Candidate Information Pack
Deputy Director, Digital Project and
Change Delivery
HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS)
SCS Pay Band 1
Closing Date: 23:55 on Sunday 1 February 2026
Deputy Director, Digital Project and Change Delivery
Introduction
Welcome to HMCTS
“Thank you for your interest in this exciting role within Digital and Technology Services"
Thank you for your interest in the Digital Project and Change Delivery Deputy Director role.
It is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of one of the largest departments in
Whitehall.
This deputy director-level role will be central to shaping the future of digital justice
services, affecting millions of people across the UK. You will provide strong, strategic, and
inspiring leadership for your team. You will be joining a great team and working on some of
the most complex and important issues to ensure HMCTS’s digital platforms and tools
deliver significant taxpayer value whilst meeting operational priorities.
We particularly encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds. If you believe you have
the skills and qualities we are looking for, then I would be delighted to hear from you
Best wishes,
John Laverick
Chief Digital Information Officer
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Deputy Director, Digital Project and Change Delivery
About the Ministry of Justice
The Ministry of Justice is a major government department at the heart of the justice
system. We deliver some of the most fundamental public services including courts,
tribunals, prisons, legal services, youth justice, probation services, and attendance
centres.
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) works to protect and advance the principles of justice. Our
vision is to deliver a world-class justice system that works for everyone in society.
The justice system plays a crucial role in our success as a nation - keeping people safe,
emphasising fairness, guaranteeing individual rights and giving businesses confidence to
flourish.
The delivery of our three strategic outcomes are central to doing this:
• Punishment that cuts crime: to rebuild confidence in the criminal justice system by
protecting the public and reducing reoffending with a sustainable and effective prison
and probation service.
• Swifter justice for victims: to rebuild confidence in the criminal justice system by
ensuring timely, just outcomes for victims and defendants through a modern and
efficient criminal courts system.
• A beacon for justice and the rule of law: to uphold the rule of law at home and abroad;
promote our world-leading legal services, which contribute to economic growth; and
deliver accessible and timely civil, family and administrative justice.
For more information on who we are and what we do, please visit:
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice
About Digital & Technology Services
Digital and Technology Services (DTS) designs, builds and runs the digital services of
HMCTS. These services are used by people at vulnerable times. It’s important work, and
it’s not easy.
Our responsibilities include supporting, managing and developing digital services, and
making sure they are legislatively compliant and fit-for purpose. We work closely with
operational teams, MoJ Justice Digital and external suppliers to support the business,
keeping the needs of the users at heart.
Our mission is to enable swift access to justice through our digital services. We aim to
foster an environment that empowers colleagues, encourages accountability, welcomes
measured risks and values the ability to say no when needed.
DTS is divided up into the following business areas:
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Deputy Director, Digital Project and Change Delivery
• Digital Delivery
• Digital Operations
• Cyber Security
• Digital Architecture
• DTS Project Delivery Team
• Business Operations
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Deputy Director, Digital Project and Change Delivery
About the role
Job Title
Deputy Director, Digital Project and Change Delivery
Location
National
The MoJ is working to open more Justice Collaboration Centres and Justice Satellite
Offices over time. Click here to learn more about where our currently open Justice
Collaboration Centres and Justice Satellite Offices are, to identify where you may be
based.
Please note the requirements for travel and level of flexibility available as set out in the
FAQs section.
Salary
The salary for this role is set within the MoJ SCS PB1 range (£81,000 - £117,800).
Existing Civil Servants will be appointed in line with the Civil Service pay rules in place on
the date of their appointment.
Contract Type
This role is being offered on a permanent basis.
This role has a minimum assignment duration of 3 years - in line with the deliverables
identified. Please note this is an expectation only, it is not something which is written into
your terms and conditions or indeed which the employing organisation or you are bound
by.
The Role
The Deputy Director, Digital Project and Change Delivery is a senior leadership role within
HMCTS Digital and Technology Services (DTS). The postholder will be responsible for
driving delivery excellence across a portfolio of digital and technology change initiatives,
ensuring that projects and programmes are aligned to HMCTS priorities and delivered to
time, cost, and quality standards.
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Deputy Director, Digital Project and Change Delivery
Reporting to the Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO), the role provides visible
leadership across project delivery and digital workstreams, enabling joined-up delivery and
timely resolution of inter-programme challenges.
The postholder will also lead delivery of the Decommissioning and Legacy Risk Mitigation
(DLRM) Programme — a Government Major Projects Portfolio (GMPP) initiative
addressing legacy technology, cyber and operational risks. Acting on behalf of the Senior
Responsible Owner (SRO), they will ensure that the programme delivers against its
business case, meets the highest technical and security standards, and contributes to the
modernisation and resilience of HMCTS’s digital estate.
Key Responsibilities
Portfolio Delivery
• Provide strategic leadership across the DTS portfolio of projects and programmes,
ensuring work is effectively sequenced, prioritised and governed to deliver HMCTS’s
strategic objectives. Shape the overall portfolio roadmap, aligning investment and
delivery capacity with business priorities, and maintain oversight of interdependencies
to ensure coherent and sustainable progress.
• Lead prioritisation and trade-off decisions where resource constraints or risks arise,
balancing short-term operational needs with long-term transformation goals. Work
collaboratively with peers across DTS and the HMCTS Change Portfolio Directorate to
enable integrated planning and shared accountability for delivery outcomes.
• Strengthen capability and consistency across the digital delivery profession by
overseeing the Digital Workstreams and Project Delivery Groups. Champion best
practice in agile and hybrid delivery, build programme management maturity, and
embed performance insights and continuous improvement across teams.
Leadership of the Decommissioning and Legacy Risk Mitigation (DLRM) Programme
• Lead the delivery of the DLRM Programme on behalf of the Senior Responsible Owner
(SRO), providing strategic direction and day-to-day oversight of the Programme
Director and delivery teams. Ensure commercial, technical and operational delivery are
fully integrated, risks are managed proactively, and business case benefits are
realised.
• Champion high standards of delivery practice and governance, maintaining progress
across this complex, multi-supplier environment and managing dependencies across
HMCTS and MoJ.
• Ensure all delivery approaches meet the highest technical and security standards,
making appropriate use of innovative technologies (such as AI and Low Code) to
accelerate progress, reuse capabilities, and reduce cost and risk.
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Deputy Director, Digital Project and Change Delivery
• Provide authoritative advice to senior stakeholders — including HMCTS and MoJ
leadership, the Infrastructure and Projects Authority, Cabinet Office and HM Treasury
— and represent the programme in key assurance and investment forums.
• The DLRM Programme addresses some of HMCTS’s most complex digital and
operational challenges, from legacy system retirement to large-scale data migration.
The postholder will combine strategic foresight with strong delivery discipline to ensure
progress towards a modern, secure and sustainable technology estate.
Cross-Government Engagement and Governance
• Act as a senior digital leader across HMCTS, engaging with MoJ, GDS, and cross-
government delivery and assurance bodies as required.
• Lead DTS contributions to HMCTS governance boards and cross-cutting delivery
forums, including ministerial briefings and PAC/NAO engagements as necessary.
Team and Community Leadership
• Provide line and professional leadership to the Heads of Project Delivery and Digital
Workstreams.
• Embed a culture of delivery, accountability and professional excellence within the
change community.
• Champion the Civil Service values, model inclusive leadership, and foster a culture
where diverse teams can succeed.
Financial and Commercial Stewardship
• Ensure delivery is underpinned by strong commercial and financial management, with
robust oversight of business cases, budgets, procurement pipelines and in-flight
delivery performance.
• Contribute to Spending Review and investment case development, particularly in
relation to legacy mitigation, Reform transition, and digital operations continuity.
Leading Through Ambiguity / Vision for the Future
• Deliver insights that shape organisational design, enabling future-ready structures and
ways of working.
• Be a stabilising force during times of change, guiding teams through transition with
clarity, empathy, and a focus on maintaining momentum and morale
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Deputy Director, Digital Project and Change Delivery
Person Specification
It is important through the recruitment process that you give evidence and examples of
proven experience of each of the essential and desirable criteria.
Later on in the pack you will be told what is being assessed at which stage of the process.
Essential Experience:
• Portfolio management: Proven experience managing complex, interdependent
portfolios with high levels of scrutiny, commercial exposure and legacy risk.
• Leadership: Excellent leadership in agile and hybrid delivery contexts, including
navigating challenges across multi-vendor and cross-government ecosystems.
• Programme delivery: Strong understanding of IPA Gateway Reviews, cross-
government project delivery standards, and assurance practices in high-accountability
public service environments.
• Stakeholder engagement: Skilled in engaging senior governance and assurance
forums, including boards, Treasury, and Ministers.
• Financial and commercial acumen: Experience managing major capital programmes
and supplier delivery.
Desirable Experience:
• Knowledge of HMCTS, justice systems, or other operational government services with
critical national infrastructure dimensions
MoJ SCS Pay Band 1 Behaviours:
You will also be assessed against the following Behaviours during the Recruitment
Process:
• Changing and Improving
• Making Effective Decisions
• Delivering at Pace
• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
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Deputy Director, Digital Project and Change Delivery
Read more in the Civil Service Success Profiles Section.
Strengths
We are looking to understand what motivates and energises you. We want to see what
your natural strengths are and what interests you.
Strengths may be assessed at interview, but these are not shared in advance.
Civil Service Leadership Statement:
All leaders within the Civil Service are expected to demonstrate the qualities within the
Civil Service Leadership Statement during their Staff Engagement Exercise
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Deputy Director, Digital Project and Change Delivery
The Recruitment Process
Recruitment Process
The selection process will be chaired by John Laverick, Chief Digital Information Officer,
Digital and Technology Services. Other panel members will be communicated to
shortlisted candidates prior to interview. The panel will satisfy the Civil Service panel
requirements on diversity.
Support during the selection process
If you need any support or have any questions during any stage of the selection process,
please contact the SCS Recruitment Team scsrecruitment@justice.gov.uk
Stages of the selection process
Internal Stakeholder Conversations
You are invited to arrange an informal discussion with John Laverick to learn more about
the role and the organisation before applying. This is not part of the assessed elements of
the selection process.
Application
You will need to complete the online application process accessed via the advertisement
for this role.
This should be completed no later than 23:55 on Sunday 1 February 2026. As part of the
application process, you will be asked to complete:
1. Responses to the eligibility questions to check you are eligible to apply for the role.
2. A response to whether you would like to request reasonable adjustments during the
selection process. The Disability Support section explains how adjustments can be
made to the selection process to accommodate a disability.
3. You will also need to complete a CV and Statement of Suitability. It is important that
your CV and Statement of Suitability give evidence and examples of how you meet
the essential experience set out on page 10. The Statement of Suitability should be
no more than 750 words.
Find out more information about our application process here.
After the Application Stage
You will be advised whether your application has been shortlisted for the next stage of the
selection process. If you are shortlisted, we will contact you to arrange the next stage of
the selection process.
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Deputy Director, Digital Project and Change Delivery
Unfortunately, due to the anticipated number of applicants for this role, we are unable to
provide feedback to those not successful at shortlist stage. Candidates who are shortlisted
and attend an interview will be offered verbal feedback from a member of the interview
panel.
Other Assessment
Staff Engagement Exercise
The Staff Engagement Exercise (SEE) is an opportunity to engage in a two-way
discussion on a set topic area with a group of staff from the organisation. The topic area
will be shared with you in advance. An Occupational Psychologist will brief you before the
assessment, observe the assessment and debrief you. They will facilitate a discussion to
seek feedback from the staff, which will be considered alongside their own observations
What is being assessed?
The Civil Service Leadership Statement.
Panel Interview and Presentation
You will be invited to attend an in-person interview and presentation at 102 Petty France,
London with the selection panel. You will be asked to prepare a verbal presentation based
on a topic that will be provided in advance. The interview and presentation will last for
approximately 1 hour.
What is being assessed?
Behaviours, as listed on page 11.
Strengths
You will be informed at interview which strengths you are being assessed against.
After the Panel Interview
Following the interview, the performance of all candidates will be reviewed, and the
successful candidate identified. All candidates will be notified of the outcome as soon as
possible after the conclusion of all interviews. If you are not the successful candidate but
you meet the standard required, you may be invited to have your details retained on a
merit list to be considered for future SCS roles.
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Deputy Director, Digital Project and Change Delivery
Civil Service Behaviours
What are Behaviours?
The Civil Service recruits using Success Profiles and Behaviours are an element of
Success Profiles used to see whether candidates are able demonstrate specific
Behaviours associated with the role they are applying for during the selection process.
In this process the below Behaviours are most relevant to this role and will be assessed
during the interview stage of the process. The definitions of Behaviours are set out below:
Communicating and Influencing
You communicate clearly and with confidence, both verbally and in writing. You are open,
honest and transparent in your communications. You communicate effectively with internal
and external senior stakeholders to present information in a convincing and influential
manner. You tailor your communication methods and content to the audience, simplifying
strategic messages.
Leadership
You visibly demonstrate the organisation’s values in all your activity, leading authentically.
You seek to engage staff in the aims of the organisation and communicate the
organisation’s strategy in an inspiring way. You create an inclusive and fair culture which
creates a sense of belonging by treating staff as individuals and actively valuing diversity
within the organisation. You empower teams and individuals to excel by creating a shared
vision and objectives and demonstrate trust in staff by giving autonomy.
Working Together
You work collaboratively to achieve outcomes both within your area of responsibility and
across the organisation. You create a supportive working environment where all opinions
are considered, and individuals are valued for their expertise and unique contribution. You
proactively maintain relationships with peers and external senior stakeholders and utilise
these to achieve positive outcomes.
Changing and Improving
You create an environment of continuous improvement and change. You see the benefit of
change and promote this within your area of responsibility. You identify business needs,
both current and future, and use this to identify opportunities for change, utilising
innovative solutions that benefit the end user. You are able to embed change, managing
risks. You evaluate the impact of change against the expected outcomes for service users
and the public.
Delivering at Pace
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Deputy Director, Digital Project and Change Delivery
You translate organisational strategy into clear objectives for activity within your area of
responsibility. You promote this amongst staff and ensure teams take responsibility for
delivering against objectives. You prioritise competing or conflicting demands, and are
able to decisively adjust activity based on changing requirements. You manage resource
effectively to enable those in your area of responsibility to deliver. You delegate effectively,
managing any risks associated with doing so.
Making Effective Decisions
You make defensible, objective and fair high-impact decisions, considering the impact on
the service user and wider organisation. You are willing to take ownership of your
decisions, being transparent and open about the reasons for them. You effectively analyse
data to make evidence-based decisions, whilst being comfortable taking considered risks
based on the best evidence available. You consult with others to incorporate views and
professional expertise, ensuring appropriate individuals are involved in the decision-
making process.
Please click here or more information on Behaviours and Success Profiles
Guidance for writing your Statement and CV
As part of the application process, you need to submit a Statement and CV. Both your
Statement and CV should demonstrate how you meet the essential experience outlined in
the Person Specification section.
Ensure you read through the role information thoroughly and identify the essential criteria
for each area. You should ensure you provide evidence for each of the essential
experience which are required for the role in your Statement and CV. You may not be
progressed to the next stage of the assessment process if you do not provide this
evidence.
When structuring your Statements try to:
• Evidence your experience by using subheadings and paragraphs. This will help to
ensure you are writing about the experience that is directly relevant for the role you are
applying for.
• You should ensure that you detail recent and relevant examples of the essential
experience required for the role and describe the outcome that came from this.
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples
and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your
own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and
experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may
be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate
use
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Deputy Director, Digital Project and Change Delivery
Providing a name-blind CV and Success Profile Statements
In both your CV and Success Profile Statements please remove references to any
personal information that could identify you. For example:
• Name and title
• Educational institution names
• Age and gender
• Email address
• Postal address and telephone number
• Nationality and immigration status.
This will help us to recruit based on your knowledge and skills, and not on your
background, gender or ethnicity. Recruiting this way is called name-blind recruitment.
For more information on how to write your Statement and CV please visit the Civil Service
Careers Website
Expected Timeline
We will try and offer as much flexibility as we can, but it may not be possible to offer
alternative dates for assessments or interviews. You are therefore asked to note the below
timetable, exercising flexibility through the recruitment and selection process, in order to
meet the dates given. Please note that these dates may be subject to change.
The anticipated timetable is as follows:
Advert Closing Date
23:55 on Sunday 1 February 2026
Outcome of CV and Statement of Suitability
Week commencing 9 February 2026
Assessments
Week commencing 23 February 2026
Panel Interview and Presentation
Week commencing 9 March or 16 March 2026
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Deputy Director, Digital Project and Change Delivery
Working for the HMCTS
Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing
Our departmental values - purpose, humanity, openness and together - are at the heart of
our commitment to create a culture where all our people are able to thrive and flourish in
the workplace.
We want to attract and retain the best talent from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
We want everyone to be the best of themselves, to feel supported and have a strong
sense of belonging in the workplace. Our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive
workforce is reflected in all of our people policies and strategies.
Benefits
As an HMCTS employee, you’ll be entitled to a large range of benefits which include but
are not limited to:
Pension
The Civil Service Pension Scheme is one of the best workplace pension schemes in the
UK public sector. Visit www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk for more details.
Generous Annual Leave and Bank Holiday Allowance
25 days annual leave on entry, increasing on a sliding scale to 30 days after 5 years’
service. This is in addition to 8 public holidays. This will be complemented by one further
day paid privilege entitlement to mark the King’s Birthday.
Flexible Working
While not every type of flexible working will be suitable for every role and business area,
flexible working can take many forms and The Ministry of Justice is committed to delivering
its business effectively and sustainably by creating modern and inclusive workplaces that
enable smart, flexible and hybrid working.
For more information on our amazing benefits including our Civil Service Pension Scheme,
annual and special leave, and our Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing schemes
please visit our Senior Civil Service website
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Deputy Director, Digital Project and Change Delivery
Disability Support
What reasonable adjustments can be made if I have a disability?
We are committed to supporting all candidates to take part in the recruitment process. This
includes supporting individuals who have a disability by making reasonable adjustments to
the recruitment process.
If you feel you require any kind of support and/or would like to discuss this with someone,
please indicate 'yes' to requesting reasonable adjustments in your application form and
ensure that you respond to the Reasonable Adjustments Scheme team by email.
How we can support you
There are many types of reasonable adjustments that can be made during assessment
processes.
Examples of some types of adjustments include:
• Extra time to complete assessments;
• Providing a break within an assessment;
• Providing interview questions in a written format at the interview as well as orally;
• An interview at a certain time of day;
This is not an exhaustive list but rather some examples of how we can support you during
the SCS Recruitment Process.
Whilst we aim to confirm all adjustments requested, there may be occasions where this
isn't possible. If an adjustment cannot be provided, the reasons for this will be explained to
you.
Help with your application
It is important you contact us as early as possible by email if you would like to request
reasonable adjustments so that the recruitment process runs smoothly for you.
If you do decide during the process that you do require adjustments and you have not
completed all your assessments, please contact the SCS recruitment team in advance of
your next assessment.
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Deputy Director, Digital Project and Change Delivery
If you have any questions in advance of making your application regarding reasonable
adjustments please contact the SCS recruitment team at scsrecruitment@justice.gov.uk.
Do you offer a Disability Confident Scheme for Disabled Persons?
As a Disability Confident employer, the MoJ offer an interview to disabled candidates who
meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. This could
be in terms of the advertised essential skills and/or application form sift criteria. Within the
application form, you will be asked if you would like to be considered for an interview under
this scheme, so please make us aware of this when prompted.
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Deputy Director, Digital Project and Change Delivery
FAQs
Can I apply if I am not currently a civil servant?
Yes.
Is this role suitable for part-time working?
This role is available for full-time or flexible working arrangements (including job shares).
To discuss your needs in more detail please get in touch with the SCS Recruitment Team.
Where will the role be based?
The base location of this post is flexible and can be based at any of our buildings across
England and Wales.
Relocation costs will not be reimbursed.
This role will also require travel. If the successful candidate is not London based, travel to
London will be needed several times a month.
Can I claim back any expenses incurred during the recruitment process?
Unfortunately, we will not be able to reimburse you, except in exceptional circumstances
and only when agreed in advance.
Am I eligible to apply for this role?
For information on whether you are eligible to apply, please visit Gov.UK.
Is security clearance required?
Yes. If successful you must hold, or be willing to obtain, security clearance to SC level.
More information about the vetting process can be found here.
Will this role be overseen by the Civil Service Commission?
No. However, the recruitment process will still be governed by the Civil Service
Commission’s Recruitment Principles.
What do I do if I want to make a complaint?
The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis
of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment
Principles.
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Deputy Director, Digital Project and Change Delivery
Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles and
you wish to make a complaint, you should contact scsrecruitment@justice.gov.uk in the
first instance.
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department you are able to
raise a formal complaint in the following order.
1. To Shared Service-Connected Ltd (0845 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 08.00 - 18.00) or
e-mail Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com)
2. To Ministry of Justice Resourcing (resourcing-services@justice.gov.uk)
3. To the Civil Service Commission
(https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/contact-us/)
What should I do if I think that I have a conflict of interest?
If you believe that you may have a conflict of interest you must declare it by contacting
SCS Recruitment on scsrecruitment@justice.gov.uk before submitting your application
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Deputy Director, Digital Project and Change Delivery
Data Sharing
We will ensure that we will treat all personal information in accordance with data protection
legislation, including the General Data Protection Regulation and Data Protection Act
2018.
Data Sharing
To process your application your personal data will be shared with the Ministry of Justice
SCS Recruitment Team, campaign Panel Members and anyone else necessary as part of
the recruitment process.
The legal basis for processing your personal data is:
Processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest.
Personal data are processed in the public interest because understanding civil servant
experiences and feelings about working in the Civil Service can inform decision taken to
improve these experiences, and ultimately organisation performance.
Sensitive personal data is personal data revealing racial or ethnic origin, political opinions,
religious or philosophical beliefs, or trade union membership, and the processing of
genetic data, biometric data for the purpose of uniquely identifying a natural person, data
concerning health or data concerning a natural person's sex life or sexual orientation.
The legal basis for processing your sensitive personal data is:
1. Processing is necessary for reasons of substantial public interest for the exercise of a
function of the Crown, a Minister of the Crown, or a government department: it is
important to know if groups of staff with specific demographic characteristics have a
better or worse experience of working for the Civil Service, so that appropriate action
can be taken to level this experience;
2. Processing is of a specific category of personal data and it is necessary for the
purposes of identifying or keeping under review the existence or absence of equality of
opportunity or treatment between groups of people with a view to enabling such
equality to be promoted or maintained.
3. Please note if you are successful in your application your sensitive personal data will
be used as part of the on-boarding process to build your employee record.
For further information please see the GDPR Privacy Notice
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Deputy Director, Digital Project and Change Delivery
Diversity & Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent where it is found. To
learn more, please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service D&I Strategy
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Deputy Director, Digital Project and Change Delivery
Contact us
Should candidates like to discuss the role in more detail before submitting an application,
please contact SCS Recruitment on scsrecruitment@justice.gov.uk.
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