Counter Terrorism Assessment and Rehabilitation Centre (CT_ARC) Research Team Senior Evaluation Lead (1 role available), Analysis Directorate, Ministry of Justice (Ref: 89634)

Contents

• Location
• About the job
• Benefits
• Things you need to know
• Apply and further information

East Midlands (England), East of England, London (region), North East England, North West England, Scotland, South East England, South West England, Wales, West Midlands (England), Yorkshire and the Humber

About the job

Job summary

This position is National

Job description

Do you have the passion, values, and ability to help us solve the biggest problems of the justice system?

Counter Terrorism Assessment and Rehabilitation Centre (CT-ARC) Research Team Senior Evaluation lead, Analysis Directorate, Ministry of Justice

1. Overview

We have a Senior Evaluation lead role in the Counter Terrorism Assessment and Rehabilitation Centre (CT-ARC) Research Team, which is located within the Reoffending Programme, within the Analysis Directorate.

Roles are open to: 

• Existing analysts from the GSG, GORS, GSR or GES professions either on level transfer or on promotion.
• Other candidates that are not members of one of the GSG, GORS, GSR or GES professions but possess and can demonstrate similar skills and experience at the appropriate level. Opportunities to join these analytical professions will be available once in post for those who wish to apply.

Specialist allowance

Due to the role(s) being analytical, those successful in recruitment will be eligible for a specialist allowance following an analytical interview based on the following values: 

• SEO London: £500
• SEO National: £1500

Minimum requirements to apply:

Candidates must be able to show the relevant experience and skills and must meet the criteria for entry:

1. You possess a numerate degree or a degree that has an analytical, statistical or research element, with a 2:2 or above, or as a higher degree (e.g. MSc, PhD).
2. Alternatively, you have significant experience (usually a minimum of two-years’ work experience) evidencing use of data and/or analytical skills (outside of a part-completed Civil Service degree apprenticeship).

SEO grade:

• You have significant work experience (usually a minimum of three years) evidencing use of data and/or analytical skills. Time spent on an analytical PhD can count towards this.

We welcome applications from candidates based across the UK. Candidates will have the option of being based in the Leeds or London HQ offices (with flexible working arrangements available) or your nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. These are based at the following JCCs: Cardiff, Leeds, Nottingham, South Tyneside, Brighton, Ipswich and Liverpool, and the following JSOs: Ashford, Beverley, Haverfordwest, Hull, Merthyr Tydfil, Manchester, Newport, Birmingham, Sheffield, North Shields, Bristol, Wolverhampton, Weston-Super-Mare, Truro, Winchester and Leeds.

Alternative locations may be available and will be discussed and agreed on the completion of background checks.

Interviews are likely to take place in late September 2024 and will be held via MS Teams. We will keep a merit list for a year for those who successfully pass the interview board but who are not offered a post.

1. About Data & Analysis

We are passionate about improving justice outcomes through innovative research, data and analysis. In Data and Analysis, we provide high quality data and analysis helping to ensure strategic, policy, finance, corporate and operational decisions are based on robust evidence.

We create a culture in which people are empowered with the data and information to make excellent decisions; using cutting edge tools, techniques and collaboration; putting evidence at the heart of the justice system.

We are a multi-disciplinary team of around 650 staff that sits at the heart of the Ministry of Justice providing analytical support across a diverse and exciting agenda. We work in a dynamic and fast-paced context and our skills are in heavy demand across the Ministry of Justice. Our collaborations beyond government are seen as ground-breaking. The Data and Analysis community is made up of analysts and specialists including: Social Researchers, Economists, Operational Researchers, Statisticians, Data Engineers, Data Scientists and other data specialists (such as data strategists, data dissemination, generalists and assurance experts).

Why work in the Analysis Directorate?

In the Analysis Directorate, we want all our people to feel valued for who they are and for the work they do. We provide a warm, inclusive place to work and offer a wide range of flexibilities and benefits as part of our people offer to reward our staff.

What we offer

• Flexible working arrangements and a focus on equality of opportunity – including welcoming part-time and/or job-share arrangements, compressed hours, working from home or your nearest Justice Collaboration Centres or Justice Satellite Office.
• Career development – regular development and promotion opportunities across a wide range of roles, career development support, with a generous individual learning and development budget.
• Range of new areas of work and new tools and techniques – we pride ourselves on our excellent deployment of well-established analytical methods, but also our progress to date. Progress such as our ambitious and innovative transformation programme to leverage departmental data and drive evidence-based decision-making using cutting-edge tools and techniques (for example: experimentation, personalisation, artificial intelligence).
• Analysis is at the centre of the Department’s decision making – our transformation programme is focused on maximising our impact on departmental outcomes. The Ministry of Justice’s Senior Team and our Ministerial Team want all decisions to be evidence driven – your analysis will be key in influencing decisions and real-world impact
• Vibrant community – part of a multidisciplinary team that has a supportive culture and is looking to further develop the community with the help of everyone.
• See the frontline and what your work is influencing – regular opportunities to visit our front-line service providers, including courts, prisons, and probation to better understand the areas your analysis is affecting.

1. What you’ll do

The Counter Terrorism Assessment and Rehabilitation Centre (CT-ARC) Research team is part of the Analytical Priority Projects Unit within the Ministry of Justice Analysis Directorate. The CT-ARC Research team is focused on assessing intervention outputs and validating assessment tools. Our co-location within HMPPS’s CT-ARC team enables direct collaboration with specialist colleagues developing counterterrorism assessments and interventions across prison and probation, with recent work being undertaken in the PREVENT space. PREVENT is a UK government strategy aimed at preventing terrorism. It forms part of the broader counter-terrorism strategy known as CONTEST. PREVENT’s primary objective is to stop individuals from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. It focuses on identifying and providing support to those at risk of radicalisation.

Our current programme of work is broad, including evaluating all the assessment and intervention tools developed by CT-ARC for individuals in custody or community, including both those convicted of terrorism and those at risk of radicalisation. A priority area of work will include establishing yourself as the analytical lead for a cross-government evaluation relating to the development of assessment practice for PREVENT with support from your manager. This will include regularly attending meetings with key partners, to ensure they are kept informed on progress, emerging findings and being responsive to emerging priorities from policy. There will also be opportunities to be involved in the wider CT-ARC research work programme.

The CT-ARC research team has developed evaluation and research plans for each area of CT-ARC assessment and intervention practice, this work is agile with initial pilot phase complete and the expectation to work toward outcome/impact evaluation as new practice is bedded in. You will work closely with a team of National Specialist Leads (NSLs) who develop assessment and interventions, as well as Quality Assurance and training colleagues. Your role involves providing analytical and evaluation input to ensure the designed interventions and assessments can be evaluated, including both process and impact evaluations. 

We are inviting applicants to lead an analytical programme of work with this role well suited to a self-starter who welcomes the opportunity to work autonomously. The successful candidate will lead research and evaluation projects to measure the validity, reliability, and impact of risk assessment tools by selecting and applying appropriate research methodologies and analysis. The role requires adherence to Ministry of Justice quality assurance protocols, producing publishable quality analysis, and communicating findings to various stakeholders using different methods. Attendance and presentation at national and international conferences are expected.

1. Who you are

The following experience and skills will be required:

• Proficiency in evaluation methods. Demonstrates understanding and practical direct experience in delivering a diverse range of evaluation methods. Approaches include both quantitative (e.g. impact, outcome) and qualitative research methodologies.
• Expertise in Statistical analysis. Possesses a strong understanding of statistical analysis, with hands-on experience in producing both descriptive, inferential statistical analyses and delivering statistics-based evaluations.
• Proficiency in data mining and management. Capable of implementing advanced data mining and management techniques to ensure high-quality analysis. Ensures comprehensive dataset documentation and details all caveats and limitations, guaranteeing the reliability and transparency of the data.
• Project management and collaboration. Demonstrated ability to plan and deliver research or analytical projects independently, manage competing priorities effectively, and engage colleagues as necessary to facilitate decision-making.
• Effective communication and relationship building. An excellent communicator capable of translating technical concepts to a non-technical audience. Skilled in engaging and building relationships with a diverse range of customers and stakeholders, keeping colleagues informed on emerging findings. Willing to attend and present at conferences.
• Use of statistical packages. Good working knowledge of R is preferred. As a minimum the candidate should be familiar with using syntax/coding in other analytical packages, with a willingness to develop their proficiency in using R.

The following experience and skills are desirable:

• Risk Assessment Tool Development. Understanding of effective research and analysis methodologies for developing risk assessment tools. Expertise in incorporating a range of indicators, both dynamic and static, that are either latent or directly observable. Skilled in validating these tools through appropriate validity and reliability tests.
• Counter-Terrorism Expertise. Familiar with the current counter-terrorism evidence base, key concepts, methodological challenges, and emerging priorities as the cohort characteristics and evidence is developing.

1. How to apply

You’ll need to submit an anonymised CV and Statement of Suitability as part of your application. You will not be considered if you do not provide both.

Your CV should be no more than 2 pages long and should show us your work history and previous experience. It should be well structured, succinct and written in clear language.

Your Statement of Suitability should be no more than 750 words and should give us examples of how your skills and experience match those needed for this role. Consider giving examples that cover all the requirements in the ‘Who you are’ section and use work you have completed to demonstrate how you meet each one. 

5a. Selection Process

There will be an initial sift of applicants through comparing submitted evidence against the ‘Who you are’ bullets. This usually takes two weeks, depending on the number of applications.

Those who make it through the initial sift will be invited to a Civil Service Success Profile interview. In the Civil Service we use Success Profiles to help us find the right person for the job. We will be using a mixture of methods to assess your abilities, strengths, experience, technical skills and behaviours. We highly recommend learning about Success Profiles and using the Situation, Task, Action, Result and Reflection (STARR) framework when structuring your answers.

The highest scoring candidates that pass the interview will be offered the roles. The whole process can take up to a month.

Behaviours

You will be assessed against the Civil service success profiles framework at interview stage, specifically against the following:

• Managing a Quality Service;
• Delivering at Pace; and
• Working Together

Please also refer to the CS Behaviours framework for more details at this grade.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/717275/CS_Behaviours_2018.pdf 

Technical 

For existing analysts from GSG, GORS, GSR or GES professions, as well as the three civil service behaviours stated above, you will be assessed on two sets of professional competencies at interview (see below).

For external (non-Civil Service) candidates (and internal candidates not in the above professions), as well as the three civil service behaviours stated above, you will be assessed on your analytical knowledge, experience and abilities, and the impact of your analytical work.

All candidates will be required to give a presentation/test at interview. Details of this will be sent to those candidates who are invited for interview.

Professional Competencies

Professional Competency (1) Knowledge & Skills

GSG – Data Analysis.

GORS – Knowledge and application of OR Skills and Techniques.

GES – Analysis of Data.

GSR – Knowledge and application of GSR technical skills.

Professional Competency (2) Influence & Impact

GSG – Presenting and disseminating data effectively.

GORS – Achieving impact with analysis.

GES – Effective communication.

GSR – Using and promoting social research.

For more information regarding the Professional Competencies please refer to the analytical profession internet links below. Please note that some aspect of the professional competency may overlap with the Civil Service behaviours listed above. We therefore recommend that in providing evidence for the professional competency, candidates focus on the technical and methodology aspects of the competencies that are specific to the profession. We will use evidence presented for the Civil Service behaviours in assessing the wider skills candidates have.

Government Statistician Group (GSG): Further information, including a user guide, can be found within the link below:

GSG Competency Framework 2021

Government Social Research Service (GSR): Further information can be found within the link below:

GSR Competency Framework 2022

Government Operational Research Service (GORS): Further information can be found within the link below:

GORS Competency Framework

Government Economic Service (GES): Further information can be found within the link below:

GES Professional Standards 2022

Timings 

Sifting will take place in September 2024. Interviews are likely to take place in late September/early October and will be held via MS Teams. 

6. Applicants invited for Interview 

You will be required to give a 5-minute presentation/carry out an analytical skills test at interview. Details of this will be sent to those candidates who are invited for interview.

7. Further Information

If you require any additional information about the role, please contact:

Kris.simpson1@justice.gov.uk

Behaviours

We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Managing a Quality Service
• Delivering at Pace
• Working Together

Technical skills

We’ll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Professional Competency (1) Knowledge and Skills GSG – Data Analysis. GORS – Knowledge and application of OR Skills and Techniques. GES – Analysis of Data. GSR – Knowledge and application of GSR technical skills.
• Professional Competency (2) Influence & Impact GSG – Presenting and disseminating data effectively. GORS – Achieving impact with analysis. GES – Effective communication. GSR – Using and promoting social research.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £39,868, Ministry of Justice contributes £10,804 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• Access to learning and development
• A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options to enhance your work life balance
• A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
• Annual Leave
• Public Holidays
• Season Ticket Advance

For more information about the recruitment process, benefits and allowances and answers to general queries, please click the below link which will direct you to our Candidate Information Page.

Link: https://justicejobs.tal.net/vx/candidate/cms/About%20the%20MOJ

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : SSCL Recruitment Enquiries Team
• Email : Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com
• Telephone : 0845 241 5359

Recruitment team

• Email : Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com

Further information

Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles. I you feel a department has breached the requirement of the Recruitment Principles and would like to raise this, please contact SSCL (Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com) in the first instance. If the role has been advertised externally (outside of the Civil Service) and 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: http://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/civil-service-recruitment/complaints/

https://justicejobs.tal.net/vx/appcentre-1/brand-2/candidate/so/pm/1/pl/3/opp/89634-89634-Counter-Terrorism-Assessment-and-Rehabilitation-Centre-CT_ARC-Research-Team-Senior-Evaluation-Lead-1-role-available-Analysis-Directorate-Ministry-of-Justice/en-GB

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