Head of Eligibility and Family Legal Aid Policy, Ministry of Justice, London/Leeds - Visa Sponsorship Available

The Ministry of Justice is actively seeking a Head of Eligibility and Family Legal Aid Policy, with options for full-time, part-time, or job-share arrangements in London or Leeds. This pivotal Grade 6 role is ideal for Nigerian and African immigrants seeking to advance their careers in the UK Civil Service, as visa sponsorship is explicitly available for foreign applicants. Offering a competitive salary ranging from £71,381 to £85,257, this position provides a unique opportunity to shape significant policy within a major government department.

Job Description

As the Head of Eligibility and Family Legal Aid Policy, you will lead two high-performing teams, specifically the Eligibility team, which oversees civil and criminal legal aid means testing, and the Family Legal Aid Policy team. This senior leadership position demands strategic direction and ownership of high-profile policy areas, linking to various departmental and wider government initiatives.

Your responsibilities will include driving reforms in family justice, delivering on eligibility policy changes following major reviews, and modernising legal aid systems to ensure they are fit for the 21st century. You will design and implement policies that uphold access to justice while ensuring value for money, working collaboratively across the MoJ and with other government departments, including No.10 and HM Treasury.

This role also involves overseeing the strategy and handling of means-related legal aid litigation, engaging with the Government Legal Department and other key stakeholders to minimise risks. You will play a crucial part in reviewing and proposing reforms on how fees are set, contributing to a viable and sustainable legal aid market.

Requirements

• Demonstrated leadership experience in a policy-making environment, preferably within the public sector.
• Strong understanding of legal aid policy, including eligibility tests and family justice reforms.
• Ability to provide strategic direction and set priorities for multiple teams.
• Proven capability to cultivate and manage relationships with diverse stakeholders across government and external organisations.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with experience in managing high-profile and sensitive policy areas.
• Applicants must either have the right to work in the UK or be eligible for Skilled Worker (Tier 2) visa sponsorship, which is available for this role.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with a national range of £71,381 - £80,419 and a London range of £75,674 - £85,257.
• Flexible working patterns, including full-time, part-time, and job-share options, promoting work-life balance.
• Hybrid working model allowing for a blend of remote work and time spent in base locations (London or Leeds).
• Opportunity to work within the largest government department, influencing significant national policy.
• Access to a wide range of learning and development opportunities within the Civil Service.
• Generous pension scheme and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.

How to Prepare

For Nigerian and African immigrants targeting a Civil Service role like this, meticulous preparation is key. Ensure your CV is tailored to highlight UK-relevant experience, focusing on policy development, leadership, and stakeholder management skills. Your LinkedIn profile should mirror this, showcasing your expertise to UK employers and recruiters. A compelling cover letter should explicitly address how your background aligns with the Ministry of Justice's values and the specific requirements of a Grade 6 policy role.

Be prepared to discuss your eligibility and visa status confidently during interviews. While sponsorship is available, clearly articulating your understanding of the UK immigration process and your commitment to a long-term career in the UK will be beneficial. For this Civil Service position, expect structured interviews that assess your competencies against the Civil Service Success Profiles, so practice articulating examples using the STAR method.

• Update your CV and cover letter to emphasize policy leadership, legal aid, and government experience in a UK-centric format.
• Familiarise yourself with the Civil Service Success Profiles and be ready to provide STAR method examples for leadership, policy development, and stakeholder engagement.
• Research the Ministry of Justice's recent policy work, particularly in legal aid and family justice, to demonstrate informed interest.
• Prepare to discuss your visa sponsorship needs clearly and confidently, highlighting your long-term career aspirations in the UK.
• Consider networking with professionals already in the UK Civil Service to gain insights into the application and interview process.

Visa Sponsorship & Foreigner Eligibility

Visa sponsorship is AVAILABLE for this Head of Eligibility and Family Legal Aid Policy role, meaning foreigners and overseas applicants who require a UK work visa are explicitly invited to apply. The Ministry of Justice has advertised this position as open to non-UK residents. If you have any specific questions about your visa status or eligibility, it is advisable to contact the hiring department directly or consult the official UK government guidance on Skilled Worker visas.