At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage prison services, empowering women in the criminal justice system.
- Company: Advance Charity, a feminist organisation dedicated to supporting women and girls.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, employee discounts, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to equality and safeguarding.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in women's lives while working in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in prison services and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35340 - 40920 £ per year.
Are you looking for a dynamic and rewarding role working for an organisation with the feminist agenda at the core of its ethos? Then Advance Charity could be the career choice for you!
We are looking for an Operations Manager – Prison Services.
Salary: £35,340 – £40,920 pro rata
Location: HMP Peterborough, HMP Bronzefield and our Hammersmith head office. During the week you will spend at least 3 days in face-to-face, in-person contact either in the Prison Estate, Hammersmith Head Office or external visits. Up to 2 days per week can be done remotely.
Hours: 35 hours per week
Contract: Fixed Term – until 31st March 2027 with a possibility of an extension
This post is open to female applicants only as being female is deemed to be a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.
Please note: Any offer of employment will be made subject to references, confirmation of the right to work in the UK, and satisfactory enhanced DBS check. This role is also subject to Police Vetting.
About us
Advance is an award-winning and innovative women-only organisation, established in 1998, providing emotional and practical support to women and girls survivors of domestic abuse and supporting women with short-term sentences to reduce offending. We believe in empowering women and girls to lead safe, non-violent, equal lives so that they can flourish and contribute to the community.
We are a community-based organisation who lead in best practice approaches to supporting women in their local community. We achieve this by being available to meet and support women in local settings and at our women’s centres, and by working in close partnership with other agencies.
Our values are to listen and support, to empower and respect, collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
About the role:
As an experienced manager with a proven track record of leadership in providing services in prisons and possibly, to women in contact with the Criminal Justice System you will work collaboratively with other partner organisations, criminal justice services, Ministry of Justice and HMPPS. You will manage the prisons advocacy services and teams for unsentenced and sentenced women within the custodial settings at HMP Peterborough and HMP Bronzefield. You will have a great understanding of the prison systems and regime including some of the challenges faced.
You will build and maintain key relationships, partnerships and contracts with relevant partners and funders, together with the Head of Criminal Justice Services and Director of Criminal Justice Services.
You will be an inspirational leader, responsible for recruiting, developing and managing a team and will be responsible for coordinating, reporting, and the delivery of the related services as commissioned by the Ministry of Justice. You will be accountable for managing your teams safely and securely whilst carrying out all activities within the prison setting.
A car may be desirable for this role, though not essential.
About You:
To be successful as the Operations Manager for Prison Services you will need the below experience and skills:
- A thorough understanding of and knowledge of the issues relating to women in the criminal justice system.
- A sound knowledge of safeguarding adult and children principles, child abuse, child protection issues and safeguarding.
- Experience of working within a custodial setting.
- Significant experience of working with women and/or service users with a complex range of needs, particularly within the criminal justice system, in custody and/or community.
- Experience of developing relationships with funders/commissioners and achieving required outcomes.
- Experience of implementing quality assurance frameworks, monitoring, evaluating and measuring impact.
- Strong influencing skills, enthusiasm, self-confidence, excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills, and a can-do proactive solution-focused approach.
- Strong negotiating skills and the ability to build strong and effective relationships and partnerships, dealing with ambiguity and resolving conflict effectively, achieving the right outcomes for the organisation, collaborating and networking.
- Able to think, act and plan strategically to develop practical and creative solutions to the management of existing and new services and complex problems that may arise while maintaining high levels of diplomacy and professionalism.
How to apply:
Please submit your up-to-date CV with a supporting statement. Please note that only applications made via the job advert on the Advance careers page, and those that include a cover letter will be considered.
Closing Date for Applications: Sunday 9th August 2026
Interviews are taking place on: w/c 10th August 2026
Advance reserves the right to close the advert early, or on the appointment of a candidate.
What we can offer you - Employee Benefits:
- A 35-hour working week
- An exceptional 30 days of paid holiday per year (pro rata for part time), PLUS public holidays on top (that's nearly 40 days paid holiday per year!)
- Additional days off to celebrate International Women’s Day, and for religious observance and moving home
- Perkbox - an employee discount platform where you can receive free rewards as well as take advantage of savings on clothes, groceries, travel, leisure and more
- Pension scheme
- Enhanced maternity/adoption provision
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
- Employee eye-care scheme
- Clinical supervision for front line staff and first line management roles
- Refer a Friend Scheme - £250 for each referral who passes probation
- Organisation wide away days
- One-week paid carers’ leave
- Career development pathways
Under the Equality Act 2010, we are required to make any reasonable adjustments. If you have a disability as defined under this act and/or have special needs, please email the Talent Acquisition Team via the Advance website and will aim to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.
Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunities
We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and actively seek to recruit people from groups underrepresented in our current team. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay and benefits.
Safeguarding
Advance is committed to safeguarding and creating a culture of zero-tolerance of harm and expects all staff, including volunteers to share this commitment. We believe all individuals have the right to live their life free from violence and abuse and the right to feel and be safe. We have a suite of safeguarding policies, procedures and practice guidance, accessible to all staff, which promotes safeguarding and safer working practices across all our services and activities. When we recruit staff, we follow rigorous safer recruitment practices, this involves carrying out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and identity checks. We ensure all staff undertake mandatory safeguarding training relevant to their role and responsibilities, to empower them to be competent and feel confident in recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding issues and promote wellbeing.
Operations Manager - Prison Services in Ashford employer: Advance
Advance is an exceptional employer dedicated to supporting women affected by the criminal justice system, offering a compassionate work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. Located in Hammersmith, our team enjoys flexible working hours, competitive salaries, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve. We foster a collaborative environment where staff are encouraged to develop their skills and advance their careers while contributing to vital community support initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager - Prison Services in Ashford
✨Get Involved in Local Volunteering
Dive into some local volunteering opportunities! Nonprofits often look for temp workers who have a connection to the community they serve. By getting involved, you not only gain experience but also make valuable contacts in the sector.
✨Tap into Nonprofit Networks
Use platforms like Idealist or local nonprofit job boards to find temporary gigs. These spaces are buzzing with opportunities specifically tailored for social impact projects, making it easier for us to spot the ideal role at companies like Advance!
✨Attend Sector-Specific Events
Join meetings, workshops, or talks hosted by organisations in the nonprofit realm. These events are perfect for making connections and learning about temporary roles that might not be widely advertised. Plus, you can showcase your passion for social impact right there!
✨Don’t Forget Online Applications!
When you spot a temporary role at Advance that piques your interest, go ahead and apply through their website! Tailor your message to highlight how your skills align with their mission – it shows you care about the cause, which is key in this field.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager - Prison Services in Ashford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Impact:In the world of nonprofits, it's all about the passion and commitment to making a difference. Make sure your cover letter speaks genuinely about why you're excited about this role at Advance. Share any experiences you've had with social impact projects or volunteering — it shows you live and breathe the cause!
Highlight Relevant Experience and Skills:For a temporary position in the nonprofit sector, focus on showcasing any specific skills or experience related to project management, community engagement, or fundraising. List any relevant work or volunteer roles on your CV, and consider including quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous positions.
References from the Sector:Including references from previous roles in the nonprofit world can really bolster your application. If you've worked on similar social-impact projects before, ask those colleagues or supervisors if they'd be willing to vouch for your skills. This adds credibility and shows you're trusted in the sector, which can be a big plus for Advance.
Be Ready for a Quick Turnaround:Since this role is temporary, let your interest shine through in your application! Mention in your cover letter your availability to start immediately or at short notice. It shows you're keen and ready to dive right into the exciting work at Advance!
How to prepare for a job interview at Advance
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
When interviewing for a role in the non-profit sector, especially for a temporary position, it's crucial to convey your genuine passion for social impact. Discuss why the mission of Advance resonates with you and share personal experiences that reflect your commitment to similar causes.
✨Demonstrate Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Non-profit projects often require quick pivots and resourcefulness. Be ready to share examples from your past where you've adapted to changing circumstances or tackled unexpected challenges. This will show your potential as a valuable, nimble team member for the Operations Manager - Prison Services position.
✨Know Your Community Tools
Familiarise yourself with any tools or platforms that are widely used in the non-profit sector like project management software or stakeholder engagement tools. Show your readiness to hit the ground running in your temporary role by discussing any experience you have with these or similar platforms.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to field scenario-based questions during your interview to assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think about how you would handle challenges typical of the non-profit sector, such as engaging with diverse stakeholders or managing project timelines effectively.
