Job Description

On behalf of The Ministry of Justice - HMCTS, we are looking for a part-time Critical Friend (Outside IR35) until March 2026. This is a remote working role (travel to London may be required on an as and when basis.)



The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) priorities include improving public safety and reducing reoffending by reforming prisons, probation and youth justice, and building a justice system which makes access to justice swifter and more certain for all citizens whatever their background. Project professionals in the MoJ help to improve the government's ability to protect the public and reduce reoffending, and to provide a more effective, transparent and responsive criminal justice system for victims and the public.

Job Role:

The engagement of a Critical Friend resource is essential for the successful delivery of HMCTS's complex projects and programmes. This resource will provide technical expertise in delivering large complex programmes and possess good knowledge of IT supplier behaviours, aiding in navigation and negotiation.



During the HMCTS Programme, the engagement of critical friends proved invaluable. Their expertise in delivering large, complex programmes and their deep understanding of IT, supplier behaviours and operational focus, significantly enhanced our decision-making processes.



Critical friends provided robust challenges to our assumptions, leading to improved strategies and successful outcomes. As we currently lack this crucial support, bringing a critical friend on board is essential to ensure continuity and success in our ongoing and future projects.

As a Critical Friend, your main responsibilities will be to:

Drive collaboration across the change portfolio as part of the core team of change directors, and supporting the portfolio leadership team as a whole. Work with the wider senior management of the organisation to support delivery of enabling services and of court reform in its entirety. Support cohesive working across the portfolio to deliver good outcomes. Deliver the programme to time, cost and quality parameters, realising the benefits and driving good outcomes for the public, working in tight partnership with the SRO. Develop and shape strong partnerships to deliver sustainable change; nurture relationships at the highest level across the department and the wider justice system. Developing innovative solutions to complex issues providing expertise, support and advice to both delivery teams and the top tier of the organisations. Drive cultural and behavioural change outside your direct sphere of influence and provide coaching, mentoring and development support to the wider team Support the programme director in a "critical friend" role, providing advice and insight on technical delivery.

Essential:

Public Sector Transformation experience - can be from a consultancy perspective Technical / Digital experience Commercial experience MS Office experience

Desirable:

Experience of working with IPA / NISTA

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.



Disability Confident



As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, MOJ guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.



Armed Forces Covenant



The Ministry of Justice guarantees to interview veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.



In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".