At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative rehabilitation services and shape prison culture for positive change.
- Company: Join a pioneering partnership at HMP Millsike, focused on rehabilitation and recovery.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, training opportunities, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team driving innovation and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the lives of individuals and reduce reoffending.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in custodial environments and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 65000 £ per year.
- Head of Connections – HMP Millsike
- Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full Time
We're looking for an exceptional leader to join us as Head of Connections at HMP Millsike – a flagship leadership role at the heart of one of the UK's most innovative prison partnerships.
About the Role
As Head of Connections, you'll be a member of both The Forward Trust and HMP Millsike Senior Leadership Teams, leading the strategic delivery of our pioneering Connections model.
Working in partnership with Mitie and People Plus, you'll shape and deliver a whole-person, whole-system approach to rehabilitation, integrating family support, substance misuse recovery and incentivised substance-free living to help people build sustainable lives beyond custody.
This is a unique opportunity to influence prison culture, lead innovative services, and demonstrate how rehabilitation and recovery can reduce reoffending and improve lives.
Responsibilities
- Strategic and operational leadership across three integrated service areas:
- Family and Relationships – leading services that strengthen family ties, parenting and positive relationships.
- Drug Strategy – owning and delivering the establishment's Drug Strategy, driving innovation, recovery and harm reduction.
- More Than My Past – leading our flagship Incentivised Substance Free Living (ISFL) programme and embedding lived experience throughout service delivery.
- Provide inspirational leadership to multidisciplinary teams.
- Own the prison's Drug Strategy, Family & Relationships Strategy and Visits Operating Procedures.
- Lead contractual performance, governance, compliance and impact reporting.
- Manage significant budgets and ensure financial performance.
- Develop strong partnerships across prison leadership, commissioners and external stakeholders.
- Promote lived experience, co-production and recovery-focused practice throughout the establishment.
- Drive innovation, continuous improvement and evidence-based practice.
- Represent The Forward Trust as a senior ambassador both internally and externally.
Essential Qualifications
- Significant senior leadership experience within a custodial environment.
- Operational experience managing prison services such as visits, residential units, therapeutic environments or similar.
- Experience delivering complex contracts within Criminal Justice settings, including public or privately managed prisons.
- Experience managing large budgets (circa £1 million+) and contractual performance linked to financial outcomes.
- A proven track record of delivering high-quality services within regulated, audited and inspected environments.
- Outstanding leadership, organisational and programme management skills.
- Excellent stakeholder management with the ability to build trusted relationships across multiple organisations.
- Strong analytical skills with experience in impact measurement, governance and performance reporting.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
- Knowledge of desistance theory and approaches.
Desirable Qualifications
- Knowledge or experience of Narrative Therapy and narrative-based approaches.
- Understanding of recovery-focused practice and lived experience models.
- Experience of Dynamic Framework contracts or privately managed prisons.
Benefits
- Flexible working
- Training and development opportunities
- BHSF Cashback Scheme (optional)
- Season Ticket Loan Scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Crisis Loan Scheme
- Electric Car Scheme
- 3 x Wellbeing Days (pro rata’d for part time employees)
- Access to Blue Light Card
- 25 days (rising to 30 with length of service) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays
- Contributory Pension Scheme – Employer matched contributions of up to 6% in the first two years’ service and up to 9% thereafter
- Death in Service Payment (2x annual salary)
- Critical Illness Insurance (subject to qualifying criteria)
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head Of Connections - HMP Millsike employer: Forward Trust
Forward Trust in Margate is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a positive impact in the community by empowering job seekers, particularly those facing barriers such as ex-offenders. With a strong focus on employee growth, flexible working arrangements, and comprehensive benefits, we foster a supportive work culture that values collaboration and personal development, making it a rewarding place for those passionate about helping others succeed in their career journeys.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Connections - HMP Millsike
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Forward Trust, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Forward Trust and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
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Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Connections - HMP Millsike
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Forward Trust and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Forward Trust
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Forward Trust, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Forward Trust.
