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- Tasks: Lead the Office of the Victim’s Commissioner and manage a dynamic team.
- Company: Join a pivotal organisation focused on improving the criminal justice system for victims.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, professional development opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape policies that affect victims and work closely with influential stakeholders in a meaningful role.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and a strong understanding of the criminal justice system required.
- Other info: This role involves high-level representation and accountability at ministerial meetings and public inquiries.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
The CEO sets the strategic direction of the Office of the Victim’ Commissioner (OVC); You provide key support to the Victims’ Commissioner (VC) in delivering his/her agenda. You brief and advise the VC on key strategic and politically sensitive issues. You manage the team and the budget; represent the VC w required; and act as a link between the OVC and the MoJ.
The CEO is required to have a broad understanding of the criminal justice system at both a strategic and political level so as to advise the VC and assist them in developing informed policy positions. You will have verified expertise in working with ministers and senior officials as well as the third sector.
The CEO will oversee the development of all VC policy and research and will also oversee all communication activity, including national media and social media.
The CEO represents the VC (in their absence) at ministerial meetings and meetings of the Criminal Justice Board and can also expect to be called to give evidence before Parliamentary Select Committees (for example, the Justice Select Committee) and public inquiries (for example, the COVID Inquiry). When the CEO appears before a select committee or inquiry, they assume accountability for the work of the OVC and the Commissioner. Questions might cover resourcing, priorities, future work plans, relationship with the Department and other agencies etc, as well as VC policy positions.
You will set the agenda and chair the VC’s Advisory Group, which comprises of senior practitioners from a range of disciplines from across the criminal justice system and politics.
A key area of focus for you as CEO will be inducting a new VC and overseeing the restructure of the Office of the VC so that it can adapt to the extended remit and new priorities of the VC. Office restructures are challenging and require you to demonstrate exceptional proven leadership and handling skills demonstrating the necessary level of change experience.
As CEO you will also play a critical role in developing a more impactful VC presence across the criminal justice system as envisaged by the current government. You will need to have the strategic vision and leadership skills required to make this evolution of the VC role a reality.
The CEO is operating within a challenging fiscal situation w t will be searching VFM questions and efficiency considerations being asked of the department. Strong financial management and oversight that ensures efficient use of resources is key to the role as you will be the budget holder with accountability to the MoJ.
Key Responsibilities
Reporting directly to the Victim’s Commissioner:
The role involves challenging and varied responsibilities. These include:
- leading the OVC, drafting the VC’s strategic plans, briefing the VC on a range of strategic and political issues within the criminal justice system,
- representing the VC at meetings with key stakeholders,
- overseeing the OVC to deliver key outputs in support of the VC’s Strategy.
- Managing a team of nine staff (with additional resources anticipated on the back of the new provisions in the Victims and Courts Bill), setting the team’s direction to deliver the Strategic Plan, and prioritising the team’s resources effectively.
- Managing input into VC responses to Government consultations and the development of key policy initiatives, so that they meet the priorities of their Strategic Plan and respond to changes in the victim landscape.
- Drafting speeches for the VC, informing and influencing key policy positions and overseeing research.
- working relationships with a very wide range of key stakeholders across Whitehall.
- Handling (in the absence of the Communications Manager) reactive media enquiries (in and out of office hours) and preparing to take and op eds (articles reflecting the opinion of the author) at short notice.
- Demonstrating strong presentation skills, so as to be able to speak publicly with confidence and deliver presentations to a high standard at workshops and high-profile external meetings.
Developing
Additional Responsibilities
Additional responsibilities will include:
- On an ad-hoc basis, advising and briefing the VC on wide range of strategic and political issues affecting victims within the criminal justice system, including meetings with Ministers, senior judiciary and heads of criminal justice agencies, Parliamentarians, CEOs of third sector organisations, Police and Crime Commissioners and academics.
- Giving evidence to select committees and public inquiries.
- Briefing the VC at very short notice when they appear in the national press and on social media
- Overseeing all OVC recruitment and any restructuring of the OVC as required, to ensure the team is meeting the strategic objectives of the VC;
- Working with finance business partners to manage the OVC’s budget; and
- Collaborating with the MoJ through the Public Bodies Centre of Expertise, policy teams and other central MoJ corporate support services.
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Chief Executive Officer employer: Ministry of Justice
Contact Detail:
Ministry of Justice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the criminal justice system. Attend relevant conferences, seminars, and workshops to meet key stakeholders and gain insights into current issues and trends. Building these connections can provide you with valuable information and potential endorsements.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on the latest developments in victim support policies and legislation. Familiarise yourself with the Victims and Courts Bill and other relevant government initiatives. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential media interactions by practising your public speaking skills. Given the role's emphasis on communication, being able to articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently will set you apart. Consider joining a public speaking group or taking a course to enhance your abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the Office of the Victim’s Commissioner and its recent initiatives. Understanding their strategic direction and challenges will allow you to tailor your approach and show how your vision aligns with theirs, making you a more compelling candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, ensure you have a thorough understanding of the CEO role within the Office of the Victim’s Commissioner. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and expectations outlined in the job description.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience in leadership, strategic planning, and financial management. Emphasise your expertise in the criminal justice system and any previous roles that involved working with ministers or senior officials.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should clearly articulate your vision for the role and how your skills align with the responsibilities of the CEO. Address your understanding of the challenges faced by the OVC and propose how you would tackle them.
Showcase Communication Skills: Given the importance of communication in this role, provide examples of your experience in handling media inquiries, drafting speeches, and presenting to high-profile audiences. Highlight your ability to influence policy positions effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Understand the Criminal Justice System
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the criminal justice system, especially its strategic and political aspects. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with the challenges faced by the Office of the Victim’s Commissioner.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a CEO, showcasing your leadership abilities is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams through change, particularly in challenging environments, and be ready to discuss your approach to managing diverse stakeholders.
✨Prepare for Media Engagement
Given the role's media responsibilities, practice your communication skills. Be ready to handle tough questions and articulate your vision clearly, as you may need to respond to media inquiries or present at high-profile meetings.
✨Showcase Financial Acumen
Since you'll be responsible for budget management, be prepared to discuss your experience with financial oversight. Highlight any instances where you've ensured efficient resource use and how you plan to navigate fiscal challenges.
