19317 - Head of Record Review Team
Statement of suitability of no more than 1000 words (font size minimum Arial 11) which describes how you meet the requirements set out in the responsibilities section and, essential and desirable criteria listed above., London, London
Full Time
5 hours ago
$49,325 - $53,081 GBP
Key skills
Artificial IntelligenceLeadershipProject ManagementCollaboration
About this role
This vacancy is only available to existing Civil Servant employees and employees of accredited non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs). Please review the "Eligibility" section before you apply.
General Information
Salary
£49,325 - £53,081
Working Pattern
Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working
Vacancy Approach
Cross Government
Location
London
Region
London
Closing Date
24-Jul-2026
Post Type
Permanent
Civil Service Grade
SEO
Number of jobs available
1
Reserve List
12 Months
Job ID
19317
Descriptions & requirements
Job description
Ministry of Justice
Security and Information Directorate (SID)
Job Description
Job Title : Head of Records Review
Group Profile : ISD – Information Services Division, Records Management Service
Grade: Senior Executive Officer (SEO)
Overview of Security and Information Directorate (SID)
SID is part of the Service Transformation Group. The Group oversees the building of a strategic vision for modernising and digitising our legacy systems, generating a coordinated plan across the MoJ and its agencies for transformation, and tracking delivery of this transformation.
Security and information management are fundamental building blocks of enabling the department to deliver. We have highly skilled experts working collaboratively with the department, Government Security Group, Government Knowledge and Information Management profession and other partners to enable the whole of the MoJ to function securely, lawfully and transparently.
We identify, manage, and mitigate MoJ’s security, data protection and information risks, and provide assurance against those risks. We’re also home to the Counter Fraud Centre of Expertise. Part of our mission is to up-skill the department so that security becomes second nature to our people and partners.
Team Profile
Information Services Division is responsible for ensuring the MOJ:
- Manages its information so that it knows what is held and where it is held - Knowledge management and Records management
- Holds its information in compliance with legislation and is accessible – Data protection and freedom of information
- Is clear who owns the information and that they understand their responsibilities – Knowledge management
- Holds its information securely – Information assurance
Records Management Service
This post sits in the Records Management Service (RMS) which is part of SID and an integral part of the MOJ, managing the records of the department.
We are responsible for all (electronic and paper) records in compliance with the provisions of the Secretary of State’s Code of Practice on the management of records issued under section 46 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
We work within a legislative framework (Public Records Act 1958 and 1967 (PRA), UK General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA), Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA)) and in accordance with guidelines set by independent inquiries to obtain, store safeguard and preserve records, making them available to the public where appropriate.
Summary
This role requires leading a team that provides an essential public service by helping people (including members of staff and the public, victims and vulnerable people) to access justice through the services we provide. This is because contained in each file, or behind each request for a file or record there is a person who has been affected or is seeking to understand what has happened to them or others.
The role will be based in London, (currently in 102 Petty France), therefore the expectation is that the individual will be London for at least 60% of their working week and the remaining time hybrid working.
As Head of Records Review you will lead on the day to day operation of your team by
- Engaging with business units to understand the information being created, and what information needs to be kept for the official record.
- Promoting best information/records management practice.
- Ensuring information and records management policies complies with the Government’s Security Policy Framework and The National Archives (TNA) requirements.
- Identifying opportunities from MOJ’s information management technology portfolio and collaborate across MOJ to realise them.
This role reports to the Deputy Departmental Records Officer.
Responsibilities, Activities and Duties
The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities, and duties:
- Ensure good records management practices are in place and maintain a reliable archive, retrieval and transfer service of MoJ’s records
- Completion and submission of retention applications
- Co-ordination of ‘yearly openings’ exercises with The National Archives
- Ensure that statutory transfers are completed to meet the schedule agreed with the Advisory Council on National Records and Archives
- Engaging with users across the business to understand their information and records management challenges, offering solutions which reflect our policies.
- Build effective relationships with stakeholders and specialists across MoJ to ensure that records management considerations are incorporated into requirements for corporate applications.
- Line management of 3 Higher Executive Officers (HEOS), leading and inspiring the team, promoting inclusion, celebrating diversity and acting as a role model for colleagues
- Supporting the Deputy Departmental Records Officer with current and future Inquiries
This list 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.
Minimum Eligibility
- All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to taking up post.
- All external candidates are subject to a minimum of 6 months’ probation. Internal candidates are subject to probation if they have not already served a probationary period within MoJ.
Essential skills;
- Knowledge and practical application of TNA practices and standards
- Knowledge of PRA, GDPR, DPA and FOIA
- Experience of working with records including sensitivity review and information redaction
- Have strong people management skills, with the ability to coordinate the activities of others and inspire and motivate teams to be fully engaged in their work
- An ability to quickly understand complex issues, knowing when to escalate and seek information from colleagues, peers and professionals.
Desirable skills;
- Experience, aptitude and capability to operate within the GKIM profession
- Generalist skills and experience in project management
- Experience in supplier and contract management and commercial awareness
Application Process
This vacancy will be assessed using Success Profiles:
The Civil Service recruits using Success Profiles. This means for each role we advertise; we consider what the candidate will need to demonstrate to be successful. This gives us the best possible chance of finding the right person for the job, drives up performance and improves diversity and inclusivity.
A Success Profile is made up of 5 elements:
- behaviours - the actions and activities that people do which result in effective performance in a job
- strengths - the things we do regularly, do well and that motivate us
- ability - the aptitude or potential to perform to the required standard
- experience - the knowledge or mastery of an activity or subject gained through involvement in or exposure to it
- technical - the demonstration of specific professional skills, knowledge or qualifications
Not all the elements are relevant to every role, and will vary depending on the profession, level and type of role.
- CV (maximum 2 A4 pages)
- Statement of suitability of no more than 1000 words (font size minimum Arial 11) which describes how you meet the requirements set out in the responsibilities section and, essential and desirable criteria listed above.
- Leadership – 500 words
45-minute panel interview with strength questions and following behaviours
- Leadership
- Communicating and Influencing
- Making Effective Decisions
- Changing and Improving
Additional Information
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 Plan and 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.
Contact Information
MoJ:
If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk
Please quote the job reference: 19317
HMPPS
If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk
Please quote the job reference: 19317
Job Description Attachment
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RMS - Head of Record Review (SEO) job description.docx (Job Description Attachment)
Application form stage assessments
Behaviours
Behaviours Application Form Question Word Limit
500
Leadership
Experience
We will assess your experience for this role via the following methods
CV or Work History, Statement of Suitability
Statement of Suitability
Guidance for the Statement of Suitability
Statement of suitability of no more than 1000 words (font size minimum Arial 11) which describes how you meet the requirements set out in the responsibilities section and, essential and desirable criteria listed above.
Evidence of Experience
CV or Work History, Statement of Suitability
Interview stage assessments
Interview Dates
TBC - August 2026
Behaviours
Leadership
Communicating and Influencing
Making Effective Decisions
Changing and Improving
Strengths
Strengths will be assessed but these are not shared in advance. To learn more about Strengths and how they are assessed please click here.
Level of security checks required
DBS Standard
Security Clearance (SC)
Use of Artificial Intelligence (Al)
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.