About this role
### Location
Birmingham, Burton-upon-Trent, Cannock, Coventry, Dudley, Hereford, Kidderminster, Leamington Spa, Nuneaton, Redditch, Shrewsbury, Stafford, Stoke-on-Trent, Tamworth, Telford, Walsall, West Bromwich, Wolverhampton, Worcester
Job description
Continuous Improvement Officer
Role Summary
The Continuous Improvement Officer will contribute to delivering excellence across the West Midlands Region by supporting and leading continuous improvement activity in collaboration with the Midlands Change Delivery Team. The role focuses on identifying opportunities to improve services, processes, systems and ways of working, delivering measurable benefits that enhance operational effectiveness, efficiency and service outcomes.
Working as part of the Continuous Improvement Team, you will manage and deliver improvement projects from initiation through to implementation and evaluation. Projects may vary in scope and complexity and can include dashboard and reporting solutions, process redesign, service improvement, digital innovation and organisational change initiatives.
The successful candidate will work closely with stakeholders at all levels to understand business needs, analyse current practices and develop practical, evidence-based solutions. Using continuous improvement methodologies and structured problem-solving techniques, they will identify opportunities for improvement, oversee implementation activities and ensure agreed benefits are delivered and sustained.
The role requires strong organisational, analytical and communication skills, along with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and organisational needs. The postholder will regularly provide updates, present findings and recommendations, and report on project outcomes to the Continuous Improvement Team and Regional Project Board, supporting informed decision-making and effective governance.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and support the delivery of continuous improvement and business change projects from initiation through to implementation, evaluation and benefits realisation.
- Identify, assess and prioritise opportunities for improvement that support regional and organisational objectives.
- Engage with stakeholders, operational colleagues and subject matter experts to understand business needs and improvement opportunities.
- Facilitate stakeholder discussions, process reviews and problem-solving activities to define project scope, identify root causes and develop effective solutions.
- Apply continuous improvement methodologies, lean principles, process mapping techniques and structured problem-solving tools to improve efficiency, effectiveness and service delivery.
- Analyse qualitative and quantitative information to support evidence-based decision-making and identify trends, risks, opportunities and performance improvements.
- Develop proposals, recommendations, business cases and implementation plans for consideration by stakeholders and governance boards.
- Work collaboratively with stakeholders to design, test, implement, embed and evaluate new processes, systems and ways of working.
- Monitor project progress, risks, dependencies, milestones and deliverables, ensuring issues are managed and escalated appropriately.
- Measure, evaluate and evidence project outcomes, ensuring agreed benefits are realised and sustained.
- Prepare and deliver project updates, findings, recommendations and lessons learnt to the Continuous Improvement Team and Regional Project Board.
- Promote a culture of innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement across the region.
- Capture and share learning from improvement activity to support future project delivery and organisational development.
Skills, Knowledge and Experience
Information Technology and Digital Innovation
Experience of developing and deploying digital solutions and automation within the Microsoft Power Platform environment is desirable, including Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI, Microsoft Copilot and Power Virtual Agents, although candidates who can demonstrate the aptitude and willingness to learn these technologies at pace are encouraged to apply.
Strong Microsoft Office skills are essential, particularly in Microsoft Excel, including advanced functions, data analysis and reporting.
The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent digital literacy and a willingness to learn and adopt new technologies, systems and platforms as required by project needs. This may include SharePoint, Microsoft Lists, Microsoft Forms, Planner, Loop, workflow automation tools, AI-enabled technologies and other emerging digital solutions.
Candidates should be capable of identifying opportunities where technology can improve efficiency, automate processes, enhance reporting and support data-driven decision-making.
Proficiency in these areas may be assessed during the recruitment process.
Continuous Improvement and Business Change
Possess a recognised Continuous Improvement qualification or demonstrate a willingness to undertake and successfully complete the required qualification programme.
Demonstrate an understanding of continuous improvement methodologies, lean principles, process mapping, root cause analysis and structured problem-solving approaches.
Be able to challenge existing ways of working constructively, identify opportunities for innovation and support the successful delivery and embedding of sustainable organisational change.
Communication, Stakeholder Engagement and Influencing
Build and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, senior managers, operational teams and partner organisations.
Communicate complex information, analysis and recommendations clearly and effectively, adapting style and approach to suit different audiences.
Demonstrate confidence in facilitating discussions, influencing decision-making, presenting information to stakeholders and gaining support for improvement initiatives.
Be capable of constructively challenging current practice whilst maintaining positive and collaborative working relationships.
Project Delivery, Change Management and Benefits Realisation
Work collaboratively with the Midlands Change Delivery Team to identify, scope, plan and deliver improvement projects and change initiatives.
Demonstrate the ability to manage project activities, milestones, risks, dependencies and stakeholders whilst adapting to changing organisational priorities.
Support the development of business cases, project proposals and implementation plans, ensuring initiatives deliver measurable and sustainable benefits aligned to organisational objectives.
Monitor and evaluate project outcomes, evidencing benefits realisation and embedding successful improvements into operational practice.
Data Analysis, Insight and Performance Measurement
Identify and apply appropriate analytical approaches to assess current performance, measure outcomes and evaluate improvement activity.
Translate data and information into meaningful insights and recommendations that support decision-making and continuous improvement.
Demonstrate the ability to interpret qualitative and quantitative information to identify trends, opportunities, risks and areas requiring intervention.
Compliance, Governance and Assurance
Work in accordance with organisational governance frameworks, statutory requirements, policies and controls.
Maintain accurate records and ensure appropriate governance, assurance and decision-making processes are followed throughout project lifecycles.
Support assurance activity through effective documentation, reporting and evidence gathering.
Risk Management and Problem Solving
Identify risks, issues, dependencies and opportunities that may impact project delivery and develop appropriate mitigation strategies.
Apply structured analytical thinking, root cause analysis and problem-solving techniques to identify sustainable, evidence-based solutions and support effective decision-making.
Continuous Learning and Innovation
Demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional development and a willingness to learn new skills, technologies and methodologies.
Support innovation through the identification, evaluation and adoption of new ideas, technologies and ways of working that improve services, efficiency and organisational effectiveness.
Working Arrangements
The base location for this role is flexible and can be any office within the West Midlands Region. The post holder will be required to travel across the region to support stakeholder engagement, project delivery and attendance at governance meetings.
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). 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, the successful candidate(s) will be appointed to a MoJ office location, which may include their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. This will be discussed and agreed on the completion of pre-employment checks.
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.
Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week excluding breaks which are unpaid. HMPPS 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 HMPPS’ 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, plus public holidays. Leave for part-time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro-rata basis
Pension
The National Probation Service is covered by the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) run through the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF). Please visit www.gmpf.org.uk for further information.
Please note: Any current Civil Servant who is a member of the PCSPS, by accepting an offer of employment to the National Probation Services will be opted out of the PCSPS and auto enrolled into the Local Government Pension Scheme.
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.
Eligibility
Staff on fixed term appointments must have been recruited through fair and open competition.
All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to taking up post.
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.GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs/tax-free-childcare) or Childcare Choices (https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/) . 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 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) );
- To Ministry of Justice Resourcing team ( [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) );
- To the Civil Service Commission (details available here (https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/recruitment/recruitment-complaints/) )
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 (https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gov.uk%2Fsettled-status-eu-citizens-families&data=05%7C01%7Cchristopher.jeffery%40soprasteria.com%7C8a2293860362402c15da08dbf4cff146%7C8b87af7d86474dc78df45f69a2011bb5%7C0%7C0%7C638372946312587803%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=s%2BxUsev%2BGeeK%2FLgTUjpjfTJu%2FjpKQZ%2BQPJXNduvik3Q%3D&reserved=0)
- 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 [email protected]
Please quote the job reference 23042
HMPPS
If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail [email protected]
Please quote the job reference 23042
Strengths will be assessed but these are not shared in advance. To learn more about Strengths and how they are assessed please click here (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/success-profiles/success-profiles-strengths).
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. Where 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.