A higher percentage of Ministry of Justice staff received bonuses last year compared with the year before – and the average size of bonuses was also up, according to figures released today. 

The ministry’s Diversity Report for 2014/15 shows that in 2014/15, 11.3% of staff received special bonuses, up from 8.5% in 2013/14. The average bonus level also increased – it was £290 in 2014/15 compared with £270 in 2013/14.

The report states that the average level of bonus award was higher among more senior staff compared with junior grades.

Bonuses awarded to staff in the 40-49 age bracket in 2014/15 had the highest average value (£320). Bonuses awarded to staff in the 20-29 age group had the lowest average value (£230).

An MoJ spokesperson said: ‘We have a scheme in place to reward those who make an exceptional contribution to the department’s work.

‘Rewards are based on assessments of individual performance and subject to scrutiny by senior management. We closely monitor the scheme to ensure it is applied fairly.’

Meanwhile, the number of MoJ staff told they ‘must improve’ in their appraisal rating has increased by 50%, from 2% of staff in 2013/14 to 3% last year. A ‘good’ rating was awarded to 84% of staff compared with 81% in 2013/14; 13% were ‘outstanding’ compared with 17% the previous year.

The report provides diversity analysis for the ministry and its associated agencies: the National Offender Management Service, Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service, the Legal Aid Agency and the Office of the Public Guardian.

MoJ diversity champion Ann Beasley said the ministry's aim was 'for staff at all levels of the department to understand and value difference and promote an open and inclusive workplace'.

Beasley said she was ‘keen that staff feel able to bring their “whole self” into each work day, both for their own wellbeing and effectiveness and that of the organisation more generally’.

The report states that the overall number of grievances was approximately 1.8 per 100 staff in 2014/15, compared with 1.6 per 100 staff the previous year.

Investigations remained similar to 2013/14 figures at 2.1 per 100 staff, but conduct and discipline cases fell from 1.3 per 100 staff in 2013/14 to 1.1 per 100 staff in 2014/15.

The number of people who joined the ministry in 2014/15 more than doubled – 5,460 people compared with 2,500 the previous year.

The number of people who left the ministry fell from 7,240 in 2013/14 to 6,180 the following year. On 31 March 2015 the total headcount was 70,040. 

Promotion rates remained stable between 2013/14, with 4% of staff promoted in both years.

Fewer staff were working flexibly compared with the previous year.

As of March 2015, 17% of staff were on some form of flexible-working pattern, which includes compressed hours and home working. This represented a decrease of three percentage points on the previous year.