Sexual Offences Policy Team Leader, Ministry of Justice – London / Leeds (Visa Sponsorship Available)

The Ministry of Justice is seeking a Sexual Offences Policy Team Leader, a pivotal role available in London or Leeds, offering a salary between £58,511 and £70,725 depending on location. This position is ideal for experienced policy and delivery leaders, and crucially, visa sponsorship is AVAILABLE, making it open to foreign and overseas applicants who require a UK work visa. Beyond a competitive salary, the role offers exceptional flexibility with full-time, part-time/job share, and flexible working patterns, including hybrid options.

Job Description

As a Grade 7 Sexual Offences Policy Team Leader within the Victims and Criminal Courts Directorate, you will lead a dedicated team focusing on improving the criminal justice system's response to sexual offences. Your primary responsibility will be to drive forward a programme of activity contributing to the Government’s ambitious goal of halving Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) within a decade.

Key duties include shaping policy related to victims' experiences in the criminal justice system, with a specific focus on evidence at court, challenging rape myths, and addressing online image-based abuse. You will also lead the implementation of the new Independent Legal Adviser service for rape victims, a significant Labour manifesto commitment, and manage measures within the Courts & Tribunals Bill to revise admissibility thresholds for evidence concerning a victim’s personal history and behaviour. This high-profile role involves significant ministerial and stakeholder engagement within a sensitive and impactful policy area.

Requirements

• Excellent leadership skills to guide and support your team in a fast-paced and evolving policy environment.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and influencing skills to build robust relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and proactively address emerging issues and opportunities within policy development.
• Proficiency in understanding complex, technical issues and articulating them effectively to diverse audiences, including senior officials and Ministers.
• Proven experience collaborating with partners to develop and deliver policy, along with monitoring its successful implementation.
• Ability to think strategically, maintaining a broader perspective while ensuring meticulous attention to detail.
• Applicants must either possess 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 national salary range of £58,511 - £65,329, with a London salary range of £63,343 - £70,725.
• Generous annual leave allowance and a Civil Service pension scheme.
• Flexible working arrangements, including full-time, part-time/job share, and hybrid working models.
• Opportunity to work on high-profile policy initiatives with significant ministerial and stakeholder interest.
• Professional development and career progression opportunities within the largest government department, the Ministry of Justice.

How to Prepare

For Nigerian and African immigrants targeting a Civil Service role like the Sexual Offences Policy Team Leader, meticulous preparation is key. Ensure your CV is polished to a UK standard, highlighting relevant experience in policy development, leadership, and stakeholder engagement. Tailor your LinkedIn profile to reflect these skills, making it visible to UK recruiters. Given the sensitive nature of the work, demonstrating a clear understanding of justice policy and victim support, perhaps through past volunteer work or professional development, will be highly advantageous. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with the specific policy areas mentioned, such as VAWG strategy or criminal justice reform.

• Refine your CV to a UK format, emphasizing policy leadership, project delivery, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring all experience is quantifiable where possible.
• Prepare for competency-based interviews by having specific examples that demonstrate the essential skills, such as leadership, communication, and strategic thinking.
• Familiarize yourself with the Ministry of Justice's work, particularly within the Victims and Criminal Courts Directorate, and the Government's VAWG Strategy.
• Draft a compelling cover letter that directly addresses the job description, clearly articulating your suitability for the role and your understanding of the policy area.
• Be ready to discuss your visa sponsorship needs openly during the interview process, confirming your eligibility and the support available from the Ministry of Justice.

Visa Sponsorship & Foreigner Eligibility

Visa sponsorship is explicitly offered for the Sexual Offences Policy Team Leader role, making it open to foreign and overseas applicants who require a UK work visa. Non-UK residents are encouraged to apply, as the Ministry of Justice actively supports Skilled Worker (Tier 2) visa applications. If you are unsure about your eligibility or have specific questions regarding your immigration status, it is advisable to contact the Ministry of Justice's recruitment team directly for clarification before applying.