JOB SUMMARY

The Victim Witness Care Unit (VWCU) was established on 16 March 2023 and provides a central point of contact to victims and witnesses, providing support and guidance during their journey through the Service Justice System (SJS). The unit was created following several independent reviews of the SJS, where it was identified that there was an inconsistency in the level of support offered to victims and vulnerable witnesses of crime across Defence. The VWCU puts victims and witnesses at the heart of the investigative and judicial process, providing a truly end-to-end service for victims and witnesses of crime, from initial contact through to court and beyond.
The VWCU is independent of Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force chains of command and provides a central point of contact to victims and witnesses of serious crimes committed by service personnel in the UK and abroad. Our team of civilian Victim Liaison Officers (VLO) are trained to listen and provide coordinated support that is tailored to the individual. Our VLOs will ensure their clients voice is heard and their rights are met.
This position is advertised at 37 hours per week, with at least 3 days in office.

JOB DESCRIPTION

This is an exciting opportunity to be the Deputy Head of a diverse and high-profile department, in a relatively new service within Defence, who have already exceeded expectations by providing a person centred and Trauma Informed Approach in supporting their clients through their journey in the SJS. You will support the Head of Department in continuing to supply and improve the standard of victim and witness support. You will work with multi-agencies and advise at a senior level on sensitive and time critical matters affecting victim’s rights and well-being.
The post-holder will be responsible for the daily management of the VWCU, assisting with the direction and policy, improving culture, building public and organisational confidence and trust in the SJS. They will be accountable to the Head of Department and ultimately Provost Marshal (Serious Crime) for ensuring the delivery of service and, support to victims and witnesses of crime, which are delivered alongside current legislation and industry best practice. They will be responsible for the VWCU safeguarding of victims and witnesses of serious crime, as well as the team of Victim Liaison Officers (VLO), ensuring that their welfare and continuous development needs are met.

BENEFITS

Alongside your salary of £44,590, Ministry of Defence contributes £12,917 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
As a civil servant within VWCU, you will be part of a forward-looking organisation with inclusive workplace policies, and a job that makes a difference. VWCU prides itself on being a supportive employer and where possible encourages flexible working, helping you to maintain a great work/life balance.

Other benefits for civil servants include:

• 25 Days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
• Personal & professional development
• Access to a confidential, professional support service
• Discount schemes.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
• Special paid leave to volunteer up to 6 days a year.
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.
• Our office in Defence School of Policing and Security (DSPS) in Fareham, also offers an impressive range of on-site facilities including a gymnasium, swimming pool, and other sporting facilities, a coffee shop, a shop and plenty of free car parking spaces

Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working. This is a non-contractual arrangement where all office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD office, will also count towards this level of attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements.
The post does not offer relocation expenses.
External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.
Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.
Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.
Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.
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NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS

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)
• 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

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

As Deputy Head of the VWCU you will be responsible for:

• To manage a department of Victim Liaison Officers including the overall responsibility for welfare, development and performance issues. Working with the military case manager to prioritise and manage caseloads
• Ensuring that the resources of the unit are effectively managed, and performance is maximised, including conducting case reviews for quality assurance
• Alongside the Head of department, identify and monitor areas of change and growth. Introduce and support new initiatives and policy changes in line with legislative amendments and MoD polices
• Take responsibility for managing change within victim and witness services ensuring compliance and consistency throughout the department.
• Work collaboratively and manage relations with internal stakeholders and partner organisations including DSCU, Service Police, Service Prosecution Authority, Prosecution Witness Liaison Unit, Military Courts Service, Probation Service, Military Corrective Training Centre, Prison Service, Public Protection Units, Local Authorities and support agencies to ensure a cohesive and collaborative approach, establishment of good practice and identifying risk when necessary
• To advocate for the delivery of quality victim care at a senior level with an expert understanding of the Service Justice System, Victim Code of Practice, Witness Charter and other guidance and legislation around care and support for the departments clients base
• To represent victim and witness services on a number of internal and external platforms providing advice and guidance where required, by delivering tailored briefings and presentations to all levels of Defence and external organisations
• To monitor performance data against key performance indicators, ensuring the processes and procedures are fit for purpose. This will identify areas for continuous improvement and professional development of the service provided
• To ensure relevant performance data is collated and shared with partners for all of the business areas
• To act as line manager for the civil service and contracted VLOs
• To act as Head of Department in their absence

This is a busy role requiring prompt action and excellent organisational skills. The post holder will also need to be able to draft clear and concise reports for senior officers and Ministers on complex and sensitive matters. Occasional travel outside of location will be required