At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop innovative policies to support youth and ensure community safety.
- Company: Join the Ministry of Justice, a leader in youth justice reform.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Opportunities for training and career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people and communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in policy development and understanding of the youth justice system.
The predicted salary is between 42914 - 46182 £ per year.
Eligibility: The vacancy is only available to existing Civil Servant employees and employees of accredited non‑departmental public bodies (NDPBs). Please review the "Eligibility" section before you apply.
General Information:
- Salary: national £42,914 - £46,182; London £49,325-£53,081 (dependent on base location).
- Working patterns: Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working.
- Vacancy approach: Cross Government.
- Locations: Leeds, London.
- Region: London, Yorkshire and the Humber.
- Closing Date: 16-Jun-2026.
- Job ID: 18352.
Key Responsibilities:
- Policy development: develop innovative approaches to support children’s lives and keep them, victims and communities safe, using evidence and data.
- Advice, briefing and correspondence: provide clear, well‑researched and timely advice to Ministers, senior leaders, Parliamentarians and stakeholders, including oral and written briefings, Parliamentary Questions and correspondence.
- Project oversight: scope, plan and manage work through project management techniques, monitoring risks, issues, dependencies and progress.
- Partnership working: collaborate with partners such as the Youth Justice Board, Youth Custody Service, HM Courts and Tribunal Service, other government departments, frontline staff, the judiciary and charitable and children’s rights sectors.
Skills and Experience:
- Ability to set or support strategic direction in a fast‑paced and complex policy environment, working with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Politically astute, with experience influencing and managing stakeholders at different levels with credibility and effectiveness.
- Experience supporting the delivery of complex programmes of work, including governance, planning, project management, risk management, finances and resources.
- Confidence developing and using an appropriate evidence base to inform policy development and delivery.
- Understanding of the youth justice system.
- Experience working on criminal justice or related issues.
- Experience working in a policy environment.
Application Requirements: Send a CV and a Statement of Suitability (no more than 750 words, referencing the Skills and Experience listed above). Evidence of experience will be assessed via CV/work history and Statement of Suitability.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: The MoJ is proud to be Level 3 Disability Confident. Disability Confident is the approach through which we offer guaranteed interviews for all people with disabilities meeting the minimum criteria for the advertised role as set out in the job description.
Benefits: Annual leave increases from 25 to 30 days after five years of service. Pension options are available. Training and development opportunities are offered. Flexible working arrangements are supported.
Contact: For more information about the role or working in the team, email Jacob.Ratcliffe@justice.gov.uk.
Senior Policy Adviser, Youth Justice - Youth Justice and Offender Policy (up to 4 posts) in Leeds employer: Ministry of Justice
The Ministry of Justice is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can make a meaningful impact on youth justice policy. With flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave that increases with service, and a strong commitment to training and development, employees are supported in their professional growth. Located in vibrant cities like London and Leeds, the Ministry fosters a collaborative culture that values diversity and inclusion, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals looking to contribute to positive change in society.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Policy Adviser, Youth Justice - Youth Justice and Offender Policy (up to 4 posts) in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees in the Youth Justice and Offender Policy Directorate. A friendly chat can give us insights into the role and help you stand out when it comes to interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of a Senior Policy Adviser. We recommend practising your responses to common questions, especially around policy development and stakeholder management.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for youth justice! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've contributed to similar projects or initiatives. This will demonstrate your commitment and understanding of the sector.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Policy Adviser, Youth Justice - Youth Justice and Offender Policy (up to 4 posts) in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience:Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who will be reading your application. Tailor your CV and Statement of Suitability to reflect the skills and experiences that resonate with the role of Senior Policy Adviser in Youth Justice.
Be Clear and Concise:When crafting your Statement of Suitability, stick to the point! Use clear language and avoid jargon. Remember, you have a 750-word limit, so make every word count by directly addressing the skills and experience outlined in the job description.
Showcase Relevant Experience:Highlight your experience in policy development and project management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to influence stakeholders and manage complex programmes. This is your chance to shine, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Know Your Policy Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest developments in youth justice and offender policy. Familiarise yourself with key legislation, recent reports, and any current debates in the field. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully influenced and managed stakeholders in previous roles. Think about specific situations where you navigated complex relationships or delivered clear advice to senior leaders. This will demonstrate your political astuteness and ability to work collaboratively.
✨Project Management Prowess
Be ready to discuss your experience with project management techniques. Highlight instances where you've scoped, planned, and managed projects, including how you monitored risks and progress. This is crucial for the role, so having concrete examples will set you apart.
✨Craft a Compelling Statement of Suitability
Your Statement of Suitability is your chance to shine! Make sure it directly addresses the skills and experience listed in the job description. Use clear, concise language and back up your claims with evidence from your CV. This is your opportunity to connect your background to the role's requirements.
