At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and advocate for victims and witnesses, ensuring their needs are met.
- Company: Department of Justice, committed to equality and diversity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, contributory pension scheme, and a public service role.
- Other info: Applications welcomed from diverse backgrounds; deadline is 5 June 2026.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of victims and witnesses in Northern Ireland.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership, strategic direction, and effective communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 88268 - 97070 € per year.
The Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses of Crime for Northern Ireland will be appointed for a 4-year term. The remuneration for the position is on the Senior Civil Service Grade 5 scale, i.e. £88,268 – £97,070. The postholder can avail of a contributory pension scheme. The Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses of Crime for Northern Ireland is a full-time position with a public profile that requires a high calibre leader and manager.
Applicants must be able to evidence how they have supported victims and/or witnesses. The successful candidate must have a proven track record in providing leadership, setting strategic direction, and collaborating and influencing across a range of disciplines and sectors. The individual must also be able to evidence experience of effective engagement and communication skills with a diverse range of audiences; and the ability to analyse information from a range of sources and make effective decisions on challenging issues, resulting in improvements.
The post holder will be the organisation’s Accounting Officer and will be required to demonstrate good governance skills together with effective financial, risk and performance management. The post will be based in Belfast/Greater Belfast. We particularly welcome applications from women, people under the age of 40, minority ethnic and people with a disability who are currently under-represented in Department of Justice Bodies.
Appointment will be made on merit from those individuals who best satisfy the essential criteria.
Essential Criteria- Evidence of how you have supported victims and/or witnesses which demonstrates an ability to be empathetic, understanding and appreciative of their needs and where necessary, to advocate on their behalf;
- Experience of effective leadership and strategic direction;
- Experience of collaboration and influencing across sectors and of effective engagement and communication with a range of audiences;
- Experience of providing effective corporate governance;
- Experience of analytical thinking and effective decision making on challenging issues resulting in improvements.
THE DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS IS 12 NOON (UK LOCAL TIME) ON FRIDAY 5 JUNE 2026. LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED, EXCEPT IN EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES. It is anticipated that interviews will be held between 27 July 2026 and 10 August 2026.
Further information and an application pack can be downloaded direct from: Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses of Crime Northern Ireland | Department of Justice or by emailing: cvwcni.appointments@justice-ni.gov.uk or by telephoning: 028 9054 3986 or by writing to: COMMISSIONER FOR VICTIMS AND WITNESSES OF CRIME COMPETITION, Department of Justice, Room 4C, Castle Buildings, Stormont Estate, Belfast, BT4 3SG. Candidate information packs and application forms can be provided in alternative formats on request.
The Department of Justice is committed to the principles of public appointments based on merit with independent assessment, openness and transparency of process. The Department is committed to providing equality of opportunity for all applicants. Applications are welcomed regardless of age, gender, disability, marital status, religion, ethnic origin, political opinion, sexual orientation or whether or not you have dependants. In keeping with the NICS Policy on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, we would also welcome applications from those not currently serving on public bodies.
Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses of Crime – Department of Justice in Belfast employer: Strictlyboardroom
The Department of Justice offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in the lives of victims and witnesses of crime in Northern Ireland. With a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, the department fosters a supportive work culture that values collaboration and strategic leadership. Employees benefit from a competitive salary, a contributory pension scheme, and the chance to engage with diverse communities, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding public service roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses of Crime – Department of Justice in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to the Department of Justice. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising your storytelling skills. We all know that evidence of your experience is key, so think of specific examples where you’ve supported victims or led teams. Make sure you can articulate these stories clearly and confidently!
✨Tip Number 3
Research the Department of Justice thoroughly. Understand their values, recent initiatives, and challenges they face. This will not only help you tailor your application but also show your genuine interest during interviews. Plus, it’ll give you great talking points!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who can make a difference, so make sure you put your best foot forward!
We think you need these skills to ace Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses of Crime – Department of Justice in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Empathy:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight how you've supported victims and witnesses in the past. We want to see that you truly understand their needs and can advocate for them effectively.
Demonstrate Leadership Skills:Don’t just say you’re a leader; show us! Use specific examples from your experience where you’ve set strategic direction and influenced others. We love a good story that showcases your leadership prowess.
Engage with Diverse Audiences:Your communication skills are key! Make sure to include instances where you've successfully engaged with a variety of audiences. We’re looking for someone who can connect with different people and sectors.
Be Analytical and Decisive:We need to know you can think critically and make tough decisions. Share examples of how you've analysed information and made effective decisions that led to improvements. This will really help your application stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Strictlyboardroom
✨Show Your Empathy
Make sure to prepare specific examples of how you've supported victims and witnesses in the past. This role requires a deep understanding of their needs, so be ready to discuss your experiences that highlight your empathy and advocacy skills.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Think about times when you've provided strategic direction or led a team. Be prepared to share these stories, focusing on how you influenced others and achieved results. This will show your capability as a high-calibre leader.
✨Engage Effectively
Practice your communication skills! You’ll need to engage with diverse audiences, so consider how you can adapt your message for different groups. Role-play potential scenarios to boost your confidence and clarity.
✨Analytical Thinking is Key
Brush up on your analytical skills by reviewing case studies or scenarios relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss how you’ve made decisions based on complex information and what improvements resulted from those decisions.
