At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to develop policies preventing youth offending and influence cross-government strategies.
- Company: Ministry of Justice, committed to making a positive impact on youth justice.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, generous leave, and a supportive pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to equality and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of at-risk youth while shaping national policy.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior policy roles, strong leadership, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 58511 - 65329 £ per year.
Grade 7 – Permanent – National salary range £58,511 – £65,329 (London £63,343 – £70,725). Working patterns include full time, part time, job share and flexible working. The role is based in Leeds or London (102 Petty France) with occasional travel.
Responsibilities
- Lead and manage a small team of SEOs and an HEO to develop, deliver and evaluate policy aimed at preventing children from offending and entering the formal youth justice system.
- Maintain a strategic overview of cross‑government policy areas affecting children at risk, constructing relationships with colleagues in other departments to influence policy development.
- Ensure policy decisions are underpinned by the best available evidence, building relationships with evidence leads, analysts and sector experts.
- Represent the Ministry of Justice at cross‑government boards and policy groups.
- Develop and deliver the devolution programme for the Welsh Government and Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
- Manage collaborative work with partners such as the Youth Justice Board and other external stakeholders.
- Adapt the role’s activities to evolving business needs, ensuring flexibility in delivery.
Qualifications and Experience
- Senior policy lead or adviser experience, managing complex policy portfolios and teams.
- Strong leadership and team‑management skills, with a track record of motivating teams in ambiguous situations.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, including briefing production for Ministers.
- Proven ability to build trusted relationships and influence cross‑governmentally.
- Evidence‑based decision making and experience of managing data to inform policy.
- Experience or knowledge of the youth justice system is desirable.
Key Skills
- Strategic thinking – seeing the big picture.
- Effective decision making under ambiguity.
- Exceptional communication and influencing.
- Team leadership and collaborative working.
- Evidence‑based policy formulation.
Benefits
- Competitive salary within national or London band.
- Hybrid working model – mix of remote and base location hours.
- Annual leave: 25 days, increasing to 30 days after five years; additional leave options and public holiday pay.
- Civil Service pension scheme.
- Training and development opportunities.
- Employee networks for minority groups.
- Family‑friendly benefits: flexible hours, job share, paternity/adoption/maternity leave, free annual sight tests.
Equality and Diversity
The MoJ is a Level 3 Disability Confident employer and welcomes applications from all eligible civil‑service employees and accredited NDPB staff. Reasonable adjustments are available for candidates with disabilities.
Head of Early Intervention and Prevention in the Youth Justice and Offender Policy Directorate in Leeds employer: Ministry of Justice
The Ministry of Justice is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in either Leeds or London, where you can lead impactful policy initiatives aimed at preventing youth offending. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a focus on equality and diversity, the MoJ fosters a supportive culture that empowers its staff to thrive while making a meaningful difference in society.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Early Intervention and Prevention in the Youth Justice and Offender Policy Directorate in Leeds
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Ministry of Justice, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Ministry of Justice and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Early Intervention and Prevention in the Youth Justice and Offender Policy Directorate in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Ministry of Justice and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Ministry of Justice, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Ministry of Justice.
