New Futures Network - Policy Lead

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about how we do this visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity.

Although this role will be varied you will:

Work in partnership with key stakeholders such as Timpson to oversee the rollout of initiatives including Employment Advisory Boards.Liaise with key stakeholders to ensure there is clear communication of initiatives to the wider team.Ensure information, resources and data are effectively shared with Employment Advisory Board stakeholders. Work collaboratively across government departments to improve and enhance the delivery of employment services in prisons.Develop new ideas and ways of working between cross government departments to improve employment outcomes for prison leavers

To find out more about this role - please attend an Information Session on the 24th May at 09:00 - 10.00 by registering using the following link:

https://teams.microsoft.com/registration/KEeHxuZx_kGp4S6MNndq2A,Y_veAQu8zkmCh5>

Overview of the job

The job holder is expected to identify the need for the development of new policy or revision of existing policy, carry out appropriate research, analyse information from a range of sources and then provide first drafts of policy instructions and guidance.

Summary

The job holder will develop effective working relationships with a range of stakeholders at all levels, including operational front line staff and senior officials from other government departments.

Job Holder will on occasions be required to represent NOMS in meetings with outside organisations and stakeholders and Other Government Departments.

Responsibilities, Activities & Duties

The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:

• Developing, planning the delivery of and consulting on new operational policy or legislative changes in respect of the relevant policy areas, and assisting with their implementation including drafting new guidance, and training staff across England and Wales as required.

• Drafting replies to ministerial correspondence and correspondence from offenders, victims, and members of the public, and researching and drafting submissions and answers to Parliamentary Questions.

• Responsible for researching, drafting and producing both informative and persuasive submissions, for clearance by Head of Team, to Ministers which often comment on complex and sensitive inter-departmental issues, for which agreement must be sought.

• Responsible for drafting notes to senior officials, informing them of the status of cases.

• Undertaking detailed research for questions of policy and providing interpretation of the published guidance.

• Liaising with legal advisors to ensure policy objectives are met and are consistent with legal advice.

• Providing national guidance and interpretation on the relevant policy areas, including legislation and complex case specific issues in response to enquiries from staff and managers in probation divisions and prisons, officials from other NOMS/MoJ Units, Government departments and agencies.

• Setting up projects, with appropriate governance arrangements to support the project, identifying risks and mitigating action and reporting on progress to senior managers and stakeholders.

• Representing the policy area/team/group at meetings with HQ and frontline staff - and feeding back information to senior management.

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary. Significant adjustments may require re-examination under the Job Evaluation scheme and shall be discussed in the first instance with the Job Holder.

Behaviours

· Changing and Improving

· Seeing the Big Picture

· Leadership

· Working Together

· Communicating and Influencing

· Managing a Quality Service

Essential Experience

· Excellent written skills

· Excellent analytical skills

· Experience of policy development

· Data analysis skills

Technical requirements

· IT literacy

· An understanding of the process of Government, including the workings of Private Office. Experience of writing briefings, submissions, and PQs.