Training & Policy Lawyer - Crime SpecialistMinistry of Justice

23387

Descriptions & requirements

Job description

Group/Directorate/Team: Legal Team (within the Judicial Education and Digital Learning Team), Judicial College

Role: Training and Policy Lawyer – Crime specialist (2 x roles)

Grade: 2 x G7

Role title:

Training and Policy Lawyer – Crime specialist (2 x roles)

Team/Directorate:

Legal Team (within the Judicial Education and Digital Learning Team), Judicial College

Overview of the Judicial Office

This is standardised wording and cannot be amended.

The Judicial Office (JO) reports to, and is accountable, to the Lady Chief Justice (LCJ). It was established in 2006 to provide support to the LCJ and to the wider judiciary in upholding the rule of law and in delivering justice impartially, speedily and efficiently, following the Constitutional Reform Act 2005.

In addition, we support, and are accountable to, the Senior President of Tribunals, whose responsibilities extend to Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The JO is an interesting and unique place to work. Everything we do is in support of upholding the independence and impartiality of the judiciary. We work closely with HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS), the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and others across Government as well as with the legal professions.

We are an Arm’s Length Body sponsored by the Ministry of Justice. This creates an interesting and complex environment in which to work where we agree our priorities with the senior judiciary and receive our funding to deliver them from the Ministry of Justice. The Judicial Office has been through a period of significant growth resulting from an expansion of our remit and responsibilities.

Overview of the team

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.

Hybrid Working Requirement

This is standardised wording and cannot be amended.

As this is a temporary and highly specialist role, it is being offered nationally and can be based at any MoJ location. This position is eligible for hybrid working (current minimum requirement for time spent at base location is 60%, which is subject to business requirements).

Summary of the role

We are seeking two candidates 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 Lawyers (Crime) will be key members 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.

The successful candidates will work with other parts of the Judicial College - including other parts of the Judicial Education and Digital Learning Team, Magistrates Training Delivery 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.

Responsibilities,Activities & Duties:

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.
• In accordance with Judicial College project management process (including budget monitoring), manage the implementation, updating, and delivery of Judicial College jurisdictional magistrate programme(s) and/or legal adviser training).
• 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.
• With members of the team, stakeholders and other government departments, prepare guidance and training materials on legislative changes and other initiatives that affect magistrates and their legal advisers. This includes contributing to the continuing update and development of national Training, Approvals, Authorisations and Appraisals Committee documentation and Judicial College training materials.
• 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, particularly on the maintenance of judicial independence in that training. In particular, this will include contributing to the continued enhancement of magistrates’ training within the Judicial College and externally.
• Work closely with other College staff including Educational Development Advisers (and potentially lead) on cross-jurisdictional projects such as appraisal, mentoring, fair treatment, train the trainers and also leadership for the wider judiciary.
• Work in close liaison with magistrates and the College’s other key stakeholders including within the wider Judicial Office, HMCTS, MoJ and other government departments to represent the College’s views and contribute on behalf of the College with those agencies to promote the values and vision of the College.
• 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.

Working in the Legal Team will give the successful candidate a real insight into the high level development of the training needed to support the justice system at a time of significant change.

Essential Knowledge, Experience and Skills

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, 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; and
• ability to communicate clearly and build effective working relationships with internal/external colleagues/judiciary.

Desirable Knowledge, Experience and Skills

Desirable

• Experience and expertise in designing e-learning.
• Practical understanding of the nature and work of the Justices’/Family Training, Approvals, Authorisations and Appraisals Committee.
• Experience in all three jurisdictions (family, adult, youth).

Behaviours (for Recruitment/Success Profiles):

Behaviours (Level 4)

• Changing and Improving.
• Communicating and Influencing.
• Delivering at Pace.
• Working Together.

Assessment process at application

To apply for this role, please:

• provide a CV; and
• express your interest by submitting a statement of suitability (no more than 750 words) explaining to us why you are interested in this role and provide further evidence of how you meet at least each of the ‘Essential’ criteria of the person specification and any other relevant points.

Your statement should outline:

• Why you are applying for the role; and
• Why and how you consider that your skills and experience make you suitable for the role (backed up by evidence).

Assessment process at interview

Candidates that pass the application sift stage will be invited to have an interview before appointment. At interview, behaviour and strength questions will be asked and you will be asked to give a short presentation (10 minutes).

Interviews are expected to take place from w/c 16 November 2026.

Security clearance required:

Select one of the below.

(this will be determined by the location)

• DBS
• CTC
• SC
• DV

Please note:

Central Government policy dictates that applicants for National Security Clearance must be a resident in the UK for these minimum periods:

• CTC - 3 years
• SC - 5 years
• DV - 10 years

CTC