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General Information

Salary
The national salary is £41,463 - £45,276, London salary is £47,657 - £52,040. Your salary will be dependent on your base location
Working Pattern
Full Time, Flexible Working
Vacancy Approach
Internal
Location
National
Region
National
Closing Date
17-Jul-2025
Post Type
Permanent
Civil Service Grade
SEO
Number of jobs available
1
Reserve List
12 Months
Job ID
7415

Descriptions & requirements

Job description

HM Courts and Tribunals Service

Directorate:      Digital Technology Services (DTS)

Pay Band:        SEO

Job Title:          Programme Planner (DRLM)

Location:          London / National

Successful applicants will be expected to be office based 3 days per week in any HMCTS Office (subject to business availability). The frequency may increase in the future.

Term:               Permanent

Interview:        Video conference via Teams

Important salary details:

New recruits to the Civil Service joining MoJ are expected to join at the band minimum. Existing Civil Servants applying on promotion, will usually be appointed on the salary minimum of the new pay band, or receive an increase of 10 percent on the current base salary, whichever is higher (This is restricted to the pay maximum of the new band).

Reserve List:

HMCTS run a Reserve List, where candidates who are unsuccessful at interview by only a few points, can be offered other roles, at the same band, for up to 12 months. You will be able to view your status via the application screen. If you have been added to the Reserve List, your status will show either Merit or Reserve list.

Introduction:

These are exciting times at HM Court and Tribunals Service (HMCTS). As an agency of the MoJ, we support the judiciary across England and Wales to deliver justice by running courts and tribunals and processing outcomes, and we are looking for talented people to help us achieve our ambitions. It will be challenging, important and rewarding.

HMCTS Digital and Technology Services (DTS) is a specialist technology directorate which provides support to HMCTS in the use of IT and Digital.

DTS is creating a place in which it is great to do work and part of our offer is brilliant training opportunities and support from expert colleagues. As well as that you’ll find flexible working, an inclusive culture, and a place where your opinion is valued.

Please follow the link below for further information about HMCTS. www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-courts-and-tribunals-service

Background:

The Decommissioning and Legacy Risk Mitigation (DLRM) Programme is part of the Government’s Major Projects and Programmes portfolio and has been established to mitigate the risks presented by HMCTS’ legacy technology. The programme sits within HMCTS’ Digital and Technology Services directorate and works across HMCTS, MoJ and Cabinet Office to deliver its primary aim of decommissioning HMCTS applications without undue risk.

The scale of ambition for the DLRM programme is significant. There are around 300 bespoke applications in use across HMCTS.  The programme’s aim is to ensure these applications are able to support HMCTS operations as well as decommissioning those that are no longer needed. As such, the DLRM Programme brings together multiple inter-related workstreams focussed on reducing our technical, cyber and data debt. The work covers a number of Digital, Data and Technology disciplines as well as commercial, financial and programme and project delivery skills and has a blended team of permanent and contingent people from a variety of backgrounds. Having secured funding for this ambitious programme, we are now at an exciting stage of our journey and are looking for enthusiastic and committed people to join one of the most ambitious technology programmes across government.

Main Purpose of The Role:

As Programme Planner you will be working closely with the Head of PMO, Project Managers and Programme Director to implement and administer the overarching programme plan to track, manage, and escalate key activity within the programme. The role requires the management of reporting on key deliverables and milestones across the programme, which includes updating on the delivery of external activities and dependencies. As the programme is on the Government’s Major Projects and Programmes portfolio, there is additional scrutiny on programme activities to ensure delivery within desired budget and timeframes.

Key responsibilities of the role:

  • Programme Planning – Implementation, administration, and reporting of the overarching programme planning solution
  • Project Planning – Lead on planning activity and develop schedules whilst developing best practice in planning and reporting at project level.
  • Planning SME – Provide expert advice on planning for team members and the PMO function.
  • Assumption Management – Challenge and test project assumptions to ensure that plans are realistic and achievable.
  • Rescheduling – Support the Head of PMO, Project Managers, and Programme Director to identify options to optimise delivery rescheduling of activities.
  • Capture and Escalate – Ensure clear translation of project requirements, dependencies, constraints, and prerequisites within the programme schedules. Monitoring and analysing information, reporting progress, slippage and highlighting areas of risk and opportunity.
  • Improve – Develop a planning and controls service relevant to business and programme requirements.
  • Ensure the alignment of key assurance activities to major delivery milestones and ensure these are integrated across interdependent projects. 

Skills & Experience:

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Experience either as a programme planner or a senior planner.
  • Ability to work effectively under pressure and time constraints in a fast paced, rapidly evolving environment.
  • Experience managing and influencing internal and external stakeholder relationships.
  • Experience in presenting large and complex programmes in a concise Plan on a Page view.
  • Experience in representing and managing internal and external programme dependencies within a complex planning environment.
  • Development of ‘critical paths’ to inform and escalate emerging issues or concerns within a programme.

Essential Criteria:

  • Experience of working within a PMO and/or project management role with demonstratable project management and co-ordination responsibilities.
  • Exposure to planning major projects within a technical environment.
  • Expert in the use of the Microsoft Project planning tools.
  • Practitioner knowledge of project planning, governance frameworks & methodologies
  • Ability to analyse and present sensitive or complex data and information to support decision making.
  • Proven ability to adapt communication style and approach to suite varying audience needs.
  • Ability to present technical and complex information clearly and concisely at a level appropriate to the target audience.
  • Experience of working with senior managers/project managers for the successful delivery of a project or workstream
  • Collaborating on work with a wide range of stakeholders and teams to ensure accurate and timely reporting and management of project finances.
  • Experience of organising and prioritising work effectively

Desirable Criteria:

  • Project Management related qualifications and/or experience
  • Previous experience of working in a large digital organisation

Application process:

The following areas of Success Profile Framework will be used to assess and score your application during the sift, and interview

  • Experience – As demonstrated in your application form.
  • Strengths – The interview will involve a discussion around 2 strengths.
  • Behaviours – You will be required to provide evidence of the following key behaviours at SEO Level.
  • Seeing the Bigger Picture (lead behaviour)
  • Changing and Improving
  • Delivering at Pace
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 - 7415

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

Application form stage assessments

Behaviours
A sift based on the lead behaviour, Seeing the Big Picture, may be held if a large number of applications are received. If a large number of applications remain after the initial sift, your application will be progressed to a full sift, where all behaviours will then be considered.
Behaviours Application Form Question Word Limit
250
Seeing the Big Picture
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
Can you provide specific examples of how your skills, experience, and achievements in Programme Planning meet the requirements outlined in the essential criteria.
Evidence of Experience
CV or Work History, Statement of Suitability

Interview stage assessments

Interview Dates
Interviews expected w/c 04/08/25 but this could be subject to change.
Behaviours
Seeing the Big Picture
Changing and Improving
Delivering at Pace
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)