24133 - Senior Investigator - Prisons and Probation Ombudsman

24133 - Senior Investigator - Prisons and Probation Ombudsman

Prisons and Probation Ombudsman – SEO (Band B) Senior Investigator

Overview of role

The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) is an Arm’s Length Body of the Ministry of Justice and investigates:

complaints made by prisoners, young people in detention, offenders under probation supervision and individuals detained under immigration powers.

deaths of prisoners, young people in detention, residents in approved premises and individuals detained under immigration powers.

deaths of recently released prisoners that occur within seven days of release from prison (except homicide).

The Ombudsman receives around 4,500 new complaints a year of which around half are assessed as eligible for investigation. The number of deaths in custody requiring investigation is between 400 and 500 per year.

Senior Investigators in the PPO mainly investigate self-inflicted and other non-natural deaths. However, staff in this role require a flexible approach to be able to take on other work when business need requires it.

You will investigate the individual circumstances relating to each unique case within an agreed framework, providing quality assessments to specified timescales. You will reflect your findings and any recommendations for learning in written format.

You will also be expected to liaise with senior stakeholders and to lead or be involved in ad hoc projects as required.

We are a small and friendly organisation of about 110 staff. You will be part of a small team of investigators, reporting to a Grade 7 Assistant Ombudsman, who is responsible for ensuring the quality and timeliness of the investigation process and resulting investigation products.

This is a busy but very interesting post, which will suit someone who likes variety, is able to deal with the unexpected and who can engage with and analyse a range of different information sources to reach sound, evidence-based conclusions.

You will need to be self-motivated and well organised, with strong written communication and analytical skills. Previous knowledge or experience of the Criminal Justice System, investigations or casework would be useful but is not essential. Investigation training will be provided, and a rolling programme of enrichment workshops and development forums will be available.

You will need to be confident communicating with a range of stakeholders, including HMPPS staff of all levels of seniority, coroners, and clinicians. You will need to deal sensitively with bereaved families and be able to present the role of the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman’s office in a positive way.

In order to undertake this unique role effectively, investigators will need to be able to work flexibly. You will be required to visit establishments in the PPO’s remit to support investigation activities such as interviews and engagement with prisoners and prison staff. This will entail travel around England and Wales and some overnight stays, though you would be responsible for deciding when and how to travel to establishments so can normally manage your travel around your personal circumstances. However, you may need to start early, finish late or stay overnight near an establishment.

The PPO is based at the HM Government hub at 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London. Currently, staff are expected to attend the office 60% of the working week, with the rest of the time spent working at home (or in commuter hubs). If you are visiting an establishment this will count as one of your office days. While you will usually have some flexibility to decide which days of the week you work in the office to enable you to manage your office attendance around your personal circumstances, there will be occasions when you will be required to attend the office (for example, team meetings, office or function-wide meetings).

Please note that the PPO is unable to offer home working contracts or allow you to permanently work at any other location, other than 10 South Colonnade, for the required office attendance days. Also, due to current immigration rules, it is unlikely that we will be able to sponsor any candidate who does not have the right to work in the United Kingdom.

If you are successful, you may need to attend the office more frequently in your first six weeks, to undertake key training and induction activity.

The salary range is £49,325 to £53,081, though we expect this to increase imminently.

External candidates joining the Civil Service will be expected to join on the minimum salary for the band. Successful candidates who are already at SEO will keep their base salary on transfer. Allowances do not transfer. Successful candidates joining on promotion will start on either the minimum of the salary range or receive a 10% increase to their current base salary, whichever is higher.

Job Description

The post holder will be responsible for the following:

Investigating cases in line with specified casework timeframes and quality objectives, including conducting interviews with relevant staff on site, prisoners and other stakeholders.

Contact with bereaved families by phone or email.

Drafting high quality investigation reports and other investigation products concisely and in plain English, setting out the facts clearly and comprehensively, as well as the analysis and considerations that have led to evidence-based conclusions. This will include making recommendations, if required, and identifying areas of good practice.

Arranging factual accuracy checking/ advance disclosure of draft reports, where necessary, and considering any comments received.

Travel to establishments across England and Wales to conduct investigations and interviews and to undertake other related tasks. To facilitate these visits, you may need to start early, finish late or stay overnight near an establishment.

Liaising with stakeholders and partner agencies as necessary throughout investigations.

£34,186 - £37,389 Per annum inclusive of HCAS (pro rata)