Deputy Controller (Performance and Improvement), HMP Millsike

This vacancy is only available to existing Civil Servant employees and employees of accredited non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs). Please review the "Eligibility" section before you apply.

General Information

• Salary: £54,148
• Working Pattern: Full Time
• Location: York
• Region: North East
• Closing Date: 04-Aug-2026
• Business Unit: AGY - NOMS Agency
• Post Type: Detached Duty, Loan
• Civil Service Grade: SEO
• Number of jobs available: 1
• Reserve List: 12 Months
• Job ID: 20060

Descriptions & requirements

The Prison Contracts Group (PCG) sits within the Directorate of Contracted Operational Delivery (DoCOD) which is responsible for the operational contract management of a large portfolio of contracts, including Prisoner Escort Custody Service, Electronic Monitoring, Community Rehabilitation Services, Prisoner Education and Operational Contracts for a variety of goods and services. PMP contracts alone have an annual value of £564m.

PMPs were first introduced to the UK in 1992 when the Conservative Government issued short-term contracts to security companies to operate a limited number of publicly owned prisons, the first being HMP Wolds in Yorkshire which was operated by G4S. The first wholly private prisons were often financed through the use of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) under private finance initiatives (PFI). These were often known as DCMF prisons as they were designed, constructed, managed and financed by the private sector, the first being HMP Altcourse which opened in December 1997 and was operated by G4S.

There are currently 15 privately operated prisons in England and Wales operated by G4S Justice Services, Serco Custodial Services, Mitie Care & Custody and Sodexo Custodial Services. In total they currently accommodate approximately 20% of the prison population across England and Wales.

PMPs are subject to the same scrutiny from official bodies as those in the Public Sector, including HM Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP), Ofsted, and Operational and System Assurance Group (OSAG).

Governors of private prisons are referred to as ‘Directors'. They each have their own staffing structure and they work to their respective Chief Operating Officer (COO). Prison Custody Officers (PCOs) are trained to the same level as Prison Officers and are licensed by Controllers to operate as a PCO once they are fully qualified.

All privately managed prisons have a named Controller who, with their team, ensures the prison is operated in line with the agreed contract. The Controller (B9) is the most senior representative of the Secretary of State. As such, he/she is accountable for ensuring delivery, negotiating change, encouraging innovation and the highest levels of performance. The Controller must ensure any contractual failings are remedied and/or the application of contractual levers when necessary, escalating unsatisfactory performance to the Head of Group and PCG Senior Leadership Team.

The Deputy Controller (B7) is the senior on-site representative of the Prison Contracts Group, their role is to oversee and report the activities, outputs and deliverables as stated in statute, contract, and law within a prison setting. They have responsibility for monitoring the contract, act as the authority in a number of contexts and oversee the contract and operations delivered inside the establishment. They are accountable to the Controller and Head of Group on areas of delegated authority.

The Contract Assurance Specialist (B5) is responsible for the production of complex strategic reports, including in-depth research and statistical analysis for high-level management information to support decision making. They develop and undertake quality assurance procedures to ensure data is captured correctly and efficiency savings are identified, therefore ensuring that contracts are compliant and work effectively.

The Assistant Controller (B4) is a specialist role that supports assurance in contract and delivers support to the Controller/Deputy Controller in the formal monitoring arrangements. The Assistant Controller will also carry out assurance and compliance work, co-ordinate Notice of Change (NOC) reviews, analyse and present performance progress at monthly and quarterly meetings (highlighting successes and failings), maintain accurate collation of penalty points, and other core contract management tasks.

RHA may be applicable to this role.

Working Arrangements & Further Information

The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and/or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.

For nationally advertised roles, the successful candidate(s) will be appointed to a MoJ office location, which may include their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. This will be discussed and agreed on the completion of pre-employment checks.

Some of MoJ’s terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made.

Standard full-time working hours are 37 hours per week excluding breaks which are unpaid. HMPPS welcomes part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the HMPPS’ Flexible Working policy.

If you are a current NPS employee, this vacancy may be available on a Loan basis for up to 2 years. Applications are invited from suitably qualified staff. The Loan/Secondment is subject to the approval of the selected candidate's Business Unit, which should be obtained before confirmation of appointment.

Benefits

Annual Leave

The holiday year runs from 1 March. If you work a non-standard work pattern your leave entitlement may be expressed in either hours or days as appropriate. Leave entitlement is calculated on a pro-rata basis and you will be advised of your actual entitlement on appointment. If you were appointed internally and your leave was previously calculated in days, this will continue to be the case.

Bank, Public and Privilege Holidays

You are entitled to 9 days (66 hours 36 minutes) in recognition of bank, public and privilege holidays. These hours are added to your annual leave allowance. There is a requirement to work some public and bank holidays subject to your shift pattern and the operational needs of the establishment.

Pension

The Civil Service offers a choice of two pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.

Work Life Balance

HM Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) is keen to encourage alternative working arrangements. Work life balance provides greater opportunities for staff to work more flexibly wherever managers and establishments can accommodate requests to do so. HMPPS offers flexible working.