21568 - Training and Policy Lawyer – Crime Specialist, Judicial College in London

Magistrates and legal advisers play a vital role in the effective administration of justice and are key to supporting future system needs. Following a comprehensive review of our training provision, including digital delivery and partnership working, the Judicial College is strengthening its support for increased recruitment and retention needs, ensuring that magistrates and legal advisers are confident, competent and representative of the communities they serve.

We are seeking someone with the authority and expertise to design and deliver accurate, engaging training, lead national projects, and work with senior stakeholders to shape and prioritise magistrate and legal adviser training that meets their needs. Reporting to the Head of Legal Team within the Judicial College, the Training and Policy Lawyer (Crime) will be a key member of the Legal Team, part of the wider Judicial Education and Digital Learning Team, designing and delivering training and responsible for leading projects within their jurisdictional area. This is a new post, created in recognition of the step change we are looking to achieve in our approach to how we train magistrates.

The successful candidate will work with other parts of the Judicial College - including other parts of the Judicial Education and Digital Learning Team, Planning and Operations, and Publications - as well as working across Judicial Office with Judicial HR, private offices and digital services. The relationship with HM Courts and Tribunals Service, our delivery partners, is critical.

The job holder will:

• Promote the vision of the JO, and the work and role of the College in judicial training to increase and enhance its reputation with judicial office holders and foster greater public confidence in the justice system.
• Manage the implementation, updating, and delivery of Judicial College jurisdictional magistrate programme(s) and/or legal adviser training in accordance with Judicial College project management process (including budget monitoring).
• Use innovative training methods, maximising the use of technology (working closely with the Digital Services and Digital Learning Teams), including ‘Judicial College Learning’ the online learning management system and other digital media and AI tools.
• Work to increase and diversify the digital training offer for magistrates as recommended by the Magistrates’ Training Review.
• Prepare guidance and training materials on legislative changes and other initiatives that affect magistrates and their legal advisers.
• Provide advice and information as required, and in an appropriate format, to team members, Judicial College committees, other government departments and agencies on policy and practice in relation to magistrate and legal adviser training.
• Work closely with other College staff including Educational Development Advisers on cross-jurisdictional projects such as appraisal, mentoring, fair treatment, train the trainers and also leadership for the wider judiciary.
• Contribute, as required, to the preparation and delivery of the projects of all other team members.

Please note however, the work may change according to business need. You will also be a proactive and flexible member of the Legal Team, contributing to the overall impact and professionalism of the team, including undertaking any other duties reasonably requested by line management which are commensurate with the grade and level of responsibility of this post.

Essential Candidates for this post must be legally qualified in accordance with The Authorised Court Staff (Legal Advice Functions) Qualifications Regulations 2020. A high level of training expertise is essential. You must also be an experienced trainer. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:

• Expert legal knowledge and skills in the magistrates’ court criminal jurisdiction.
• Experience and expertise as a trainer, with the skills to produce engaging, accurate and clear training material electronically, including for digital as well as face to face delivery, to a high standard.
• Excellent organisational skills with keen attention to detail.
• Ability to work flexibly, manage conflicting demands and swiftly reprioritise so that sudden changes do not adversely impact on delivery.
• Ability to communicate clearly and build effective working relationships with internal/external colleagues/judiciary.

Desirable Experience and expertise in designing e-learning. Practical experience of working closely with the Justices’/Family Training, Approvals, Authorisations and Appraisals Committee. Experience in all three jurisdictions (family, adult, youth).

Working Arrangements & Further Information: 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. 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 with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.

For nationally advertised roles: All successful candidates will be appointed to the nearest viable office nearest to their home postcode and on its respective pay scale. This will be at either a HQ building (subject to desk allocation), a Justice Collaboration Centre (JCC) or a Justice Satellite Office (JSO). All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity.

Benefits: The MoJ offers a range of benefits including annual leave, pension schemes, training opportunities, and employee-run networks.