Human Resources Manager

About the Role

The Ministry of Justice People and Capability team is dedicated to supporting the Justice family by helping its people perform at their best. This role as a Human Resources Manager sits within the MoJ People and Capability - HR Business Partnering team for HMPPS. It offers an exciting opportunity for an HR professional passionate about people management and keen to establish a broad HR generalist foundation for their career.

The role involves collaborating with managers across HMPPS, providing strategic HR support to boost business effectiveness and contributing to safer communities through effective people management in prisons and probation services.

Key Responsibilities

• Support business leaders and managers with complex HR issues through expert advice and case management.
• Serve as the first point of contact, managing stakeholder expectations and delivering tailored HR services.
• Make autonomous decisions within your area to allocate HR resources effectively.
• Interpret and apply HR policies sensitively, considering multiple perspectives to determine the best courses of action.
• Analyze HR data to identify interventions that enhance business outcomes.
• Manage employment tribunal, grievance, disciplinary procedures and attendance management.
• Support audit, assurance and compliance activities.
• Contribute to internal guidance and consultancy on HR issues.

Experience and Skills

• Prior experience in an HR delivery role required.
• Proven ability to build and manage diverse relationships, including senior stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral.
• Data analysis capabilities with application to HR and business performance.
• Experience in Civil Service HR or awareness of its framework is desirable.
• Background in HR consultancy or service delivery based on customer relationships is advantageous.

Locations and Travel

The role includes two vacancies, supporting either Prison or Probation services in the South West region. Candidates may be based at a variety of listed prison, magistrates, or probation office locations including but not limited to HMP Leyhill, Bristol Magistrates, Taunton Probation Office, Yeovil, and others. Occasional travel across the South West is expected.

Qualifications and Development

Candidates should either be members of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), hold an equivalent qualification, or demonstrate commitment to pursuing CIPD accreditation. The role may be part of an HR Apprenticeship (Level 5) pathway.

Selection Process and Behaviours

Applicants must submit anonymized CVs alongside 250-word examples demonstrating competencies in Managing a Quality Service, Communicating and Influencing, Leadership, and Working Together. Shortlisted candidates will undergo a behaviour and strengths-based interview aligned with the Civil Service Success Profiles framework.

Salary and Benefits

Salary is £35,335 annually, with Ministry of Justice contributing £10,236 towards the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Benefits include flexible working options, inclusive work culture, learning and development opportunities, annual leave, public holidays, and season ticket advance.

Additional Information

• Security clearance through criminal record checks and baseline personnel security standard checks are mandatory.
• Eligibility includes UK nationals, certain Commonwealth countries, EU nationals with settled/pre-settled status, and others as detailed.
• The Civil Service Code ensures expected standards of behaviour and equal opportunity recruitment principles apply.
• Artificial intelligence may support applications, but all content must be accurate and truthful.