working options, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements available; travel across the North West required.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a leadership role while supporting your community.
- Qualifications: Strong relationship management and communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
General Information
- Working Pattern: Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working
- Location: Ashton-under-Lyne, Barrow-in-Furness, Birkenhead, Blackburn, Blackpool, Bolton, Bootle, Burnley, Carlisle, Chester, Crewe, Lancaster, Liverpool, Manchester, Preston, St Helens, Stockport, Warrington, Wigan, Workington
- Region: North West
- Closing Date: 12-Jun-2026
- Post Type: Permanent
- Grade: 7
- Number of jobs available: 1
- Reserve List: 12 Months
- Job ID: 18029
Descriptions & Requirements
Proud to serve. Proud to keep justice going.
About the role
As a key member of the Regional Senior Leadership Team (SLT), the Head of Regional Support Unit (RSU) provides direct business advice and strategic support to the Regional Delivery Director (RDD). The role ensures the delivery of HMCTS operational services within the region, liaises with operational director's offices and the National Support Unit, leads the Operational Support and Judicial Secretariat teams, and oversees the delivery of regional support services.
Your skills and experience
- Relationship management, including experience of judicial or senior stakeholder relationships.
- Excellent communication and engagement skills across all levels.
- Understanding of corporate governance, assurance policies, and the ability to challenge and provide assurance to the RDD.
- Knowledge of HR policies and procedures to coach and develop staff.
- Leadership skills to inspire, manage, and motivate teams through uncertainty.
- Planning and review skills to use evidence for decision‐making.
- Experience of regional operations and business planning processes.
- High‐quality drafting skills to convey accurate information to senior management.
- People‐management skills to build capability and confidence within teams.
- Knowledge of financial checking procedures to monitor RSU budget spend.
Working hours and arrangements
Standard full‐time working hours are 37 hours per week. Part‐time, flexible and job‐sharing arrangements are available subject to the MoJ Flexible Working policy. A minimum of 29.6 hours per week over four days would be required for part‐time positions.
Location
This role can be based at any HMCTS site within the North West region, with regular travel across the area.
Benefits
- Annual leave 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years.
- Option to buy or sell up to three days of leave each year.
- Paid time off for public holidays and one privilege day.
- Pension: choice of available pension schemes.
- Training and development opportunities.
Equal Opportunity
Jobs advertised cross‐government are open only to Civil Service employees and employees of accredited NDPBs, or those appointed to a permanent post through a Civil Service Commissioner exception.
Nationality
Applications are accepted from nationals of Commonwealth countries, EU/Switzerland/Norway/Iceland/Liechtenstein and their family members with settled or pre‐settled status, and other individuals meeting specified eligibility criteria.
Interview Stage Assessments
Interviews will take place in person on 8 and 17 July 2026 via Microsoft Teams. Alternative dates only in exceptional circumstances.
Behavioral themes
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Leadership
- Communicating and Influencing
- Working Together
Security checks
DBS Standard
Head of Regional Support Unit - NW Region in Ashton-under-Lyne employer: Ministry of Justice
As a proud employer within the North West region, we offer a dynamic work environment that values flexibility and inclusivity, allowing for full-time, part-time, and job-sharing arrangements. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive training and development opportunities, alongside a generous benefits package that includes up to 30 days of annual leave and a choice of pension schemes. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the justice sector while enjoying a supportive culture that prioritises teamwork and effective communication.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Regional Support Unit - NW Region in Ashton-under-Lyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those who work in the North West region. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Knowing what they stand for will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Whether it's through mock interviews or casual conversations, being able to articulate your thoughts clearly is key to making a great impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Regional Support Unit - NW Region in Ashton-under-Lyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experience align with the role of Head of Regional Support Unit. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading teams, don’t forget to share examples of how you've inspired and motivated others in previous positions. We want to see your people-management skills in action!
Be Clear and Concise:When drafting your application, keep it clear and to the point. High-quality writing is key, so make sure your information is accurate and easy to read. We appreciate well-structured applications!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly and allows you to keep track of your application status easily.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of the Head of Regional Support Unit. Familiarise yourself with HMCTS operational services and how they function within the North West region. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your leadership abilities, especially in managing teams through uncertainty. Think about specific situations where you've inspired or motivated your team, as this is crucial for the role. Be ready to discuss how you can apply these skills to the Regional Senior Leadership Team.
✨Master Relationship Management
Since relationship management is key, come prepared with examples of how you've successfully engaged with senior stakeholders or judicial relationships. Highlight your communication skills and how you've navigated complex interactions in previous roles.
✨Be Ready for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to see the big picture, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, ensuring you provide clear and concise examples that reflect the behavioural themes outlined in the job description.
