Offender Subject Access Request Team

General Information

Salary

£25,582

Working Pattern

Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working

Vacancy Approach

External

Location

Burton-upon-Trent, Jarrow

Region

East Midlands, North East

Closing Date

28-Nov-2025

Post Type

Permanent

Civil Service Grade

AO

Number of jobs available

8

Reserve List

12 Months

Job ID

11607

Descriptions & requirements

Job description

Offender Subject Access (SAR) Request Team - Vetting Officer

Job description

About the Department

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is one of the largest government departments, employing around 70,000 people (including those in the Probation Service), with a budget of approximately £9 billion. Each year, millions of people use our services across the UK - including at 500 courts and tribunals, and 133 prisons in England and Wales.

What we do

We work to protect the public and reduce reoffending, and to provide a more effective, transparent, and responsive criminal justice system for victims and the public. We are also responsible for the following parts of the justice system:

• Courts

• Prisons

• Probation services

• Attendance centres.

We also work in partnership with other government departments and agencies to reform the criminal justice system, to serve the public and support the victims of crime. We are also responsible for making new laws, strengthening democracy, and safeguarding human rights.

New entrants to the Civil Service will be expected to join on the minimum of the pay range. Existing Civil Servants will have their salary calculated in accordance with the Department's pay on transfer/pay on promotion rules.

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace w everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about how we do this visit:

Background

The Offender Subject Access Request team sits within the MoJ's Security, Services and Information Governance Group Directorate, which has a broad range of responsibilities including corporate communications through to information management and records compliance. As part of the Directorate's Information Services Division, our aim is to ensure the MoJ holds information in compliance with legislation, that all information is correctly stored, accessible, and shared appropriately, and our information is protected, and the risks managed. We believe that knowing what information and records we have and having the right information available at the right time by those who need it or request it, is at the heart of an excellent justice system.

The Offender SAR team manage and process over 6,000 Subject Access Requests (SARs) on behalf of the MoJ per annum.

Role Purpose

You will be joining an established team that provides a dedicated and expert function in processing offender SARs. We ensure that offenders are supported through their sentence and rehabilitation by having access to the right information at the right time, by responding to requests in full and within statutory timescales.

The successful candidate will become a Vetting Officer within the vetting team that is responsible for reviewing offender information and determining what information can be disd in line with the Data Protection Act This role is a vital part of the Offender SAR function.

The role involves viewing sensitive offender information that contains details of offences which can be of an explicit nature. Due to the volume and complexity of the information you'll be handling, careful attention to detail is a must. You will be required to have strong English reading and comprehension skills.

Main Activities / Responsibilities

The job holder will be required to undertake the following duties and responsibilities:

Process personal information requested in a SAR and determine what information can be dis

• d in line with the DPA.
• Reading large volumes of sensitive information mainly in digital format as well as occasional hard copy, this needs to be done with care and accuracy.

• Applying redactions to offender information in line with the DPA exemptions.

• Using computer systems to accurately record your decisions.

• Occasional ad hoc office duties, including some light manual handling (site specific)

• You will demonstrate and encourage behaviours which support the MoJ and Civil Service values.

Essential Skills and Experience

• The ability to handle highly sensitive and explicit personal data with the utmost discretion, confidentiality, and professionalism.
• Proven capability to manage workloads effectively, prioritising tasks to meet stringent deadlines while maintaining high standards of quality.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in the review, recording, and maintenance of information.
• Ability to work independently, exercising sound judgment and initiative.
• A commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Teams, Outlook, and Adobe software.
• Excellent command of the English language, with strong reading comprehension and written communication skills.

Desirable Experience

• Working knowledge of the DPA and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

• Experience of handing confidential information with sensitivity, professionalism and integrity

• Experience of working in or with HMPPS

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

Application

Behaviours

• Making Effective Decisions
• Managing a Quality Service
• Delivering at Pace

Sift

As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete a 250 -word personal statement demonstrating how you meet the essential skills and experience for the role.

Interview

If you are invited to interview, Strengths and Behaviours will be tested.

The following Behaviours will be assessed at interview.

• Making Effective Decisions
• Managing a Quality Service
• Delivering at Pace

Strength questions

• Making Effective Decisions (Strength: Decisive)
• Managing a Quality Service (Strength: Efficient)

Additional Information

Working Arrangements & Further Information

The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements w 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 role: 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, w 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.

T 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. T 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.

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.GOV.UK or Childcare Choices. You can determine your eligibility at
• 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 Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-);
• To Ministry of Justice Resourcing team (resourcing-management-);
  To the Civil Service Commission (details available- )

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.

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

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.

Diversity & Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wver it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

A Great Place to Work for Veterans

The "Making the Civil Service a Great Place to work for veterans" initiative includes a guaranteed interview scheme to those who meet the minimum criteria to provide eligible former members of the Armed Forces with opportunities to secure rewarding jobs. Allowing veterans to continue to serve their country, and to bring highly skilled individuals with a broad range of experience into the Civil Service in an environment, which recognises and values your previous service in the Armed Forces.

For further details about the initiative and eligibility requirements visit:

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)
• 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)

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 Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-

Please quote the job reference 11607

HMPPS

If you require any assistance please call Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-

Please quote the job reference

Job Description Attachment

• Vetting Job Desc - Updated Nov (Job Description Attachment)

Select new file
Application form stage assessments

Behaviours

A sift based on the lead behaviour, Making Effective Decisions, may be held if a large number of applications are received. If a large number of applications remain after the initial sift, your application will be progressed to a full sift, w all behaviours will then be considered.

Behaviours Application Form Question Word Limit

250

Making Effective Decisions

Managing a Quality Service

Delivering at Pace

Experience

We will assess your experience for this role via the following methods

Statement of Suitability

Evidence of Experience

Statement of Suitability

Interview stage assessments

Interview Dates

Interviews are expected to start from the 15th of December

Behaviours

Making Effective Decisions

Managing a Quality Service

Delivering at Pace

Strengths

Strengths will be assessed but these are not shared in advance. To learn more about Strengths and how they are assessed .

Level of security checks required

Baseline Personnal Security Standard (BPSS)

Use of Artificial Intelligence (Al)

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. W plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

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