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General Information

Salary
The national salary range is £28,312 - £30,011 London salary range is £32,416 - £34,361. Your salary will be dependent on your base location
Working Pattern
Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working
Vacancy Approach
Internal
Location
National
Region
National
Closing Date
29-May-2025
Post Type
Permanent
Civil Service Grade
EO
Number of jobs available
1
Reserve List
12 Months
Job ID
5859

Descriptions & requirements

Job description

Job Title: Operational Assurance Officer 

Directorate: Chief Financial Officer (CFO) 

About us  

HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) is responsible for the administration of criminal, civil and family courts and tribunals in England and Wales. Our roles support our service users and colleagues, where people and businesses access potentially life-changing justice.  We’re looking for individuals who are committed to public service and want to make a difference in people’s lives in delivering justice. If you’re interested in developing a career with a real purpose, please apply. 

About the role 

The Assurance team is responsible for second line of defence in HMCTS. We own the Standard Operating Controls tool and the drafting of Key Control Checks. We undertake assurance work for HMCTS via venue visits and through wider Thematic reviews. 

As an Operational Assurance Officer in HMCTS your role is to protect, drive and add value. As part of a dispersed, national team, you will: 

  • have lead responsibility for conducting high- level assessments (Health Checks), testing governance & assurance systems throughout HMCTS. 
  • support the Assurance Manager (AM) and Business Partners (ABPs) in a programme of detailed testing to identify and report risks and will monitor the implementation of corrective actions. 
  • help build the capability across the organisation to achieve and maintain good governance, by providing advice and training as needed,  
  • be involved in national initiatives that continue to develop the governance and assurance function regarding delivering services and improving management information, such as scrutinising new and existing processes for risks and suggest mitigating controls. 
  • drive a culture of continuous improvement.  

Your role as the Operational Assurance Officer encompasses several key aspects (but not limited to): 

  • You will support the implementation of governance & assurance systems.  
  • You will work collaboratively across the whole governance and assurance community to ensure that sufficient support can be provided in all corporate and statutory compliance areas. 
  • You will participate in researching and planning the team’s programme of activities. 
  • You will conduct and assist with assurance visits including virtual testing at sites across the organisation and draft accurate reports of findings. Where remedial actions are needed, you will monitor their effective implementation. 
  • You will assist the with preparation of reports and information on the extent of compliance with governance requirements and activities across the area of responsibility, together with the identification training or development needs. 
  • You will actively participate and contribute to the team in responding to change, including participation in project boards and associated work. 
  • You will seek to build your own capability and that of the team to improve performance. 
  • You will coach and motivate staff within corporate and operational teams to improve the management of the governance and assurance framework. 
  • You will deliver governance and assurance policy and process related training and assess its effectiveness. 
  • You will work collaboratively with the Counter Fraud and Investigations team to ensure the timely and accurate investigation of all incidents. 
  • You will work collaboratively with the Risk & Business Intelligence team to ensure that you effectively contribute to the development and enhancement of all policies and arrangements. 
  • You will provide advice and guidance to managers tasked with ownership, implementation and use of key assurance activities. 
  • You will assist business units in the quarterly Standard Operating Controls (SOC) reporting process. You will quality control, review and challenge SOC returns. 
  • You will provide ongoing support in the use and application of the SOC Tool and the SOC database. 
  • You will work in a flexible way and undertake any other duties reasonably requested by line management which are commensurate with the grade and level of responsibility of this post and deemed necessary by line management to fulfil the role and requirements of the team. 
  • You will supply support to the wider Assurance and Governance teams commensurate as required with the grade and level of responsibility of the post. 
 

What are we looking for? (Person Specification) 

The ideal candidate for this position should demonstrate: 

Essential  

  • Good interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with a variety of internal and senior stakeholders. 
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both in writing and verbally, to convey complex information to different audiences through a range of formats. 
  • Highly adaptable, with the ability to work in a culture of change, continually improving (products, processes, and priorities) to meet the current and future needs of the organisation.  
  • Proven experience of using Excel to collate, analyse and present data. 

Desirable 

  • Knowledge of the Risk Framework, Key Control Check Sheet (KCCS) and Standard Operating Controls would be beneficial. 
  • Knowledge of using key controls would be an advantage.  

How to apply 

To apply for this role, please submit a CV and a statement of suitability of no more than 500 words setting out evidence and examples of how you meet the person specification of the role. Please ensure you cover both ‘what’ you do but also ‘how’ you do it. (i.e., the effective skills, knowledge & experience needed to undertake the role) 

In the event of a high number of applications, the panel may perform a preliminary sift on the Statement of Suitability.  

Interview  

If successful at sift you will be invited to a Civil Service Success Profiles interview which will include assessment of the following behaviours. 

  • Communicating and influencing 
  • Making effective decisions 
  • Managing a quality service 

Strengths will also be assessed however these are not shared in advance. 

Further details  

Part time and flexible working requests will be reviewed and agreed on a case-by-case basis in line with the MOJ Flexible working policy. 

The ability and flexibility for national travel is required, including to Wales, Scotland and the whole of England. 

About our benefits 

We reward our people for their hard work and commitment. We have a number of family friendly and flexible working polices that will help you achieve a healthy work-life balance. In addition, we offer a range of employee benefits which include generous annual leave, a highly competitive contributory pension scheme, childcare benefits, season ticket and bicycle loans. 

Proud to Serve. Proud to keep justice going.

Additional Information

Working Arrangements & Further Information

The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity.

Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.

For nationally advertised roles: All successful candidates will be appointed to the nearest viable office nearest to their home postcode and on its respective pay scale.  This will be at either a HQ building (subject to desk allocation, a Justice Collaboration Centre (JCC) or a Justice Satellite Office (JSO) – See Map. All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity). 

For current MoJ employees, your base location will need to be changed to the nearest viable office (to your home postcode), either at a HQ building, JCC or JSO within the National Office Network and moved its location’s respective pay scale (any legacy arrangements/locations will need to be amended).

Some of MoJ’s terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made.

MoJ candidates who are on a specialist grade, will be able to retain their grade on lateral transfer.

All candidates who are currently in receipt of Mark Time / Pay Protection should ensure they are familiar with the new policy on permanent and temporary promotion which can be found on the employee intranet.

Flexible working hours 

The Ministry of Justice offers a flexible working system in many offices. Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week. MoJ welcomes part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the MoJ’s Flexible Working policy.

Benefits 

The MoJ offers a range of benefits:

Annual Leave

Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years’ service.

There is also a scheme to allow qualifying staff to buy or sell up to three days leave each year. Additional paid time off for public holidays and 1 privilege day. Leave for part-time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.

Pension 

The Civil Service offers a choice of pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.

Training 

The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.

Networks 

The opportunity to join employee-run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.

Eligibility

Staff on fixed term appointments must have been recruited through fair and open competition.

Vacancies advertised “cross-government” are only open to all Civil Service employees and employees of accredited non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) who were appointed on merit following a fair and open competition; or were appointed to a permanent post through an exception in the Civil Service Commissioners' rules.

Support

  • A range of ‘Family Friendly’ policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
  • Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
  • For moves to or from another employer or moves across the Civil Service this can have implications on your eligibility to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for alternative government childcare support schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. More information can be found on www.www.GOV.UK or Childcare Choices. You can determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
  • Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
  • Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint in the following order

As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns.

You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the TBS Recruitment Enquiries Team.

For more information on applying for a role as a candidate with a disability or long-term condition, please watch our animated videos.

Diversity & Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

Redeployment Interview Scheme

Civil Service departments are expected to explore redeployment opportunities before making an individual redundant. The MoJ is committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'.

MoJ is able to offer an interview to eligible candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. Candidates will not be eligible for the Redeployment Interview Scheme if they are applying on promotion.

Civil Service Nationality Rules

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules

Reserve list

A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made for the same or similar roles.

Contact Information

MoJ:

If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk

Please quote the job reference 5859

HMPPS

If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk

Please quote the job reference 5859

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 submit a statement of suitability of no more than 500 words setting out evidence and examples of how you meet the person specification of the role. Please ensure you cover both ‘what’ you do but also ‘how’ you do it. (i.e., the effective skills, knowledge & experience needed to undertake the role) In the event of a high number of applications, the panel may perform a preliminary sift on the Statement of Suitability.
Evidence of Experience
CV or Work History, Statement of Suitability

Interview stage assessments

Interview Dates
Interviews are scheduled to take place week commencing 23rd June (subject to change)
Behaviours
Communicating and Influencing
Making Effective Decisions
Managing a Quality Service
Strengths
Strengths will be assessed but these are not shared in advance. To learn more about Strengths and how they are assessed please click here.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (Al)
You must ensure that any evidence submitted as part of your application, including your CV, statement of suitability and behaviour examples, are truthful and factually accurate. Please note that plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own.
Level of security checks required
Baseline Personnal Security Standard (BPSS)