At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead access and retention services, manage library functions, and ensure compliance with copyright laws.
- Company: Join the Ministry of Justice's Knowledge Management Team in a vital role.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25-30 days annual leave, flexible working, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working arrangements available with excellent career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on information management while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in records management and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 € per year.
This role is part of the Knowledge Management Team within the Departmental Records Officer’s (DRO) Team, supporting the Ministry of Justice’s record, library and information management functions. Position is only available to candidates based in the UK.
Responsibilities
- Manage the access requests service, responding to requests from criminal justice professionals, victims of crime and other authorised users of closed records.
- Lead the retention service, including enquiry responses, regular review and updating of the Records Retention and Disposition Schedules (RRDS) across the MoJ and advising on strategic retention matters.
- Provide library services and oversee the MoJ Library’s supplier contracts.
- Deliver copyright services to ensure compliance with copyright law and keep the organisation informed on AI and copyright developments.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders across the organisation and external public bodies.
- Support the MoJ Librarians’ Community of Practice and deputise for the Head of Knowledge Management (KM) and Deputy Departmental Records Officer (DDRO) as required.
- Line‑manage a team of five staff.
- Carry out any other duties commensurate with grade.
Essential Skills
- Qualification or extensive experience in information and records management.
- Holding or working toward a professional qualification or membership of ARA, CILIP or IRMS.
- Thorough understanding of the Public Records Act, Freedom of Information Act and GDPR.
- Proven track record of leading and motivating teams, improving engagement and service delivery responsiveness.
- Excellent communication skills, including influencing senior stakeholders and communicating complex issues clearly.
Desirable Skills
- Experience managing library contracts and services.
- Experience managing a budget and delivering value for money services.
- Strong behaviours, strengths, ability and experience aligned with the role’s requirements.
- Technical competence in relevant professional skills and knowledge.
Working Arrangements
The role offers hybrid working arrangements where business needs allow. The successful candidate will work from a base location, MoJ sites, or from home, with a minimum of 60 % of working time spent in an office.
Probation
All external candidates are required to pass a minimum of six months probation; internal candidates are subject to probation if they have not previously completed it within the MoJ.
Security Clearance
Minimum security level: Security Check (SC).
Benefits
- Annual leave: 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years of service; options to buy or sell up to three days of leave each year.
- Public holidays and one privilege day.
- Pro‑rated leave for part‑time and job‑share posts.
- Pension: choice of Civil Service pension schemes.
- Training: extensive range of staff development opportunities.
- Family‑friendly policies including reduced hours and job sharing.
- Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts.
Head of Access, Retention & Library in City of Westminster employer: Ministry of Justice
The Ministry of Justice is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and well-being. With a commitment to flexible working arrangements and a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave and family-friendly policies, employees are empowered to thrive both professionally and personally. This role not only provides the opportunity to lead a dedicated team but also to engage with key stakeholders in a meaningful way, making a significant impact within the realm of information management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Access, Retention & Library in City of Westminster
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, or even reach out to folks on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills. Use examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you can add value to their team.
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework on the organisation and the role. Think about how your background aligns with their needs and prepare some thoughtful questions to ask. This shows you're genuinely interested and engaged!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out our website for job openings! Applying directly through us not only makes it easier but also gives you a better chance of being noticed by the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Access, Retention & Library in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in information and records management. We want to see how your skills align with the specific responsibilities of the Head of Access, Retention & Library role.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves managing a team, don’t forget to mention your experience in leading and motivating teams. We love to see examples of how you've improved engagement and service delivery in your previous roles.
Communicate Clearly:Your written application should reflect your excellent communication skills. Use clear and concise language to explain complex issues, especially those related to the Public Records Act and GDPR, as these are crucial for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Public Records Act, Freedom of Information Act, and GDPR. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will show that you understand the legal framework surrounding records management, which is crucial for this role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you improved engagement and service delivery. This will demonstrate your capability to manage a team effectively.
✨Understand Stakeholder Management
Be ready to talk about your experience in building relationships with stakeholders. Consider how you’ve influenced senior stakeholders in previous roles and be prepared to share specific instances where your communication skills made a difference.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Library Services
If you have experience managing library contracts and services, make sure to highlight it. If not, do some research on best practices in library management and be prepared to discuss how you would approach overseeing supplier contracts in this role.
