6989 - Data Quality Lead

General Information

Salary The national salary is £56,532 - £64,048, London salary range is £61,201 - £69,338. Your salary will be dependent on your base location. Working Pattern Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working Vacancy Approach Cross Government Location National Region National Closing Date 02-Jul-2025 Post Type Permanent Civil Service Grade Grade 7 Number of jobs available 4 Reserve List 12 Months Job ID 6989

Descriptions & requirements

Job description

Job title: Data Quality Lead 

Directorate: Strategy, Analysis & Change 

Workstream: Data, Analysis & Insight 

About us  

HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) is responsible for the administration of criminal, civil and family courts and tribunals in England and Wales. Our roles support our service users and colleagues, where people and businesses access potentially life-changing justice.  We’re looking for individuals who are committed to public service and want to make a difference in people’s lives in delivering justice. If you’re interested in developing a career with a real purpose, please apply. 

HMCTS is an executive agency of the Ministry of Justice. It uniquely operates based on a partnership between the Lord Chancellor, the Lord Chief Justice, and the Senior President of Tribunals (the ‘Principals’). It currently has around 16,000 staff, operating from around 350 locations with a gross annual budget of c£1.6 billion, approximately £800 million of which is recovered in fees and income from service users. It handles more than 2 million criminal cases, 1.8 million civil claims, more than 150,000 family law disputes, and almost 800,000 tribunal cases annually.    

In 2016 HMCTS embarked on a challenging reform programme with the vision to upgrade our justice system so that it works even better for everyone, from judges and legal professionals, to witnesses, litigants, and the vulnerable victims of crime. This will help to ensure access to justice for all, as well as to consolidate the UK’s position at the forefront of an increasingly competitive international legal market.  To support this transformation, HMCTS published its Data Strategy in 2021, setting out its ambitions to become a truly data-driven organisation.  

About the role 

We are looking for passionate, resilient, and resourceful individuals to lead work to improve the quality of HMCTS data.   

As a Data Quality Lead. you will be at the centre of our ambition to collect, maintain and use high quality data to improve services and to share with others to support transparency and allow others to innovate. You will work in a newly established Data Quality team that will work with a range of stakeholders from across the organisation to assess data quality across key datasets, investigate any data quality issues and lead work to take steps to improve data quality at pace. The team sits within the Data Analysis and Insight Division (DAI) who play a key role in making HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) a data driven organisation. We are a team of 87 data engineers, analysts and data access specialists who provide HMCTS and the Judiciary with timely, accurate and accessible operational management information and analysis that underpins strategic and operational decisions and Reform activities.  

These roles present an exciting opportunity to work on a key priority for HMCTS, support the wider transformation programme and enable HMCTS to continue to embody its reputation for world leading delivery of justice.   

Successful applicants will conduct work to assess and improve data quality across HMCTS. This will consist of a programme of Data Quality audits to improve the accuracy and reliability of our key data across critical data metrics. This aligns with our increasing organisational reliance on digital platforms and data. This work will identify and address data quality issues in the most important existing datasets and take steps to improve the accuracy and reliability of our data for the full range of known purposes. The objective of this work is to see a consistent improvement in data quality across important data sets in all HMCTS services. This work will also implement a robust, industry-standard approach to maintaining long-term data quality so that HMCTS data can reliably inform strategic and operational decision-making. The position holders will work with staff from across HMCTS Services, Operations and Digital Technology Services, to ensure robust consideration of data quality across all HMCTS services in a prioritised and efficient manner.   

These are exciting and challenging roles where you will coordinate multiple projects simultaneously, build connections with a range of colleagues across HMCTS and MoJ, influence resource management and deliver at pace, while effectively managing stakeholder expectations.  

Your role as the Data Quality Lead encompasses several key aspects (but not limited to): 

Data Quality Reviews

• Developing frameworks that can be used in different services across HMCTS to prioritise data and measure key data quality metrics.
• Regularly reviewing, refining and adapting these frameworks to ensure they remain fit for purpose and reflect changing organisational contexts.  
• Presenting these frameworks to staff involved in the Data Quality Programme across different Jurisdictions so they are easily understood and can be efficiently used to assess data quality in each Jurisdiction.  

Data Quality Improvements

• Building strong relationship with Operational teams and Service teams to lead investigations into any data quality issues identified to determine drivers – whether human error, system design or data pipeline build, and identify corrective actions that could be taken to address data quality issues.
• Communicating this work to Service Boards and the Data Quality Steering Group in succinct and easily understandable ways and working with Service Boards and the Data Quality Steering Group to prioritise data quality improvements. Incorporating these improvements into the Data Quality Work Programme moving forwards. 
• Identifying training needs within HMCTS to address data quality issues identified through the Data Quality Programme and report these to Head of Data Quality. 

Supporting the Data Quality Team

• Managing staff in line with HMCTS management policies. 
• Making suggestions and justifying these suggestions to the Head of Data Quality to improve the Data Quality Strategy and Work Programme.
• Managing the implementation of processes to maintain ongoing data quality improvements across the organisation over time following the conclusion of the Data Quality Programme.

Please refer to the attached role profile for a comprehensive overview of the role.

Who are we looking for? (Person Specification) 

The ideal candidate for this position should demonstrate:  

Essential  

• An ability to lead data quality initiatives and communicate the importance of maintaining data quality, across the organization. 
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities and adapt to changing circumstances, demonstrating flexibility and resilience in fast-paced environments while consistently meeting challenging deadlines.
• An ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders with different views and perspectives to identify, agree and achieve shared outcomes. 
• An ability to plan complex pieces of work to ensure the work delivers its goals on time and to budget. Experience of communicating these plans to stakeholders and incorporating their feedback. 
• Experience of producing papers for senior leaders that provide updates on progress and highlight any issues. An ability to succinctly present papers to senior level data governance groups and answer questions on your work. 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make evidence-based decisions to progress projects at pace, address complex data related challenges and justify decision making.

Desirable

• Understanding of administrative data systems within the Justice system and the role it plays in decision making.

Application Stage  

Please submit:

• Statement of suitability demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria (up to 750 words)

Please ensure you cover both ‘what’ you do but also ‘how’ you do it. (i.e., the effective skills, knowledge & experience needed to undertake the role) 

Further details 

Travel Requirements 

There will be a requirement to travel to any HMCTS site in line with business needs.  

Working Pattern 

Due to the nature of the role, the minimum working hours is 30 hours a week.    

About our benefits 

We reward our people for their hard work and commitment. We have a number of family 

friendly and flexible working polices that will help you achieve a healthy work-life balance. In addition, we offer a range of employee benefits which include generous annual leave, a highly competitive contributory pension scheme, childcare benefits, season ticket and bicycle loans. 

Proud to Serve. Proud to keep justice going.

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 roles: 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.

Eligibility

Staff on fixed term appointments must have been recruited through fair and open competition.

Vacancies advertised “cross-government” are only open to all Civil Service employees and employees of accredited non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) who were appointed on merit following a fair and open competition; or were appointed to a permanent post through an exception in the Civil Service Commissioners' rules.

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.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.

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.

For more information on applying for a role as a candidate with a disability or long-term condition, please watch our animated videos.

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.

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 6989

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 6989

Job Description Attachment

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Application form stage assessments

Experience We will assess your experience for this role via the following methods Statement of Suitability Statement of Suitability Guidance for the Statement of Suitability Please submit a Statement of suitability demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria (up to 750 words)

Please ensure you cover both ‘what’ you do but also ‘how’ you do it. (i.e., the effective skills, knowledge & experience needed to undertake the role) Evidence of Experience Statement of Suitability

Interview stage assessments

Interview Dates Interviews are scheduled to take place from 25th July 2025 onwards. Behaviours Making Effective Decisions Seeing the Big Picture Communicating and Influencing Working Together Use of Artificial Intelligence (Al)You must ensure that any evidence submitted as part of your application, including your CV, statement of suitability and behaviour examples, are truthful and factually accurate. Please note that plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own. Level of security checks required Baseline Personnal Security Standard (BPSS)