Historian

Sometimes things go wrong. At the CCRC we help to put them right.

We are the independent public body that investigates potential miscarriages of justice. It is down to us to tackle complex issues across a broad range of criminal cases. We have dealt with some of the most serious miscarriages of justice of the last 50 years.

This is your opportunity to play a part in this essential, often life-changing work.

At the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), we work in the interests of justice, and we are wholly independent. We do not represent the police, prosecution, court, or government. We do not represent the person applying for a review of their case. Staying independent helps us investigate alleged miscarriages of justice objectively and impartially.

We have unique statutory powers that allow us to obtain any material in the possession or control of a public body, including sensitive material like medical or intelligence records. Not only that, but we are empowered to form a complete picture of a case from start to finish, and we are the only people who can send a case back to court for a second or subsequent appeal.

For more information about the work we do, please click here

We are expanding our communications team and are looking for talented and energetic staff to join a growing team. Communications is a core function for the CCRC – to help make applicants and the legal sector aware of our services, to liaise with the media on cases, and to promote the academic research the CCRC supports to benefit the wider criminal justice system.

This is an exciting opportunity, as the CCRC is looking to appoint its first Historian, to focus on the project of writing up the 800+ cases the organisation has referred to the courts in its 25-year history.

The successful applicant must have a good news sense and ability to write in a concise manner, likely with a background in media writing. They will contribute copy to a new section, which will be created on our website to house a table briefly listing all 800 cases in an ‘accordion’ style (whereby clicking on the case will expand more information). The successful applicant will be given access to existing case notes on the 800+ cases, and it will be expected that around 20 cases per week are uploaded to the website.

The Historian will also be expected to use their news judgement to identify cases of particular interest and write them up for the ‘Case Studies’ section of our website. While a target is not set for this, it would be hoped that we have at least 10 long-read cases on our website by the end of their six-month contract.

They will also be expected to work with the Head of News to identify legacy cases that could be promoted to media, for example at times of anniversaries or when similar cases are in the news.

Does this sound like the role for you?

Essential criteria:

• A strong news sense and ability to write concise but detailed copy about often complex and legally sensitive matters.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Resilient and able to deliver to a high standard at pace.
• Demonstration of ability to project manage lengthy and complicated tasks. Excellent organisational skills will be needed to prioritise tasks and work in a team to support on delivery.

Please refer to the candidate information pack for further details.

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

• Communicating and Influencing
• Managing a Quality Service
• Delivering at Pace
• Seeing the Big Picture

We offer a wide range of benefits, including flexible working options. You can also look forward to:

• A Civil Service pension - this will see us making a significant contribution to your pension fund
• 29 days' annual leave allowance (pro rata), in addition to eight statutory bank holidays and special leave allowance for your birthday
• Generous paid maternity, paternity and shared parental leave (SPL) which is in excess of the statutory minimum
• We have flexible working patterns, including access to a flexible working scheme;
• We also operate a flexi time system which means you can build up to two additional days off per month
• Remote working (anywhere in the UK) - we will supply a chair, monitor and all the kit you need to work from home comfortably and safely
• Reimbursement for any travel, subsistence, and expenses
• 3 paid volunteering days per year
• Access to retail discounts and a cashback site
• Occupational Health Services and an Employee Assistance Programme
• Free eye tests and a contribution towards lenses or spectacles for VDU users

To find out more and apply, please visit our website.

Job contact :

Name :
CCRC HR Team
Email :
hr@ccrc.gov.uk

Recruitment team :

Email :
hr@ccrc.gov.uk