Senior Policy Adviser on Child Proceedings Policy

Eligibility
:
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.

• Salary: £42,914 – £46,182 (national); £49,325 – £53,081 (London)
• Working pattern:
  Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working
• Vacancy approach:
  Cross Government
• Location:
  
  Leeds, London
• Region:
  London, Yorkshire and the Humber
• Closing date: 31-Jul-2026
• Post type:
  Detached Duty, Loan
• Job

Position:
Senior Policy Adviser on Child Proceedings Policy (SEO). The role is recruited temporarily for SEO. The campaign is open to current civil servants on level transfer and suitable candidates on promotion. It is offered on Detached Duty for staff within the Ministry of Justice or on Loan terms for staff in HMPPS or other government departments.

Successful candidates may be based at one of the following locations:

• 102 Petty France, London
• 5 Wellington Place, Leeds

Occasional travel between the two locations may be required. A hybrid working model is available, allowing a balance between remote work and time at the base location.

Employment on a detached duty or loan basis. Full‑time, part‑time or job‑share options. A reserve list may be held for 12 months for suitable candidates.

• Lead on the repeal of the presumption of parental involvement in the remaining stages of the Courts and Tribunals Bill.
• Work with cross‑system partners to identify and deliver changes to guidance and practice.
• Take leadership over improving transparency in family courts.
• Develop complex policy at pace with analysts, lawyers, operational partners and external stakeholders.
• Draft clear submissions for Ministerial decisions.
• Produce high‑quality briefings and correspondence for senior officials and ministers.
• Build and maintain positive professional relationships with high‑profile stakeholders and officials.

• Experience developing and delivering complex policy and working with lawyers.
• Attention to detail while maintaining a strategic view.
• Analytical skills to evaluate relevant information from diverse sources.
• Adaptability to variable work demands.
• Excellent written communication skills for drafting high‑quality material.
• Experience delivering on deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Leadership as a self‑starter with creative problem‑solving.
• Ability to build relationships with cross‑government colleagues and stakeholders.
• Understanding of the family justice system.
• Experience working on primary legislation.
• Experience with vulnerable person policy.

• Annual leave: 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 after five years. Scheme allows buying/selling up to three days leave each year.
• Public holidays plus one privilege day.
• Pension:
  Choice of Civil Service schemes.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Family‑friendly policies: reduced hours, job share.
• Flexible benefits: voluntary benefits and retail vouchers.
• Paid parental leave, paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
• Free annual sight tests for computer screen users.

The MoJ offers a flexible working system in many offices. The Ministry of Justice is proud to be a Level 3 Disability Confident employer.