At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Regional Support Unit and provide strategic support to enhance operational services.
- Company: Join a proud organisation dedicated to maintaining justice in the North West.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Work across various locations in the North West with great career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Strong relationship management and communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
General Information
- Working Pattern: Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working
- Location: Ashton-under-Lyne, Barrow-in-Furness, Birkenhead, Blackburn, Blackpool, Bolton, Bootle, Burnley, Carlisle, Chester, Crewe, Lancaster, Liverpool, Manchester, Preston, St Helens, Stockport, Warrington, Wigan, Workington
- Region: North West
- Closing Date: 12-Jun-2026
- Post Type: Permanent
- Grade: 7
- Number of jobs available: 1
- Reserve List: 12 Months
- Job ID: 18029
Descriptions & Requirements
Proud to serve. Proud to keep justice going.
About the role
As a key member of the Regional Senior Leadership Team (SLT), the Head of Regional Support Unit (RSU) provides direct business advice and strategic support to the Regional Delivery Director (RDD). The role ensures the delivery of HMCTS operational services within the region, liaises with operational director’s offices and the National Support Unit, leads the Operational Support and Judicial Secretariat teams, and oversees the delivery of regional support services.
Your skills and experience
- Relationship management, including experience of judicial or senior stakeholder relationships.
- Excellent communication and engagement skills across all levels.
- Understanding of corporate governance, assurance policies, and the ability to challenge and provide assurance to the RDD.
- Knowledge of HR policies and procedures to coach and develop staff.
- Leadership skills to inspire, manage, and motivate teams through uncertainty.
- Planning and review skills to use evidence for decision‑making.
- Experience of regional operations and business planning processes.
- High‑quality drafting skills to convey accurate information to senior management.
- People‑management skills to build capability and confidence within teams.
- Knowledge of financial checking procedures to monitor RSU budget spend.
Working hours and arrangements
Standard full‑time working hours are 37 hours per week. Part‑time, flexible and job‑sharing arrangements are available subject to the MoJ Flexible Working policy. A minimum of 29.6 hours per week over four days would be required for part‑time positions.
Location
This role can be based at any HMCTS site within the North West region, with regular travel across the area.
Benefits
- Annual leave 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years.
- Option to buy or sell up to three days of leave each year.
- Paid time off for public holidays and one privilege day.
- Pension: choice of available pension schemes.
- Training and development opportunities.
Equal Opportunity
Jobs advertised cross‑government are open only to Civil Service employees and employees of accredited NDPBs, or those appointed to a permanent post through a Civil Service Commissioner exception.
Nationality
Applications are accepted from nationals of Commonwealth countries, EU/Switzerland/Norway/Iceland/Liechtenstein and their family members with settled or pre‑settled status, and other individuals meeting specified eligibility criteria.
Interview Stage Assessments
Interviews will take place in person on 8 and 17 July 2026 via Microsoft Teams. Alternative dates only in exceptional circumstances.
Behavioral themes
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Leadership
- Communicating and Influencing
- Working Together
Security checks
DBS Standard
Head of Regional Support Unit - NW Region employer: Ministry of Justice
As a leading employer in the North West region, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values flexibility and employee well-being. With opportunities for professional growth through training and development, our team members are empowered to thrive in their roles while contributing to the vital mission of delivering justice. Enjoy generous annual leave, pension options, and the chance to work collaboratively across various locations, making a meaningful impact in your community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Regional Support Unit - NW Region
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those who work in the North West region. Use LinkedIn to connect and engage with them; you never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the organisation and its values, especially around justice and operational services. Practise common interview questions and think about how your skills in relationship management and leadership can shine through.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience! When you get the chance to speak with hiring managers, highlight your knowledge of HR policies and corporate governance. Make sure they see how your background aligns with the role of Head of Regional Support Unit.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Regional Support Unit - NW Region
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experience align with the role of Head of Regional Support Unit. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading teams, be sure to provide examples of your leadership experience. We want to see how you've inspired and motivated others, especially in challenging situations.
Communicate Clearly:Your written application should reflect your excellent communication skills. Keep it clear and concise, and make sure to proofread for any typos or errors. We appreciate attention to detail!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive your application and can consider you for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of the Head of Regional Support Unit. Familiarise yourself with HMCTS operational services and how they function within the North West region. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your leadership abilities, especially in managing teams through uncertainty. Think about times when you've inspired or motivated a team, and be ready to discuss these experiences during the interview.
✨Master Relationship Management
Since this role involves liaising with senior stakeholders, brush up on your relationship management skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully built and maintained relationships in previous roles, particularly with judicial or senior stakeholders.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Excellent communication is key for this position. Practice conveying complex information clearly and concisely. You might even want to rehearse answers to common interview questions with a friend to boost your confidence and ensure you come across as articulate.
