Skip to content
This vacancy is only available to existing Civil Servant employees and employees of accredited non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs). Please review the "Eligibility" section before you apply.

General Information

Working Pattern
Full Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working
Vacancy Approach
Cross Government
Location
National
Region
National
Closing Date
13-Sep-2026
Post Type
Expression of Interest
Civil Service Grade
SCS 1
Number of jobs available
1
Reserve List
12 Months
Job ID
21675

Descriptions & requirements

Job description
The Role

As Deputy Director for Criminal Justice System (CJS) and Victims Data, you will lead an ambitious portfolio focused on improving how data is connected, managed and used across the Criminal Justice System. Working across organisational boundaries, you will bring together policy, operational, digital, analytical and delivery communities to create the shared foundations, products and partnerships needed to support better outcomes for offenders and victims.

You will provide strategic leadership for the Connecting Criminal Justice Data programme, a joint Ministry of Justice and Home Office programme, establishing it as a priority cross-system initiative and shaping the long-term vision, governance and delivery model with the Home Office and wider CJS partners. You will build senior-level alignment, navigate complex dependencies and ensure that funding, accountability and delivery risks are managed effectively.

You will lead the delivery of Justice ID, improving identity, interoperability and secure data sharing across the CJS, alongside leading the development of the cross-CJS dataset and associated analytical products, enabling stronger whole-system insight, operational performance and evidence-based decision making. 
You will also provide leadership to the MoJ Data Management Hub, driving a more consistent and sustainable approach to data management across Justice Data and the wider Ministry. 

As a senior leader, you will create a high-performing, inclusive and motivated environment in which people can grow and succeed. You will set clear expectations, build capability and remove barriers to delivery, while managing public money and resources with integrity and a strong focus on value for money. 

We are looking for a high-quality candidate who is passionate about using data to improve the justice system. You will have a track record of leading complex, cross-organisational programmes, building trusted relationships with senior stakeholders and turning strategic intent into sustainable delivery. If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

Reporting into the Chief Data Officer you will:
  • Build strong relationships with stakeholders in each area of the Criminal Justice System (HMPPS, HMCTS, Home Office, Policing and CPS), confidently representing the work of the programme and providing appropriate solutions for the business.
  • Lead the CJS and Victims Data division to deliver high-priority products, setting clear direction and standards, supporting teams to plan and prioritise effectively, and ensuring work is delivered to a consistently high quality.
  • Provide visible, inclusive leadership and professional oversight, building a skilled, engaged and diverse team and strengthening capability across Justice Data and the wider data community.
  • Alongside the Justice Digital, Data and Science leadership team take collective ownership of leading the data, digital and technology community and playing an active part in the senior team to develop a strong, diverse and inclusive community. 
Essential Experience
  • Significant experience leading and delivering substantial data programmes and products with evidence of impact and value for policy and/or operational context. 
  • Experience of supporting, motivating, and developing a diverse team of data professionals to deliver a brilliant service, with a strong track record of building capability and developing people. 
  • Experience of building strong relationships across organisations and leading cross-departmental work, bringing together senior stakeholders, delivery teams and partner organisations to align priorities, resolve dependencies and deliver shared outcomes.
  • Excellent communication skills and experience working with senior stakeholders to maximise impact and identify the value and limitations for data led solutions. 
  • Technical experience and professional knowledge to find solutions to data problems, and an innovative mindset to help deliver transformation for Justice delivery.
  • Broad knowledge and understanding of data, and experience in data management within government or across other sectors.
Desirable Experience
  • An understanding of the Justice System and an ability to learn quickly.
Additional Information
Terms of Appointment: 

This role is being offered on a temporary basis of 9 months with the possibility of extending to 12 months. The role is available on lateral move or temporary promotion for current employees across the Civil Service.

You cannot apply if you were recruited via one of the following options:
  • Via exceptions 1-4 of the CS Commission’s Recruitment Principles – this means you were not recruited via open and fair competition.
  • If you are a Contractor or Agency worker – this is because you are not a substantive civil servant.
  • If you are seconded into the MoJ from an outside (non-Civil Service) organisation.
If you are on Loan into MoJ (including Executive Agencies):

To be able to apply to this EOI, your home government department line manager and your MoJ line Manager must approve your application. You must obtain the agreement of your home department before applying, as any appointment will remain subject to the terms of your existing loan arrangement. You will be expected to return to your home business area and to your substantive grade at the end of the loan period.

Contact Information
If you require any assistance please contact us on scsrecruitment@justice.gov.uk. Please quote the job reference in your email to enable us to support you more quickly.

Application form stage assessments

Experience
We will assess your experience for this role via the following methods
CV or Work History, Statement of Suitability
Statement of Suitability
Guidance for the Statement of Suitability
Please provide a Personal Statement (no more than 1000 words) explaining how you meet the essential criteria set out below:

Essential Experience:

NB: In the event we receive a high volume of applications, we will conduct the initial sift against the first of the essential criteria :
• ***Significant experience leading and delivering substantial data programmes and products with evidence of impact and value for policy and/or operational context. ***
• Experience of supporting, motivating, and developing a diverse team of data professionals to deliver a brilliant service, with a strong track record of building capability and developing people.
• Experience of building strong relationships across organisations and leading cross-departmental work, bringing together senior stakeholders, delivery teams and partner organisations to align priorities, resolve dependencies and deliver shared outcomes.
• Excellent communication skills and experience working with senior stakeholders to maximise impact and identify the value and limitations for data led solutions.
• Technical experience and professional knowledge to find solutions to data problems, and an innovative mindset to help deliver transformation for Justice delivery.
• Broad knowledge and understanding of data, and experience in data management within government or across other sectors.
Desirable Experience:
• An understanding of the Justice System and an ability to learn quickly.

*** In the event we receive a high volume of applications, this criteria is what we will conduct the initial sift against.

Please note that the system will not currently accept more than 1000 words for an EOI application
Evidence of Experience
CV or Work History, Statement of Suitability

Interview stage assessments

Interview Dates
Week commencing 28th September 2026
Behaviours
Leadership
Managing a Quality Service
Working Together
Communicating and Influencing

Other Assessments

Which assessment methods will be used?
Presentation
Level of security checks required
Security Clearance (SC)

Use of Artificial Intelligence (Al)

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.