The national salary range is £39,868 - £43,535, London salary range is £45,824 - £50,039. Your salary will be dependent on your base location Number of jobs available 1 Detail of reserve list 12 Months Region London, Northern Ireland City/Town Belfast , London Building/Site MOJ NIO Erskine House, BT1 4GF, NIO 1 HORSE GUARDS ROAD, LONDON, SW1A 2HQ, SW1A 2HQ Grade SEO SEO Post Type Permanent Working Pattern Full Time Role Type Operational Delivery Will the successful applicant have line manager responsibilities? No Department:
Northern Ireland Office (NIO) Post Vacant: NIO Governance Team: Deputy Head of Governance (SEO) Location:
London or Belfast Occasional Travel between both locations will be required. Duration:
Permanent Applications Invited From:
External Candidates and Existing Civil Servants
New entrants to the Civil Service will be expected to join on the minimum of the pay range. Existing Civil Servants will have their salary calculated in accordance with the Department’s pay on transfer / pay on promotion rules. Salary scale: Who Are We The NIO supports the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in promoting the best interests of Northern Ireland within a stronger United Kingdom. It ensures Northern Ireland interests are fully and effectively represented at Westminster and the heart of Government, and the Government’s responsibilities are fully and effectively represented in Northern Ireland. Our key purpose is to make politics work by working alongside the Northern Ireland Executive to help improve the effectiveness and delivery of the devolved institutions; to ensure a more secure Northern Ireland; deliver a growing economy including rebalancing the economy; and ensure a stronger society by supporting initiatives designed to build better community relations and a genuinely shared future. What We Do The NIO represents Northern Ireland interests at a UK Government level and UK Government interests in Northern Ireland. We have a wide range of responsibilities, including: underpinning political stability in Northern Ireland; overseeing the Northern Ireland devolution settlement; leading on national security policy in Northern Ireland; addressing the legacy of Northern Ireland’s past; delivering elections and constitutional reform in Northern Ireland; playing a key role in rebalancing the NI economy; representing NI interests, including on the border with Ireland, following the UK’s exit from the EU. Our small size and diverse portfolio create a stimulating, fast-paced and challenging working environment, with regular engagement with a range of Ministers and senior officials. We support flexible working and have a modern, flexible IT system which helps enable this. Role Overview The NIO Governance Team is central to ensuring that the department runs effectively and efficiently whilst supporting policy teams in their sponsorship responsibilities to ensure good governance is maintained within arm’s length bodies. The team sits within the NIO Corporate Operations Group working closely with colleagues within the Group and Strategy Team on a range of cross-cutting governance issues. The Deputy Head of the Governance team is a busy role that would suit someone who would like the opportunity to work on a diverse portfolio of corporate issues, particularly in relation to risk management, equality and good governance. The team supports the NIO Board and its Audit and Risk Assurance Committee as well as the Executive Management Committee. It leads on the development and management of the Departmental Annual Report, Risk Register and associated risk management policy and assurance reports. The team is also responsible for providing expert advice and guidance to sponsor teams within the NIO on the governance of the NIO Arms Length Bodies, including centrally managing all regulated public appointments and providing advice on other ministers appointments.. Working closely with HR colleagues, the team monitors and ensures the NIO meets all of its statutory equality requirements and manages the review of the department’s Equality Scheme. The team also provides advice to policy colleagues on compliance and fulfilment of the NIO’s section 75 obligations and commitments and leads on preparing an annual progress report to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. We are looking to recruit a highly motivated individual that can provide a consistently high level of service to internal and external stakeholders, while simultaneously managing a range of corporate issues in support of the delivery of objectives and compliance with best practice across the Department.
Duties and Responsibilities The successful candidate will report to the Head of Governance. This role is best suited to someone who is self-motivated, adaptable and thrives in a changing environment, as key responsibilities will shift over time according to departmental priorities. The main responsibilities will include but are not limited to: Secretariat support to the NIO Board and its sub-committees: The post-holder will be responsible for providing appropriate secretariat support to the Board and its Committees, this will include working with the Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Directors to help set the strategic direction for the Board and sub committees. Duties will include the collation, preparation and presentation of papers at meetings; recording accurate minutes of meetings; ensuring actions are followed up on all matters arising and managing the annual effectiveness review for each Committee. As well as working to develop an engaging forward look for all meetings. Public Appointments: The successful candidate will be responsible for managing public appointments processes in respect of the NIO’s sponsored bodies and non-executive director positions. Arms Length Bodies Management: A considerable proportion of the NIO budget is managed by a number of Arms Length Bodies (these are a range of non-departmental public bodies, statutory and non statutory office holders, and other entities that help carry out a range of important functions). The NIO’s wider family includes the Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, Independent Commission for Information Recovery and Reconciliation, Parades Commission for Northern Ireland, Sentence Review Commissioners for Northern Ireland, the Boundary Commission for Northern Ireland and Civil Service Commissioners for Northern Ireland. The post-holder will be responsible for supporting the relevant sponsor team with advice on good governance and ensure that appropriate monitoring, assurance, challenge and influence is exercised by sponsor teams in their management and governance arrangements.
Corporate Governance: The post-holder will be responsible for providing advice and guidance on a range of governance issues across the Department. These will include the development and maintenance of the Department’s audit plan, stewardship assurance statements and risk register. Equality Obligations: The post-holder will be responsible for maintaining the department’s Equality Scheme and Disability Action Plan, including providing advice on equality duties under section 75, ensuring that screenings are published and submitting an annual return on progress to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. The post holder will also have the opportunity to support our teams across the department in meeting equality duties. The postholder will also be responsible for promoting good governance and supporting learning and development and best practice across the department. The post holder will need to demonstrate the following in their application and at interview: Excellent written and oral communications skills; Experience of dealing with senior colleagues or Board level members; Experience of working with others and maintaining collaborative relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders; and Experience of working in a corporate services environment or Project Management Office on governance matters such as business/project planning, risk management, compliance reporting or secretariat functions. Previous experience of working with, or managing relationships with, arms’ length bodies or organisations in a group structure; Experience of senior level recruitment processes or public appointments processes; Understanding of section 75 duties and how they apply to public authorities in Northern Ireland. Additional information received after the closing date will not be considered.
Selection Process The selection and interview process will consist of two stages: 1) Sift Behaviours and Experience We will assess you against the following Success Profiles behaviours at Level 3 during the selection process : Making Effective Decisions Managing a Quality Service Delivering at Pace Please provide astatement of suitability no longer than 500 words outlining how you meet the essential and desirable criteria. Please note that in the event of a large number of applications being received we may run the initial sift on the lead Behaviour“Making effective Decisions”
- More information on behaviours and success profiles can be found here
- 2) Interview You will be assessed against the same behaviours at the interview stage and will be asked to provide examples of how you have demonstrated the behaviours. All applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit. Additional information received after the closing date will not be considered. Failure to provide sufficient information in support of an application prior to the closing date will not be considered as grounds for an appeal if an applicant is not shortlisted for interview. Inclusion and Diversity The NIO is committed to being an inclusive employer with a diverse workforce. We encourage applications from people from the widest possible diversity of backgrounds, cultures and experiences. We particularly welcome applications from ethnic minority candidates, as they are under-represented within the NIO at this level. The NIO strives to be an inclusive employer and is recognised by its staff and externally as being an employer where Diversity and Inclusion are valued. We have an active D&I network supporting colleagues through D&I Advocates, championed by our Directors. We want all our people to feel valued for who they are and we are confident that you will find the NIO a warm, welcoming and inclusive place to work. Security Clearance Security clearance to SC is required for this post..
Eligibility Sift An eligibility sift will be carried out on the basis of the information contained in the application form. It is therefore important that all applicants demonstrate in their application how and to what extent their behaviours are relevant to the above criteria. Those candidates who do not clearly demonstrate that they meet the experience and behaviours will not be invited to interview. The successful candidate will adopt the terms and conditions of the NIO for the length of their appointment. Neither Detached Duty terms nor relocation costs will apply to this post. Further Information Further information about the post may be obtained from Richard Steven or John East via email to or Applications You can apply for this post through the Civil Service website at civilservice.gov.uk. Once logged onto the site go to the civil service jobs page and then search for jobs in the Northern Ireland Office where the application form can be found. Home Civil Service applicants who, because of disability, need assistance in completing the application form should contact MoJ Shared Services on 0845 010 3512. All applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit. This job description should not be taken as constituting conditions of employment. Please note that due to the high interest in NIO opportunities, feedback cannot be given if you are unsuccessful at the sift stage. Feedback is available on request if unsuccessful following the interview. Further Information The NIO is a small and friendly department of approximately 185 staff. Due to our size we are able to offer staff more exposure to ministers and the opportunity to work on a far wider portfolio of responsibilities than might be the case in a larger department. This creates an interesting, though often challenging, work environment. The NIO offers a pleasant, modern work hybrid working environment that allows consideration of a range of flexible working arrangements that support a good work/ life balance. These include flexible/ alternative working patterns, part-time and job-share options. Other Benefits The NIO offers a pleasant, modern work environment which allows consideration of a range of flexible working arrangements which support a good work/ life balance. These include flexible/ alternative working patterns, part-time and job-share options. Other benefits include Interest-free season ticket and bicycle loans and a Reward & Recognition scheme. Disability Confident Scheme The Northern Ireland Office operates the Disability Confident Scheme, details of which are attached to the application form for this post. In the event that we identify more appointable candidates than we currently have posts available, we will hold applicant details on a reserve list for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made. This may include roles at a lower grade. Candidates placed on a reserve list will be informed of this. Those candidates who do not wish to remain on the reserve list should contact MoJ to be removed from the reserve list.
The
Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles. You have the right to complain if you feel a department has breached the requirement of the Recruitment Principles.
Please contact SSCL (M) in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with the response, you may bring your complaint to the Commission. For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their web pages: In the event that the advertised post following interview, identifies more appointable applicants than available posts, we may hold applicant details on a merit/reserve list for a period of 12 months from which further future appointments can be made. Candidates placed on a reserve list will be informed of this. Those candidates who do not wish to remain on the reserve list should contact 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, the successful candidate(s) will be appointed to a MoJ office location, which may include their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. This will be discussed and agreed on the completion of pre-employment checks. 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. 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. The MoJ offers a range of benefits: A nnual 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 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. 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 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. 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 SSCL Recruitment Enquiries Team. To apply for roles in MOJ you will need to confirm your employment history for at least 3 years prior to the date of application so that pre-employment checks (BPSS) can be undertaken. If you have spent significant time abroad (a total of 6 months in the past 3 years) you would be required to give a reasonable account of the reasons why.
For some roles you will be required to successfully complete National Security Vetting at Counter Terrorism (CTC), Security Clearance (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV) level as a condition of appointment. To meet CTC/SC/DV requirements you will normally need to have been resident in the UK for at least 3/5/10 years prior to the date of application (The level of checks that are required are stated in the advert). If you do not meet the above requirements, you may still be considered if, for example: You've been serving overseas with HM Forces or in some other official capacity as a representative of HM Government You were studying abroad You were living overseas with parents In such cases you will need to be able to provide referee cover for the period(s) of residence overseas. The duration of overseas residence and the country of abode will also be taken into account. Success Profiles Success Profiles will enable a fairer and more inclusive method of recruitment by enabling us to assess the range of experiences, abilities, strengths, behaviours and technical/professional skills required for different roles. This flexible approach to recruitment focuses more on finding the right candidate for the specific role. To find out more about Success Profiles to support your application please click here for further guidance
- We have provided detail of the assessment stages and areas being assessed to help you prepare for completing your application form, and to advise of what will be assessed following this, if you successfully pass the application stage. Application form stage assessments Behaviours Making Effective Decisions
- 250 word limit Communicating and Influencing
- 250 word limit Managing a Quality Service
- 250 word limit Delivering at Pace
- 250 word limit Experience Statement of Suitability
- 500 word limit A sift based on the lead behaviour, Making Effective Decisions, 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. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) 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. Interview stage assessments There is 1 interview stage for this vacancy. Behaviours Making Effective Decisions Communicating and Influencing Managing a Quality Service Delivering at Pace 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 are committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'. MoJ are able to offer an interview to eligible candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. Candidate's will not be eligible for the Redeployment Interview Scheme if they are applying on promotion. This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- 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 #J-18808-Ljbffr
