Policy Advisor – Joint Strategic Policy Unit (Temporary) in Leeds

General Information

The national salary range is £39,803 - £43,783, London salary range is £42,817 - £48,824. Salary will depend on base location.

Working Pattern: Full Time

Location: Leeds, London

Closing Date: 18-May-2026

Number of jobs available: 2

Overview of the job

The Joint Unit is a unique team funded and resourced equally across the MoJ Prisons Directorate and HMPPS. The team provides advice to senior officials, Ministers, and across Government on immediate challenges in the prison and probation system, as well as leading longer‑term strategic planning and preparations. We work collaboratively across a wide range of policy and operational topics with colleagues across the MoJ, HMPPS and other government departments. Current projects include election planning, major criminal justice reform work, sustainable funding settlements for prison and probation, capacity response to prison pressure, vetting policy review, support for prisoners on remand, prisoner resettlement services, and probation supervision requirements. Our culture is friendly, enthusiastic and collaborative, with a strong emphasis on ensuring members feel happy, supported and engaged. We are committed to high‑quality and impactful projects, working closely with partners and supporting personal and career development.

Responsibilities

• Develop evidence‑based policy and provide research and written input into published and internal work.
• Build strong working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, particularly HMPPS and other government departments.
• Understand governance and project management arrangements for key projects; attend meetings and boards on behalf of the team, develop papers and coordinate project management.
• Communicate regularly with senior leaders and stakeholders, presenting ideas and feeding back from meetings to the team.
• Support the team to brief Ministers, working closely with colleagues to meet tight ministerial deadlines and requests.
• Contribute to short‑term problem‑solving on urgent issues.
• Assist in drafting briefings, submissions and similar pieces of work.
• Provide secretariat support for monthly Capacity Strategy Forum meetings.

These duties define the post as it exists now and are not exhaustive. Adjustments may be discussed in the first instance with the job holder.

Skills and Experience

• Strong communication skills (written and verbal).
• Ability to explain information clearly and concisely.
• Ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Willingness to work through uncertainty.
• Understanding of the Criminal Justice System.
• Experience of working on criminal justice or related issues.

Location and Terms of Appointment

Successful candidates may be based at either Leeds or London (occasional travel between the two may be required). The role is offered as a 12‑month loan; the successful candidate(s) will need to be released from their current role(s) to start as soon as possible. Applicants must be existing civil servants or employees of accredited NDPBs. Existing civil servants will have their salary calculated in accordance with the Department’s pay on transfer / pay on promotion rules.

Contact Information

Candidates can contact Abby Kramer via email: abby.kramer@justice.gov.uk for further information about the role in advance of applying.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Domestic and international applicants who are citizens or settled residents of the United Kingdom are eligible. The MoJ is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to providing opportunities for all applicants, including disabled individuals, veterans and those from protected characteristic groups.