Victim Liaison Officer in City of Westminster

The post holder will have direct contact with individuals and their families who have been victims of serious crimes, including violent, sexual, or stalking and harassment offences. The key roles of the Victim Liaison Officer (VLO) are to:

• Provide information to victims and their families during the key stages of the offender’s sentence or hospital order and contribute to the assessment and management of the risk of harm to victims and their families.
• Liaise with, provide, and analyse information for, and give advice to criminal justice agencies and other partner agencies to ensure that the perspectives of victims and their families are considered.
• Work in partnership with other agencies with the aim of preventing reoffending while meeting the needs of victims and respecting the rights of offenders.

The post holder requires knowledge and understanding of the criminal justice system, including the functions of the courts, prisons, probation, and the Parole Board, as well as Youth Justice Services and arrangements for Mentally Disordered Offenders. The role involves regular travel to maintain contact with victims, families, and professionals across rural and urban areas. The post holder must operate within the aims and values of the PS and HM Prison and Probation Service, demonstrate commitment to equality and inclusion, and adhere to all policies regarding the sensitive and confidential nature of the information handled. Some out‑of‑hours work, including weekends, may be required.

Key Responsibilities

• Liaise with the victims and their families to ensure they are informed about key stages and developments regarding an offender’s sentence or hospital order as set out in the VCS and VNS.
• Use computer‑based administrative systems to obtain relevant information and produce, update, and maintain records relating to victims and other documentation within agreed timescales.
• Assess the risks and needs of victims and their families, complete any required actions within appropriate timescales, and conduct home or alternate location visits as required in accordance with the PS VCS and VNS Guidance.
• Identify changes in risk or need and refer to senior managers and professionals in other agencies as appropriate.
• Carry out safeguarding children and safeguarding adult duties in accordance with the PS statutory responsibilities and agency policies.
• Ensure effective referrals to, and communication with, other probation colleagues and professionals in other agencies.
• Participate in a range of inter‑professional meetings to represent victims and their families (and/or the PS) to support risk management and safeguarding of victims.
• Carry out duties in accordance with policies and legislation governing parole proceedings, and support victims and their families to write a personal statement and/or present their statement to the parole board in person or remotely.
• Provide training and mentoring support to new VLOs and other probation practitioners, and educate professionals from other agencies about the VCS and VNS and their responsibilities.
• Engage in ongoing learning and development to maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of current policies, legislation, and best practice, including completion of all mandatory training.
• Provide cover within the victim liaison unit as appropriate.

The duties and responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and are not intended to be exhaustive. The job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary. Significant adjustments may require re‑examination under the Job Evaluation Scheme and shall be discussed in the first instance with the job holder. An ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through the medium of English or, where specified in Wales, Welsh is required.

The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non‑contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and/or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). For nationally advertised roles, the successful candidate(s) will be appointed to a MoJ office location, which may include their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. This will be discussed and agreed on the completion of pre‑employment checks. Standard full‑time working hours are 37 hours per week excluding unpaid breaks.

Behavioural and Experience Requirements

• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace
• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together
• Developing Self and Others

Experience

• Experience of working with people from diverse backgrounds who have experienced a range of social/personal difficulties, communicating effectively and sensitively, and working in a trauma‑informed way.
• Experience of working with diverse communities, including promoting equality and valuing diversity.
• Knowledge and understanding of the assessment and management of risk in relation to offenders and victim safeguarding.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Criminal Justice system and related agencies.

Qualifications and Technical Requirements

• Minimum 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above, including English and Maths.
• Level of security checks required: DBS Enhanced.

Benefits

• Annual Leave: 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years of service, plus public holidays. Leave for part‑time and job share posts calculated on a pro‑rata basis.
• Pension: Covered by the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) run through the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF).
• Training: Extensive range of training and development opportunities provided by the Ministry of Justice.
• Networks: Opportunity to join employee‑run networks for minority ethnic origin, disabilities, caring responsibilities, women, and LGBTQ+ employees.
• Family Friendly Policies: Opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
• Flexible benefits: Voluntary benefits, retail vouchers, and discounts on a range of goods and services.
• Disability Confident: Adjustments throughout the recruitment process and workplace for disabled candidates.
• Benefits for caregivers: Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave; free annual sight tests for computer‑screen users.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. Recruitment is by merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s recruitment principles. Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached these principles, you can raise a formal complaint in the following order: 1) To Transformative Business Services; 2) To Ministry of Justice Resourcing team; 3) To the Civil Service Commission (details available on their website).

As a Disability Confident employer, the MoJ is committed to providing adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and workplace. To learn more about the Civil Service people plan, diversity and inclusion strategy, and veteran initiatives, please visit the relevant Ministry of Justice and Gov.uk pages.