The Judicial Office (JO) reports to, and is accountable to, to the Lady Chief Justice (LCJ). It was established in 2006 to provide support to the LCJ and to the wider judiciary in upholding the rule of law and in delivering justice impartially, speedily and efficiently, following the Constitutional Reform Act 2005. In addition, we support, and are accountable to, the Senior President of Tribunals, whose responsibilities extend to Scotland and Northern Ireland. The JO is an interesting and unique place to work. Everything we do is in support of upholding the independence and impartiality of the judiciary. We work closely with HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS), the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and others across Government as well as with the legal professions. We are an Arm's Length Body sponsored by the Ministry of JusticeMoJ. This creates an interesting and complex environment in which to work where we agree our priorities with the senior judiciary and receive our funding to deliver them from the Ministry of JusticeMoJ. The Judicial OfficeJO has been through a period of significant growth resulting from an expansion of our remit and responsibilities. Overview of the team The Judicial College trains 24,000 judges, coroners, tribunal members, magistrates and legal advisers each year, equipping them with the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need to perform their roles effectively and maintain public confidence in the administration of justice. The Strategy, Governance and Change team sits at the heart of the College. We lead policy and governance, shape the College's strategic direction, support its senior judicial leadership and coordinate external domestic and international engagement. We take pride in working together to help the College achieve the commitments in its strategy for 2026-30 and its vision to be a world leader in judicial education.
Hybrid Working Requirement
This is standardised wording and cannot be amended. This position is eligible for hybrid working (current minimum requirement for time spent at base location is 60%, which is subject to business requirements).
Summary of the role
As Head of Policy, you'll play a lead role in shaping the future of judicial education and training. Working closely with senior judges and officials, you'll lead the development of policy, oversee international training arrangements to support the global rule of law, advise and support the College's judicial leadership, oversee governance arrangements and help drive delivery of the College's strategic priorities. This is a varied and high-profile role that offers opportunities to influence key decisions and significant exposure to senior stakeholders across the judiciary, government and wider justice sector. You'll lead a dedicated team and be part of the College and wider Judicial Office leadership community.
Responsibilities, Activities & Duties
The Head of Policy:
- Leads the development and implementation of policy to support fulfilment of the College's responsibilities, training programmes, strategic objectives and ways of working.
- Provides strategic advice, briefing and support to the College's three judicial Directors of Training and its Chair (a Court of Appeal Judge and member of the Judicial Executive Board), helping them to deliver judicial priorities and make informed decisions on complex issues.
- Coordinates the College's public reporting and transparency activity, supporting appropriate openness and accountability while safeguarding judicial independence.
- Oversees the College's international engagement, ensuring activities are strategically aligned and coordinated, and supporting lead judges to set direction and build and maintain effective partnerships across international judicial training networks and with individual jurisdictions.
- Leads effective, proportionate and forward-looking governance arrangements, including oversight of the College Board and its supporting committees.
- Builds strong relationships across the judiciary, government and wider justice sector to ensure the College remains aligned with senior judicial priorities and responsive to emerging policy developments.
- Provides visible and inclusive leadership to their team (currently 9 from EO to SEO), developing capability, fostering collaboration and creating an inclusive environment that enables everyone to flourish.
- Contributes to the wider leadership of the College and Judicial Office, supporting organisational priorities and driving continuous improvement., 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). All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity.
Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone's circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed
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Head of Policy in Leeds employer: Ministry of Justice
The Ministry of Justice is an exceptional employer, dedicated to transforming lives through education and vocational training. With a strong emphasis on supportive relationships and personal development, employees benefit from a collaborative work culture that prioritises safety and security while offering opportunities for professional growth and meaningful impact in the community. Working in this role not only allows you to make a difference but also provides a unique chance to contribute to the rehabilitation and resettlement of individuals in a dynamic environment.
