National Lived Experience Lead, Ministry of Justice, UK, Visa Sponsorship Available

The Ministry of Justice is actively seeking a National Lived Experience Lead, a critical full-time role based across the UK, offering an attractive national salary range of £54,148 to £59,366. This position is ideal for experienced professionals, particularly those from Nigeria and other African countries, as it explicitly offers visa sponsorship for foreign applicants. Beyond a competitive salary, the role provides an excellent opportunity to influence national policy within the UK Civil Service.

Job Description

The National Lived Experience Lead will provide national leadership within HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), ensuring that the invaluable voices, experiences, and expertise of individuals with lived experience are central to policy, strategy, service design, and operational delivery. This involves spearheading national oversight of Engaging People on Probation (EPOP) and actively supporting the implementation of the HMPPS Lived Experience Charter.

Key responsibilities include working closely with senior leaders to embed meaningful engagement and co-production across the organisation, providing strategic advice on lived experience approaches, and supporting the development of peer mentoring initiatives. The role is pivotal in building the evidence base that demonstrates the profound impact of lived experience on services, staff practice, and broader organisational outcomes, ensuring it is a fundamental component, not merely an add-on, to decision-making and service improvement.

Requirements

• Demonstrated national leadership experience in embedding lived experience within policy and service delivery.
• Proven ability to lead and contribute to national programmes and policy initiatives, ensuring lived experience is integrated from development to evaluation.
• Strong strategic oversight and advisory skills regarding peer mentoring and lived experience-led approaches.
• Excellent relationship-building skills with senior leaders, regional teams, partner organisations, and individuals with lived experience.
• Ability to promote and utilise lived experience as a robust source of evidence for decision-making and service improvement.
• Must meet UK visa and immigration requirements, with skilled worker visa sponsorship available for eligible foreign applicants.

Benefits

• Competitive national salary range (£54,148 - £59,366, depending on base location).
• Generous annual leave entitlement, with the holiday year running from March 1st.
• Access to a choice of two Civil Service pension schemes to suit individual needs.
• Opportunities for flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working, where business needs allow.
• 9 days (66 hours 36 minutes) in recognition of bank, public, and privilege holidays.

How to Prepare

For Nigerian and African immigrants targeting this significant Civil Service role, preparation is key. Ensure your CV is meticulously formatted to UK standards, highlighting your leadership in lived experience roles and measurable impacts. Focus on tailoring your experience to align with the Ministry of Justice's values and the specific responsibilities of this national leadership position. Given the nature of the role, demonstrating your understanding of rehabilitation strategies and collaborative working will be highly beneficial.

When preparing for interviews, be ready to discuss how your international experience, particularly in engaging diverse communities, aligns with the UK's approach to lived experience in justice. It is crucial to confidently address your visa sponsorship needs, assuring the panel of your commitment and eligibility, as the Ministry of Justice is open to sponsoring foreign talent.

• Refine your CV to showcase UK-relevant experience and achievements in a leadership capacity.
• Prepare specific examples of how you have integrated lived experience into policy or service delivery.
• Familiarise yourself with the UK justice system and HMPPS's rehabilitation strategies.
• Develop a compelling narrative for your cover letter, explicitly linking your skills to the job description and the Civil Service values.
• Practice articulating your need for visa sponsorship clearly and professionally during potential interview discussions.

Visa Sponsorship & Foreigner Eligibility

Visa sponsorship for a Skilled Worker (Tier 2) visa is available for this position. Foreigners, including those currently residing outside the UK, are actively encouraged to apply. If your visa status is complex or you are unsure about your eligibility, it is advisable to clearly state your current situation in your application or reach out to the hiring team for clarification before applying to ensure a smooth process.