Team Leader in Burton upon Trent

We work to protect the public and reduce reoffending, and to provide a more effective, transparent, and responsive criminal justice system for victims and the public. We also work in partnership with other government departments and agencies to reform the criminal justice system, to serve the public and support the victims of crime. We are responsible for making new laws, strengthening democracy, and safeguarding human rights.

The Offender Subject Access Request team sits within the Ministry of Justice’s Security, Services and Information Governance Group Directorate, which has a broad range of responsibilities including corporate communications through to information management and records compliance. As part of the Directorate’s Information Services Division, our aim is to ensure the MoJ holds information in compliance with legislation; that all information is correctly stored, accessible and shared appropriately; and our information is protected and the risks are managed.

The Offender SAR team manage and process over 6,000 SARs on behalf of the MoJ per annum.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Team Leader, providing an expert and dedicated function in the processing of offender Subject Access Requests (SARs). Our work plays a vital role in supporting individuals through their sentence and rehabilitation by ensuring they have access to the right information at the right time. We are committed to responding to all requests in full and within statutory timescales.

As a Team Leader you will manage and lead a team of administrative staff responsible for processing offender SARs. This people‑focused role requires day‑to‑day support, guidance and leadership to keep the team motivated, engaged and equipped to perform at their best.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and motivate a team, ensuring work is organised and delivered on time.
• Allocate and monitor workloads using the team’s workflow system, ensuring work is prioritised effectively to meet statutory timescales.
• Oversee decision‑making on disclosure of personal information and application of exemptions.
• Conduct regular 1‑1 meetings, providing coaching, feedback and support to drive performance and wellbeing.
• Manage HR‑related processes including attendance, conduct, performance management and capability concerns, in line with policy.
• Set clear expectations and monitor progress against targets to achieve 100% compliance wherever possible.
• Support staff development, identifying training needs and helping individuals reach their full potential.
• Undertake quality assurance checks and implement improvement or remediation plans where required.
• Recognise and reward high performance and positive behaviours.
• Work with EO colleagues to identify opportunities for process and performance improvements.
• Support implementation of changes and lead your team through them effectively.
• Ensure staff have a strong understanding of the Data Protection Act (DPA) and apply it correctly.
• Provide guidance and hold regular team meetings to ensure consistency and best practice.

Qualifications and Experience

• Create a supportive, inclusive working environment, promoting staff wellbeing, engagement and resilience.
• People management skills, with the ability to support, motivate and develop staff in a people‑focused environment.
• Provide day‑to‑day support, responding to team needs and removing barriers to performance.
• Is organised, proactive and able to manage competing priorities.
• Communicates clearly and provides constructive feedback.
• Takes a flexible, positive and solutions‑focused approach.
• Thrives in a fast‑paced environment.
• Working in a digital environment to streamline processes and deliver high quality, value for money services.
• Experience of delivering customer service excellence in a processing environment.
• Proven capability to manage workloads effectively, prioritising tasks to meet stringent deadlines while maintaining high standards of quality.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Teams, Outlook and Adobe software.
• Excellent command of the English language, with strong reading comprehension and written communication skills.

Desirable Skills

• Working knowledge of the Data Protection Act (DPA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
• Has experience of allocating and managing workloads through a case management or workflow system.
• Experience of handling confidential information with sensitivity, professionalism and integrity.
• Experience of working in or with HMPPS.
• Delivers effective 1‑1s, coaching and staff development.
• Managing HR matters, including performance, attendance and wellbeing.

Benefits

• Annual Leave – 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years of service. Scheme to buy or sell up to three days leave each year. Additional paid time off for public holidays and 1 privilege day. Leave for part‑time and job shared posts will be calculated on a pro‑rated basis.
• Pension – choice of pension schemes offering flexibility.
• Training – extensive range of training and development opportunities.
• Networks – employee‑run networks for minority ethnic origin, disabilities, caring responsibilities, women and LGBTQ+ employees.
• Support – family friendly policies such as reduced hours or job share, access to flexible benefits, and paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
• Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.