Do you have the passion, values, and ability to help us solve the biggest problems of the justice system?

Data Warden Support - Executive Officer

Ministry of Justice

1. Overview

We have 1 role in the Prison Data Assurance team, within the Analysis Directorate.

Minimum requirements to apply:

Candidates must be able to show the relevant experience and skills and must meet the criteria for entry.

We welcome applications from candidates based across the UK. Candidates will have the option of being based in the Leeds or London HQ offices (largely based at 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf), or your nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office: see this map for more details ). Flexible working arrangements are also available.

Alternative locations may be available and will be discussed and agreed on the completion of background checks.

Interviews are likely to take place in August 2026 and will be held via MS Teams. We will keep a merit list for 12 months for those who successfully pass the interview board but who are not offered a post.

2. What you’ll do

Data Warden Support Officers in the Prison Data Assurance team provide expertise and support to the Ministry of Justice to support:

· Data governance: That data is appropriately defined and there are wider governance processes in place to handle issues and changes.

· Data quality: That the quality of data provided is proof sufficient standards against defined definitions.

· Data architecture: That the flow of data around the business is doing in an effective way, with an overall aim to reduce the burden on frontline staff.

· Data management: That data is presented to those that need the same in an understandable way and they understand any risk of key caveats with the same.

Data Warden Support Officers deal with a range of prison data that is collected, managed or reported on the HMPPS Performance Hub. The HMPPS Performance Hub is a web‐based reporting service that provides users with the tools to collect, validate, collate and report data.

The post does not have any line management responsibility and will report to the Data Warden in the Prison Data Assurance team.

Main Activities/Responsibilities

The job holder will be required to undertake the following duties and responsibilities:

· Collecting, processing, quality assuring and uploading prison data to the HMPPS Performance Hub by agreed deadlines

· Responding to enquiries about prison data by email, telephone and other routes as required

· Reviewing data and investigating anomalies to ensure that accurate and timely responses are provided to customers.

· Providing support, advice, and guidance with regards to a wide range of custodial datasets.

· Providing progress updates on data collection and/or validation issues and escalating any concerns

· Providing accurate and relevant data in response to ad hoc information requests

· Drafting and improving process guidance

· Delivering national and bespoke upskilling sessions to customers.

· Conducting quality checks on prison incident report case level data and informing prisons of necessary amendments, with a current minimum commitment of 7 hours per week.

3. Who you are

The following experience and skills will be required:

• Meticulous attention to detail to ensure data accuracy and integrity.
• Commitment to high-quality standards in data management and reporting.
• Collaborative teamwork skills to effectively coordinate with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Proficiency in using and maintaining workbooks and databases, ensuring data is up-to-date and well-organised.
• Expertise in data handling tools such as Microsoft Excel to efficiently collate, organise, and analyse large datasets.
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office packages, including Microsoft Outlook, for effective communication and documentation.

The following experience and skills are desirable:

· Experience of quality management

· Experience of delivering presentations

· Experience of prisons and / or custodial data

· Experience of applying data management standards

· Knowledge of requirements of Government Information Assurance

· Using Microsoft Office packages such as Microsoft Teams

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary. Significant adjustments may require re-examination under the Job Evaluation scheme and shall be discussed in the first instance with the Job Holder.

4. About the Analysis Directorate

We are passionate about improving justice outcomes through innovative research, data and analysis. In the Analysis Directorate, we provide high-quality data and analysis helping to ensure strategic, policy, finance, corporate and operational decisions are based on robust evidence.

We create a culture in which people are empowered with the data and information to make excellent decisions; using cutting edge tools, techniques and collaboration; putting evidence at the heart of the justice system.

We are a multi-disciplinary team of around 650 staff that sits at the heart of the Ministry of Justice providing analytical support across a diverse and exciting agenda. We work in a dynamic and fast-paced context and our skills are in heavy demand across the Ministry of Justice. Our collaborations beyond government are seen as ground-breaking. The Analysis community is made up of analysts and specialists including: Social Researchers, Economists, Operational Researchers, Statisticians, Data Engineers, Data Scientists and other data specialists (such as data strategists, data dissemination, generalists and assurance experts).

Why work in the Analysis Directorate?
In the Analysis Directorate, we want all our people to feel valued for who they are and for the work they do. We provide a warm, inclusive place to work and offer a wide range of flexibilities and benefits as part of our people offer to reward our staff.

What we offer

• Flexible working arrangements and a focus on equality of opportunity – including welcoming part-time and/or job-share arrangements, compressed hours, working from home or your nearest Justice Collaboration Centres or Justice Satellite Office.

• Career development – regular development and promotion opportunities across a wide range of roles, career development support, with a generous individual learning and development budget.

• Range of new areas of work and new tools and techniques – we pride ourselves on our excellent deployment of well-established analytical methods, but also our progress to date. Progress such as our ambitious and innovative transformation programme to leverage departmental data and drive evidence-based decision-making using cutting-edge tools and techniques (for example: experimentation, personalisation, artificial intelligence).

• Analysis is at the centre of the Department’s decision making – our transformation programme is focused on maximising our impact on departmental outcomes. The Ministry of Justice’s Senior Team and our Ministerial Team want all decisions to be evidence driven – your analysis will be key in influencing decisions and real-world impact.

• Vibrant community – part of a multidisciplinary team that has a supportive culture and is looking to further develop the community with the help of everyone.

• See the frontline and what your work is influencing – regular opportunities to visit our front-line service providers, including courts, prisons, and probation to better understand the areas your analysis is affecting.

5. How to apply

You will be assessed against the Civil service success profiles framework Behaviours at both application and interview stage:

• Managing a Quality Service (Lead Behaviour)
• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace

Please refer to the CS Behaviours framework for more details at this grade.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/717275/CS_Behaviours_2018.pdf

If there is a high volume of applications, there will be an initial sift against the lead behaviour - M anaging a Quality Service behaviour followed by all remaining candidates being assessed against the remaining behaviours (listed in the behaviours section below). This usually takes two weeks, depending on the number of applications.

Those who make it through the initial sift will be invited to a Civil Service Success Profile interview. In the Civil Service we use Success Profiles to help us find the right person for the job. We will be using a mixture of methods to assess your abilities, strengths, experience, technical skills and behaviours. We highly recommend learning about Success Profiles and using the Situation, Task, Action, Result and Reflection (STARR) framework when structuring your answers.

The highest scoring candidate that passes the interview will be offered the role.

To provide interested candidates with more information about the team and role, we will be offering two meet and engage sessions over Microsoft Teams. These are an optional opportunity open to all candidates to find out more information about the team and role and ask questions you may have about the vacancy. The dates of these sessions are:

· Friday July 31st, 12:30 – 13:15

· Thursday August 6th, 17:15 – 18:00

Please note the content of both of these sessions will be the same so interested candidates need only to choose one session. Attendees should also note that because these sessions will be held over Microsoft Teams, attendee names will be visible to all other attendees.

To book a space on one of the sessions please email the following address: analysispeopleoperations@justice.gov.uk

6. Further Information 

If you require any additional information about the role, please contact: Razna Begum ( Razna.Begum1@justice.gov.uk); Robert Vahey ( Robert.Vahey@justice.gov.uk)

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 role: 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.

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.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

• To Transformative Business Services (0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk);
• To Ministry of Justice Resourcing team (resourcing-management-office@justice.gov.uk);
• To the Civil Service Commission (details available here)

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.

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

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.

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 Planand the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy

A Great Place to Work for Veterans

The "Making the Civil Service a Great Place to work for veterans" initiative includes a guaranteed interview scheme to those who meet the minimum criteria to provide eligible former members of the Armed Forces with opportunities to secure rewarding jobs. Allowing veterans to continue to serve their country, and to bring highly skilled individuals with a broad range of experience into the Civil Service in an environment, which recognises and values your previous service in the Armed Forces.
For further details about the initiative and eligibility requirements visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/making-the-civil-service-a-great-place-to-work-for-veterans

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:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

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.

A sift based on the lead behaviour, Managing a Quality Service, 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.