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21931 - Offender Subject Access Request Team - Vetting Officer

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is one of the largest government departments, employing around 70,000 people (including those in the Probation Service), with a budget of approximately £9 billion. Each year, millions of people use our services across the UK – including at 500 courts and tribunals, and 133 prisons in England and Wales.

What we do

We work to protect the public and reduce reoffending, and to provide a more effective, transparent, and responsive criminal justice system for victims and the public. We are also responsible for the following parts of the justice system:

We also work in partnership with other government departments and agencies to reform the criminal justice system, to serve the public and support the victims of crime. We are also responsible for making new laws, strengthening democracy, and safeguarding human rights.

New entrants to the Civil Service will be expected to join on the minimum of the pay range. Existing Civil Servants will have their salary calculated in accordance with the Department’s pay on transfer/pay on promotion rules.

Background

The Offender Subject Access Request team sits within the MoJ’s Security, Services and Information Governance Group Directorate, which has a broad range of responsibilities including corporate communications through to information management and records compliance. As part of the Directorate’s Information Services Division, our aim is to ensure the MoJ holds information in compliance with legislation, that all information is correctly stored, accessible, and shared appropriately, and our information is protected, and the risks managed. We believe that knowing what information and records we have and having the right information available at the right time by those who need it or request it, is at the heart of an excellent justice system.

The Offender SAR team manage and process over 6,000 Subject Access Requests (SARs) on behalf of the MoJ per annum.

Role Purpose

You will be joining an established team that provides a dedicated and expert function in processing offender SARs. We ensure that offenders are supported through their sentence and rehabilitation by having access to the right information at the right time, by responding to requests in full and within statutory timescales.

The successful candidate will become a Vetting Officer within the vetting team that is responsible for reviewing offender information and determining what information can be disclosed in line with the Data Protection Act (2018). This role is a vital part of the Offender SAR function.

The role involves viewing sensitive offender information that contains details of offences which can be of an explicit nature. Due to the volume and complexity of the information you’ll be handling, careful attention to detail is a must. You will be required to have strong English reading and comprehension skills.

Working Pattern

Please note that this vacancy is for a full-time position only working 37 hours. The role requires a full-time working pattern to support the operational requirements of the Offender Subject Access Request Team and the structured training programme. Applications for part-time working patterns or reduced hours cannot be accommodated for this vacancy.

Training and Performance Expectations

The successful candidate will undertake a structured training programme to develop the knowledge, skills and competence required to perform the Vetting Officer role independently.

During the initial training phase, which typically lasts up to 8 weeks, you will be expected to attend the office on a full-time basis. Full-time office attendance during this period is required to ensure you receive the appropriate face-to-face training, coaching and support needed to develop the knowledge and competence required for the role. Candidates should therefore ensure they are able to meet this requirement before applying.

Upon successful completion of the initial training phase, you will be permitted to work from home for up to two days per week, with the remaining three days worked from the office. This hybrid working arrangement will apply subject to operational requirements and the needs of the Offender Subject Access Request Team.

Throughout the training period, you will be expected to meet incremental Key Performance Indicator (KPI) targets, which will increase as you progress through the different stages of training and develop your competence in the role. These targets will include expectations relating to productivity, quality and accuracy.

Your progress against the required KPI targets and quality standards will be regularly reviewed throughout your training. Successful achievement of the required incremental KPI targets and demonstrated competence at each stage of the training programme will be required in order to achieve full sign-off as a Vetting Officer.

Main Activities / Responsibilities

• Process personal information requested in a SAR and determine what information can be disclosed in line with the DPA.
• Read large volumes of sensitive information, mainly in digital format as well as occasional hard copy; this needs to be done with care and accuracy.
• Apply redactions to offender information in line with the DPA exemptions.
• Use computer systems to accurately record your decisions.
• Undertake occasional ad hoc office duties, including some light manual handling (site specific).
• Demonstrate and encourage behaviours which support the MoJ and Civil Service values.