At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategy and policy for counter-terrorism efforts in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join the Ministry of Justice, a key player in national security.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, training opportunities, and a competitive pension scheme.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available; must be a current Civil Servant.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public safety and contribute to vital national strategies.
- Qualifications: Experience in policy development and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 78000 £ per year.
This vacancy is only available to existing Civil Servant employees and employees of accredited non‑departmental public bodies (NDPBs). Please review the "Eligibility" section before you apply.
General Information
- Working Pattern: Full Time
- Vacancy Approach: Cross Government
- Location: London
- Region: London
- Closing Date: 11-Jun-2026
- Business Unit: Security Group
- Post Type: Permanent
- Grade: 6
- Number of jobs available: 1
- Reserve List: 12 Months
- Job ID: 18068
Background
The Joint Extremism Unit (JEXU), run by HMPPS and Home Office HSG, is the strategic centre for all counter‑terrorism work with offenders in England and Wales. It has oversight of CT delivery across the end‑to‑end offender management process, including probation. This is an exciting opportunity to lead JEXU’s Strategy and Policy command during a period of significant operational challenge and change. The role involves significant engagement across HMPPS, government and agencies. Working with policy, research and analysis, legal, intelligence, operational, communications and private office colleagues, you will set the strategic context, develop policy that yields real operational outcomes on the frontline, and underpin delivery with a robust evidence base.
Role Description and Responsibilities
This role reports to the Head of Unit (Deputy Director). The postholder will lead the Strategy and Policy command to:
- Oversee the unit’s strategic response to internal and external reviews of counter‑terrorism in the sector and our input to allocations and other funding processes.
- Provide senior support on briefing ministers, seniors and governance boards on CT work in the sector, and academic / international engagement.
- Own, and help the team develop, the operational policies that underpin frontline capability to manage terrorism risk.
- Provide oversight to the JEXU analytical team, ensuring alignment between their skills and interests and business needs, and removing barriers to effective working.
- Support all three teams in the command through effective leadership and maintain and develop their capability across their portfolios.
- Play a key HQ leadership role in the event of a critical incident.
Experience of leading the development of strategy and policy in a complex environment. Experience of leading the building and refining of a strong evidence base to support policy development and evaluation. Strong project and stakeholder management skills. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, including effective engagement with seniors. Experience of working with operational teams and partners. Knowledge of counter‑terrorism and/or the prisons and probation sector is required. Candidate will need to pass Developed Vetting before taking up post.
Working Arrangements & Further Information
The MoJ offers hybrid working arrangements where business need allows. This role can only be worked in the UK. Working arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate and are subject to regular review. Successful candidates will be appointed to a MoJ office location, which may include their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. Part‑time, flexible and job‑sharing working patterns are considered in accordance with the HMPPS Flexible Working policy.
Benefits
- Bank, public and privilege holidays: 9 days (66 hours 36 minutes) in recognition of bank, public and privilege holidays.
- Pension: The Civil Service offers a choice of two pension schemes.
- Season ticket advance: After two months’ service, eligible to apply for a season ticket advance for travel between home and place of work.
- Training: HMPPS is committed to staff development and offers a range of training and development opportunities, including Equality and Diversity, Dealing with Challenging Behaviour, Suicide Prevention, and Anti‑bullying programmes.
Equal Opportunity Statement
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition. We are a Disability Confident employer and offer reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. Qualified candidates are invited to apply regardless of circumstances that may affect the recruitment process.
Interview stage assessments
Interview Dates: TBC
Level of security checks required: DBS Standard, Developed Vetting (DV)
Use of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence can be used to support your application, but all examples and statements must be truthful, factually accurate and taken from your own experience. Plagiarism may result in withdrawal of application or disciplinary action.
Head of Policy in City of Westminster employer: Ministry of Justice
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London where you can make a meaningful impact on counter-terrorism policy and strategy. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive culture that values diversity and inclusion, the MoJ provides numerous opportunities for professional growth and collaboration across various government sectors. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that plays a crucial role in ensuring public safety and enhancing operational effectiveness.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Policy in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees in the Civil Service or related sectors. They can provide insider info and might even give you a heads-up about upcoming opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the Joint Extremism Unit and understand their recent initiatives. Being able to discuss their work shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects, especially in complex environments. This is key for a role like Head of Policy.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Policy in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Eligibility:Before diving into your application, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria. This role is specifically for existing Civil Servants and employees of accredited NDPBs, so double-check that you're in the right pool!
Tailor Your Application:When writing your application, be sure to tailor it to the specifics of the Head of Policy role. Highlight your experience in leading strategy and policy development, especially in complex environments like counter-terrorism or offender management.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent communication is key for this role, make sure your written application reflects that. Use clear, concise language and provide examples of how you've effectively engaged with senior stakeholders in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Know Your Policy Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in current counter-terrorism policies and the operational challenges faced by the sector. Familiarise yourself with recent reviews and reports related to JEXU, as this will show your commitment and understanding of the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to discuss how you would engage with various stakeholders, including ministers and operational teams. Think about examples from your past experience where you successfully managed stakeholder relationships and how that could apply to this role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Be ready to share specific instances where you’ve led a team through complex policy development or strategic changes. Highlight your ability to inspire and support your team, especially in high-pressure situations, as this is crucial for the Head of Policy role.
✨Showcase Your Evidence-Based Approach
Prepare to discuss how you’ve built and refined evidence bases to support policy development in previous roles. Be specific about the methodologies you used and the outcomes achieved, as this aligns perfectly with the expectations for this position.
