CRIMINAL CASES REVIEW COMMISSION



Independently Investigating Miscarriages of JusticeCandidate Information Pack for the post of:Outreach Officer (CSO 16/21)Starting salary: ?25,000 Closing date: 11.55pm on Sunday 1st August 202121697956223000Criminal Cases Review CommissionThe CCRC deals with complex matters across a broad range of cases and has dealt with some of the most serious miscarriages of justice of the last fifty years.Our valuesIndependent. Accountable. Proactive. Respectful.The CCRC is the independent body that investigates suspected miscarriages of justice. We deal with cases from magistrates’ courts, the Crown Court in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and the Court Martial and Service Civilian Court.We take a fresh, independent, analytical look at possible miscarriages of justice. Our main role is to investigate cases where people believe they have been wrongly convicted of a criminal offence or wrongly sentenced. Ultimately, we assess whether convictions or sentences should be referred to a court of appeal. Further information on the CCRC may be found at .ukWelcomeSometimes, though rarely, something goes so wrong in a criminal case that it leads to a miscarriage of justice. There might not have been a crime at all, the wrong person may have been convicted, the process might have failed, or important new information might become available, meaning that the conviction is unsafe or the sentence is wrong. The Commission is committed to making sure all people who may need our help can access our service. We make sure we are doing all we can to engage with stakeholders and reach out to potential applicants, both in prison and at liberty, to make sure people are aware of the role of the CCRC and can access our help if they feel that there is something wrong with their conviction or wrong with their sentence. Can you explain the work we do in ways that are accessible to people in the prison system? Can you tailor and adapt your style of approach so that you are providing accessible messages to all those who may need the Commissions help? Can you communicate in a clear and approachable way and deal with the challenge of communicating with different groups of people with different needs, including people with vulnerabilities? Is working unsociable hours and occasional early starts and overnight stays not a problem for you? We are looking for a sharp-minded, impartial, resourceful, positive person who has the drive and communication skills to present and train people in prison, prison staff and people with vulnerabilities to ensure that potential applicants can apply to us. We are looking for someone who can ensure that people who have had their case reviewed by the CCRC, are engaged with and consulted, for the purpose of improving the Commission services. You will need to be good at presenting to a range of different people. It is important that you are articulate and able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. You will need to be able to balance competing priorities and demonstrate a drive to get the job done. As part of this work the postholder will be expected to visit prisons, which will involve travel and may involve unsociable hours to accommodate the prison’s routine. If this sounds like you, I’d be delighted to hear from you about our Outreach Officer vacancyYou will need to demonstrate integrity, diplomacy, diligence and be able to communicate effectively and build effective working relationships with our stakeholders as well as your CCRC colleagues. We are committed to being an inclusive organisation and support diversity in the Criminal Justice System. We welcome people who will bring diversity of thought and provide constructive challenge. We encourage applications from black, Asian and ethnic minority candidates and from individuals from socially disadvantaged backgrounds. If this sounds like the job for you, then I look forward to hearing from you. Catherine DilksManager of Applicant EngagementJob DescriptionJob TitleOutreach OfficerReports toManager of Applicant EngagementHours37 hours per week. Part time and flexible working availableTermPermanentPurpose of the role and key responsibilities To ensure the Commission is engaging with groups of key stakeholders to increase knowledge and awareness of the role of the organisation amongst those who may need our services. To contribute to the development and evaluation of the Commission’s outreach targets and activities.We are looking for a highly driven individual, skilled in engagement who can demonstrate a passion for cultivating and sustaining relationships with stakeholders. The particular focus of the Outreach Officer role is applicants. The post-holder will be driven to ensure that potential applicants can apply to us and ensure that people who have had their case reviewed by the CCRC, are engaged with and consulted, for the purpose of improving the Commission service and for outreach purposes.The post-holder will be part of the Applicant Engagement Team, whose core function is to identify and manage work to make sure applicant’s requirements and stakeholder needs are understood and met by Commission staff and to raise the profile of the Commission amongst vulnerable and under-represented groups. As part of this work the postholder will be expected to visit prisons, which will involve travel and may involve unsociable hours to accommodate the prison’s routine. The Commission is currently going through a period of change including reviewing its applicant engagement activities. It may be therefore that in discussion with the post-holder some of the responsibilities set out below may change. Key TasksTo develop and deliver a programme of outreach initiatives to prisons and other stakeholders across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.To liaise and network with prison staff and other stakeholders to develop effective relationships to meet outreach targets.To represent the organisation at external and internal training and engagement events.Deliver high quality presentations and workshops that are designed to inform stakeholders of the role of the CCRC, ensuring information is accurate, up-to-date and appropriate for the relevant audience.To assist in the development and produce targeted written material for stakeholders.Conduct research and collate statistics and information in relation to the prison population and other stakeholder groups.Any other duties appropriate to the role.Given the nature of the role it is expected that the post-holder will work flexibly and there will be situations where the post-holder will be expected to work or travel outside normal working hours.Person SpecificationExperienceEssentialDesirableStrong organisational skills?–?a skilled and flexible co-ordinator, able to plan ahead, horizon scanning for potential issues and is able to organise own work and others.Influencing skills – the ability to influence and persuade appropriately, at all levelsStrong communication and interpersonal skills?- Confidence in communicating with a ride range of people in a role that may include liaising with local campaigners, the public and Government officialsExcellent written skills – the ability to write accurate yet accessible material for a general audience.Flexibility – ability to work as part of a team and to respond to urgent requests.Digital proficiency -?effectively using digital technology to deliver services and value for money?(Microsoft Teams, Outlook,?Word?and Excel).Enthusiasm for the work of the Commission and pursuing a goal where all people who may need the Commission’s help are informed of the organisation’s role and remit.Technical Skills & QualificationsEssentialDesirableNANABehaviours EssentialDesirableThe following behaviours have beenidentified at Level 2. For further details,please see the Civil Service Behaviours municating and Influencing (Lead behaviour)?Delivering at Pace?Managing a Quality ServiceAbilityEssentialDesirableVerbal Reasoning Test (VRT) - to assess your verbal capabilities?Civil Service Judgment Test Guide to Completing the Personal Statement Personal StatementPlease describe, with examples of your experience and in no more than 1,250 words, why the Commission should employ you for the role. You should cross reference to your CV relating how your skills and knowledge meet the Essential and Desirable Criteria in the Experience section of the Person Specification. You should make sure you give examples of how you meet each point. You should pay particular attention to the Essential Criteria, but also give examples for the Desirable Criteria where possible. We would recommend the STAR model to structure your answers: Situation (what was the setting and conditions, and what was your role)Task (what specifically needed to be done when, why, etc.)Action (what did you do in terms of your own contribution and ensuring the contribution of others, how you did it and why)Result (What the outcome was and how you contributed to it, what difference did you make) BehavioursThe CCRC uses the Civil Service Success Profiles framework. You should refer to the Behaviours on the next page in your application. You should produce a short statement that describes one relevant example of your best achievement using the 1st person singular (‘I’ not ‘we’) using a maximum of 250 words for each behaviour. Again, we would recommend using the STAR model. Behaviours – Outreach OfficerCommunicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing. Take time to consider the best communication channel to use for the audience, including making the best of digital resources and considering value for money. Interact with others in an enthusiastic way. Express ideas clearly and with respect for others. Listen to and value different ideas, views and ways of working. Respond constructively and objectively to comments and questions. Handle challenging conversations with confidence and sensitivity.Always work with focus and pace to get the job done on time and to a high standard. Follow the relevant policies, procedures and rules that apply to the job. Use own knowledge and expertise to organise work. Keep focused on delivery and take responsibility for the quality of work produced. Keep a consistent level of personal performance. Keep managers and stakeholders updated on how work is progressing.Work with customers to understand their needs and expectations. Create clear plans and set priorities which meet the needs of both the customer and the business. Clearly explain to customers what can be done. Keep colleagues and stakeholders fully informed of plans, possibilities and progress. Identify common problems that affect service, report them and find possible solutions. Deliver good customer service which balances quality and cost effectiveness.TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENTREMUNERATIONThe starting salary for the post is ?25,000 per annum, based on a full time 37 hour week.Pension - Working at the CCRC, you will be eligible to join the Civil Service pension arrangements, which form an important part of the pay and reward package we offer our employees. If you join the pension arrangements, we will contribute a significant amount of money to your pension.This is a Permanent position. A secondment or loan will also be considered.BENEFITSThe opportunity to work remotely – attending the Birmingham office only when necessary. The CCRC will provide you with the Information Technology to allow you to do so. A working culture which encourages inclusion and?diversity.29 working days annual leave allowance, in addition to 8 statutory bank and public holidays.The Civil Service Pensions Scheme - A competitive contributory pension scheme that you can enter as soon as you join where we will make a significant contribution to the cost of your pension; where your contributions come out of your salary before any tax is taken; and where your pension will continue to provide valuable benefits for you and your family if you are too ill to continue to work or die before you retire. Visit Civil Service Pensions for more information.Generous paid maternity, paternity and shared parental leave (SPL) which is in excess of the statutory minimum.Interest-free loans allowing you to spread the cost of an annual travel season ticket and the purchase of a bicycle;Occupational Health Services and an Employee Assistance Programme;3 paid volunteering days per year;Free eye tests and contribution towards lenses/spectacles for VDU users, if appropriate;We have Flexible working patterns including access to a Flexible Working Scheme, allowing you to vary your working day as long as you work your total hours per week. SECURITY CLEARANCEThis role requires clearance to CTC (Counter Terrorist Check) level before any appointment can be confirmed. This process can take up to 12 weeks. To meet CTC requirements, you will normally need to have been resident in the UK for at least 3 years prior to the date of application. If you have spent significant time abroad (a total of 6 months in the past 3 years) you will be required to give a reasonable account of the reasons why.?If you do not meet the above requirement, you may still be considered if, for example:You've been serving overseas with HM Forces or in some other official capacity as a representative of HM GovernmentYou were studying abroadYou were living overseas with parentsIn such cases you will need to be able to provide referee cover for the period(s) of residence overseas. The duration of overseas residence and the country of abode will also be taken into account.LOCATIONThe Customer Service Officer will work remotely most of the time, attending our central Birmingham office only when necessary. The role also involves travel for casework investigations and other business-related purposes e.g. conferences and training, as and when necessary with potential overnight stays. Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not overseas.?CODE OF CONDUCTStaff are expected to abide by a written Code of Conduct. Staff are also bound by provisions in the Act that make it an offence to disclose information obtained by the Commission in the exercise of its functions, except in certain prescribed circumstances.WORKING AT THE COMMISSIONThe Commission actively seeks to provide a supportive environment in which all staff are encouraged to, and can, give their best. Employees are encouraged to share their knowledge with colleagues and to develop their skills and experience.APPLICATION AND SELECTIONThe closing date for applications is 11.55pm on Sunday 1st August 2021. To apply, please provide us with: your CV or equivalent biographical information - no longer than 4 sides of A4. Please ensure you do not include anything that that identifies you individually, such as age, gender, ethnicity or disability status;a personal statement of no more than 1,250 words outlining how you meet the Essential and Desirable Criteria in the Experience section of the Person Specification. an outline of how you meet each Behaviour, as listed in the Person Specification. Please use a maximum of 250 words for each behaviour. a completed Personal Details and Equal Opportunities monitoring form. Completed applications should be sent to: hr@.ukTest All applicants will be invited to complete two online Civil Service tests. Further details can be found here. You will be sent a link to the test shortly after the vacancy closing date. You will have 7 days to complete the tests. If you require any particular arrangements (for example due to a disability or health problem) to be made in order for you to complete the online test you MUST contact the HR team at HR@.uk BEFORE accessing the online test. Details of reasonable adjustments for online tests can be found here.Sift If you have met the required standard in the tests your application will be sifted on evidence provided in your CV, Personal Statement and Behaviour outlines. Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the lead behaviour, Communicating and Influencing. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.Interview The interview will be a combined interview mixing questions to test your Experience, Behaviours and Strengths. We do not advertise the Strengths being tested as we want to hear your first, unrehearsed, natural response to Strength questions.Coronavirus We are closely monitoring the situation with regard to Coronavirus and will be following central Government advice as it is issued. There is therefore a risk that recruitment to this post may be subject to change at short notice. Please continue to follow the application process as normal and ensure that you check your emails regularly for any updates from us as this is how we will communicate with you. If you are successful at the sift stage you will be invited to an interview, which will be held via Microsoft Teams.Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.Reserve List A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.Disability Confident Scheme As a Disability Confident employer, we positively welcome applications from individuals with disabilities and we make adjustments, wherever possible, to include everybody in our recruitment and selection process. The Commission is committed to:Interviewing all applicants with a disability who pass any online Civil Service tests and meet the minimum standard for the advertised essential criteria;Providing a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process; Being flexible when assessing people, so disabled job applicants have the best opportunity to demonstrate that they can do the job and; Making reasonable adjustments through the recruitment and selection process.We guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum selection criteria. By minimum criteria we mean that you must pass any online Civil Service tests and provide us with evidence in your application that you meet the level of Experience, Technical, Behaviours and Abilities defined as essential. Please see page 4 of the Equal Opportunities form for more details. If you require any assistance with applying, please contact hr@.ukIf you require any assistance or adjustments to be made at the interview, please contact us on hr@.uk or complete the box on page 4 of the Equal Opportunities form. If you are selected for appointment, the Commission will carry out enquiries into your previous employment, your availability to work in the UK and your health. It is a requirement that the post holder achieves the necessary security clearance level. Existing Civil Servants sign a new employment contract and do not have continuous service on joining the CCRC, however, pensionable service with the Civil Service Pension Scheme would continue.NATIONALITYThe post is open to UK Nationals, Commonwealth Citizens, EEA nationals of other member states, Swiss nationals and certain non-EEA family members. Applicants must have been resident in the United Kingdom for at least three years preceding the application. Other nationalities may also be able to apply, but there should be no employment restriction on an applicant’s permitted stay in the United Kingdom. If unsure of your status, please follow the links below or contact the HR team on hr@.ukCivil Service Nationality RulesCountries in the EU and EAAVISASAs a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came into effect on 1 January 2021, the CCRC will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical.The role currently being advertised has not been assessed as business critical and is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points based system. Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.EQUAL OPPORTUNITYThe Commission welcomes applications from candidates regardless of ethnic origin, religious belief, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age or other irrelevant factors. Commissioners and staff are expected to adopt the same principles of equality when carrying out their duties for the Commission, both internally and when dealing with external stakeholders.DATA PROTECTION ACT 2018As part of any recruitment process, the CCRC collects and processes personal data relating to job applicants. The CCRC is committed to being transparent about how it collects and uses that data and to meeting its data protection obligations.The CCRC will hold recruitment records for a period of two years after the end of the relevant recruitment process. This will ensure that there is sufficient information to conduct an investigation if you submit a complaint. At the end of that period or once you withdraw your consent, your data is deleted or destroyed. If you agree to allow the organisation to keep your personal data on file, the CCRC will hold your data on file for consideration for future employment opportunities. At the end of that period or once you withdraw your consent, your data is deleted or destroyed.If your application for employment is successful, personal data gathered during the recruitment process will be transferred to your personnel file and retained during your employment. The periods for which your data will be held will be provided to you in a new privacy notice.Please see our website for further details.? COMPLAINTSIf you wish to make a complaint in relation to any stage of the recruitment and selection process, please email Robin Davis, Head of Human Resources at hr@.uk. Please ensure that you quote the vacancy reference number. If you remain dissatisfied following the outcome of your complaint you have the right to contact the Ministry of Justice to pursue it further. ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download