At a Glance
- Tasks: Support contract management and engage with service users to improve services.
- Company: Join the Ministry of Justice, a Disability Confident employer committed to diversity.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop skills, and enjoy a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunities for travel and professional growth across the North West.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while building your career.
- Qualifications: Strong communication, analytical skills, and a passion for service improvement.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Accountable to a designated Senior Contract Manager (SCM), the Contract Support Officer (CSO) supports efficient and effective contract management in the North West community integration area. The role involves supporting Commissioned Rehabilitative Services contracts, working with local contract‑management teams, Operational and System Assurance Group, and delivering the annual Service Operational Audit Plan. It is an offender‑facing role, engaging with service users to understand their views of the services received.
Responsibilities and Duties
- Provide secretariat support to Senior Contract Managers and Service Managers, including Service Management Board, Contract Strategy Board, and Change Management Board.
- Arrange and distribute agendas, papers, and produce first‑draft minutes and action logs.
- Maintain formal documentation, terms of reference, membership lists, and enforce version control.
- Follow up with action owners for updates, file, archive and manage documentation.
- Support the local contract‑management team and OSAG in delivering the annual assurance programme, including operational audits, data analysis, sample testing of provider performance and observations of provider activities.
- Review and monitor performance data for designated providers.
- Assist Senior Contract Managers and Service Managers with ongoing contract management activities, e.g., follow‑up requests for information, scheduling ad hoc meetings.
- Conduct research and analysis activities, such as reviewing stakeholder surveys, analysing management information trends, developing good‑practice case studies, reporting on risk and monitoring third‑party commissioned services.
- Support the National Strategic Contract Management team and national supplier‑level management through liaison, consultation, and information sharing.
- Provide information to Director / MoJ and other stakeholders as required.
- Ensure changes to data requirements are approved by the Data Gateway Services protocol.
- Drive effective contract oversight by supporting governance forums and key decision‑making boards.
- Analyse performance and data trends to identify risks, issues and improvement opportunities.
- Lead coordination and organisation of high‑level meetings, action tracking and reporting.
- Contribute to service improvement, capturing insights from stakeholders and service users to influence better outcomes.
Qualifications and Experience
- Good understanding of HMPPS strategic direction.
- Strong confidence and professional representation skills across a range of stakeholders.
- Sound skills in managing effective relationships within a contractual and political environment.
- Knowledge of project and programme management techniques.
- Excellent prioritisation, risk management and task completion under appropriate support.
- Problem‑solving, planning and communication skills.
- Strong numeracy and IT skills, with the ability to present reports both written and verbally.
- Attention to detail and strong networking capabilities.
- Experience working with public, private, social enterprise, charitable, voluntary and community sector organisations.
- Strong analytical, research and evaluation skills to assess gaps and concerns in provision.
- Self‑motivation and ability to work in a dispersed team.
- Business support and/or secretariat experience, including minute taking for high‑level meetings.
- Commitment to valuing and promoting diversity and delivering excellence in a changing environment.
- Integrity and adherence to organisational priorities in the face of competing pressures.
Technical Requirements
No specific qualifications are essential; experience and qualifications relevant to contract support and contract management are desirable.
Location
Diadem House, Preston PR2 2YB (with travel across the North West, including occasional travel to London).
Equal Opportunity – Disability Confident
As a Disability Confident employer, the Ministry of Justice is committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, and to make adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace.
Contract Support Officer - Preston employer: Ministry of Justice
The Ministry of Justice is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values diversity and promotes employee growth through continuous learning and development opportunities. Located in Preston, our team is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community, providing a collaborative environment where your contributions directly influence service improvement and outcomes for service users. As a Disability Confident employer, we ensure that all employees are empowered to thrive in their roles, making this a rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contract Support Officer - Preston
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We think you need these skills to ace Contract Support Officer - Preston
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.
