At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategy and policy for counter-terrorism efforts in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join the Ministry of Justice and make a difference in public safety.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Engage with senior leaders and contribute to critical national initiatives.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of shaping policies that impact national security.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategy 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 Required
- 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.
Head of Policy employer: Ministry of Justice
As a leading employer in the public sector, the Ministry of Justice offers a dynamic work environment 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 collaborative culture, you will have the opportunity to grow your career while contributing to vital national security efforts in London. Join us to be part of a team that values innovation, inclusivity, and excellence in public service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Policy
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees in the Civil Service or NDPBs. They can give you insider info on the role and the application process, plus it shows your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of counter-terrorism and the prisons and probation sector. We recommend creating a list of potential questions and practising your responses with a friend.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you've led teams or projects, especially in complex environments. This will help you stand out as a strong candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always here to support you throughout the process.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Policy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience:Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who will be reading your application. Tailor your language and examples to resonate with the values and goals of the Joint Extremism Unit. Show us that you get what we do!
Be Clear and Concise:We love a good story, but keep it relevant! Make sure your application is straightforward and to the point. Highlight your experience in strategy and policy development without waffling on. We want to see your skills shine through clearly.
Showcase Your Experience:This role is all about leading and managing complex projects. Use your application to demonstrate your past experiences that align with the job description. Give us specific examples of how you've tackled similar challenges before.
Proofread Like a Pro:Nothing says 'I care' like a well-proofread application. Take the time to check for typos and grammatical errors. A polished application shows us that you pay attention to detail, which is crucial for this role!
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.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams and developing strategies in complex environments. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed projects and engaged stakeholders in previous roles.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing sensitive topics like counter-terrorism. Use concise language and be prepared to answer questions from senior officials, demonstrating your ability to engage effectively.
✨Demonstrate Evidence-Based Decision Making
Be prepared to discuss how you’ve built and refined evidence bases to support policy development. Highlight specific instances where your analytical skills have led to successful outcomes, showing that you can underpin policy with robust data.
