22232 - UN Lead for HMP Pentonville in London

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22232 - UN Lead for HMP Pentonville

22232 - UN Lead for HMP Pentonville in London

London Full-Time No working from home possible

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General Information

Salary

£78,257 - £86,082

Working Pattern

Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working

Does this role attract Excess Fares or PIT/Relocation terms

Excess Fares

Vacancy Approach

Internal

Location

London

Region

London

Closing Date

28-Sep-2026

Business Unit

Pentonville

Post Type

Loan

Civil Service Grade

Grade 7

Number of jobs available

Reserve List

12 Months

Job ID

22232

Descriptions & requirements

Job description

This role is based at HMP Pentonville

Overview of the job

Operational Implementation & Support Group (OISG) sits within the Central Operational Services Directorate and is part of the Deputy Director Prisons function. The work of the group is varied, diverse and constantly evolving, but mostly comprises work streams that fall into one of the following categories:

• Direct management and delivery of projects to implement new work, processes or systems within the operational environment.

• Supporting the implementation of projects that are not owned by the group and providing the interface between these projects and the operational line.

• Work to support operational performance improvement in response to identified need.

• Providing operational advice and perspective as required (for example to support policy development).

Summary

The OISG Lead reports to and supports the Head of OISG in the strategic management of the group’s work and has oversight over the current portfolio. In addition, the post holder may directly lead/manage specific work streams or projects as required. The post includes line management responsibilities.

This role will be non-operational if the appointment is as a permanent member of the OISG team and if offered as a secondment opportunity the individual filling the role can be either operational or non-operational as this will then be a time bound job and subject to current policy for internal HMPPS/PSP secondments/loans.

The role requires an established and varied background of operational experience as a senior manager within a prison’s senior management team, preferably as a deputy governor and also within a large and complex programme/project arena.

Responsibilities, Activities and Duties

The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:

• Accountable for leading a number of priority PSP focused projects (at any one time) involving a range of PSP operating areas/activities.

• Developing or influencing the strategic direction of the OISG programme and project agenda within the context of the current operational pressures, ensuring the appropriate priorities against PSP business strategies and HMPPS requirements are delivered.

• Leading successful delivery of priority OISG projects (to required quality standards, timescales and within agreed resources) with robust and effective planning and subsequent monitoring of plans as well as effective risk and issues management.

• Allocation of resources in supporting priority work, recognising the commitment to deliver at pace that many projects require.

• Ensuring comprehensive and effective project plans and associated documents and governance are in place to control and track the successful delivery of PSP Strategic Priorities and Business Plan.

• When called upon to undertake the duties and responsibilities of OISG programme manager role as well as delivering project management responsibilities for a reduced number of projects.

• Provide advice, guidance and support to Senior Responsible Owners (SROs) for each of the projects that you are tasked to deliver. This will often require cross directorate working and accessing resource not within the direct management of PSP.

• Provide subject matter expert advice and guidance to either your own assigned project(s) or any of the other OISG portfolio when call upon to do so.

• Resolve within a specific project’s context any identified strategic, scoping, planning or resource issues; and, where appropriate, escalate options and recommendations for resolution of complex and high impact issues to the Head of Group.

• Identify the critical path/s for any projects or work and be able to provide solutions when needed to ensure achievement of all deliverables on the critical path.

• Design and implement appropriate governance forums and products that enable monitoring and control of OISG programmes and projects.

• Ensuring support is provided during the Mobilisation, Transition and Transformation (MTT) process of any project or offered at the appropriate time. Support PSP to adopt “new ways of working” and “continuous improvements” at every opportunity.

• Provide Business as Usual (BAU) services for any project delivered by OISG that requires ongoing support to be successfully delivered and “landed” by PSP. This commitment to BAU activities may be short or long term and formed by an existing or new process or operational practice delivered by a programme or project on behalf of PSP.

• Anticipate issues and problems, and where necessary intervening (including taking responsibility for directly producing project deliverables) to prevent slippage or failure to meet key milestones.

• Understand, articulate and find solutions to complex problems often involving conflicting views and requirements, which have no pre-defined solution.

• Deploy flexibly to other priority projects or work areas (to contribute to or to trouble-shoot) where capability gaps or significant risks, issues or slippage is predicted or occurs, often at short notice and alongside existing priority deliverables.

• Work effectively with senior internal and external stakeholders (normally at Director/Deputy Director/Head of Group or Function level) to influence strategic direction.

• Manage multiple work stream leads, project resources and other OISG functional experts to ensure plans are delivered to time and within cost and quality requirements.

• Consult and negotiate directly with Trade Union representatives at a national level on behalf of PSP in relation to specific projects or wider PSP business. This involves the ability to build appropriate relationships with union representatives in conjunction with the HMPPS ER Leads.

• Represent HMPPS and PSP at various internal and external forums and within broader change programme across MoJ or with wider custodial services providers (third sector, charities and private companies).

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary. Significant adjustments may require re-examination under the Job Evaluation Scheme and shall be discussed in the first instance with the job holder.

An ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through the medium of English or (where specified in Wales) Welsh.

Behaviours

• Seeing the Big Picture

• Changing and Improving

• Making Effective Decisions

• Leadership

• Developing Self and Others

• Communicating and Influencing

• Delivering at Pace

• Managing a Quality Service

Experience

• The role holder must have a highly developed knowledge and understanding of prison operations from both an establishment level and wider national perspective as well as an established and varied background of operational experience as a senior manager within a prison’s senior management team, preferably as a deputy governor and also within a large and complex programme/project arena.

• The individual must be able to demonstrate a proven track record of delivery and achievement. The record of achievement should be evident across their current and previous role(s) and demonstrate a developed ability and track record of working successfully with Governing Governors and PGDs playing a key role in influencing thinking and decision making of these senior leaders within PSP and HMPPS.

• Experience of managing a devolved budget would be desirable.

Technical Requirements

• A Project Management qualification would be desirable (e.g. PRINCE2).

Ability

• The ability to communicate and engage with a wide range of senior stakeholders to present ideas/bid proposals to the client and others.

• Strong team leadership qualities.

• Strong written and drafting skills, with the ability to produce complex and detailed written reports.

• The ability to understand and process complex data.

• Good verbal and non-verbal communications skills.

• Resilience and ability to handle significant levels of pressure whilst delivering high profile projects.

• Negotiation, risk management and planning skills.

Additional Information

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 suitable 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 subject to completion of a satisfactory probationary period and NVQ

Season Ticket Advance

-After two months’ service, you’ll be eligible to apply for a season ticket advance to purchase a quarterly or longer-period season ticket for travel between home and your place of work

Childcare Vouchers

For any moves across the Civil Service may have implications on your ability to carry on claiming childcare vouchers

Training

HMPPS is committed to staff development and offers a range of training and development opportunities, including areas such as Equality and Diversity, Dealing with Challenging Behaviour, Suicide Prevention and Anti Bullying Programmes

-There are opportunities to access promotion programmes and HMPPS provides a variety of training appropriate to individual posts

-All staff receive security and diversity training and an individual induction programme into their new roles

Eligibility

-All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to taking up post

-All external candidates are subject to 6 months probation. Internal candidates are subject to probation if they have not already served a probationary period within HMPPS

-All staff are required to declare whether they are a member of a group or organisation which the HMPPS considers to be racist

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint in the following order

To Transformative Business Services (0345 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk);
To Ministry of Justice Resourcing team (resourcing-management-office@justice.gov.uk);
To the Civil Service Commission (details available here)

As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns.

You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the TBS Recruitment Enquiries Team.

For more information on applying for a role as a candidate with a disability or long-term condition, please watch our animated videos.

Diversity & Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

A Great Place to Work for Veterans

The "Making the Civil Service a Great Place to work for veterans" initiative includes a guaranteed interview scheme to those who meet the minimum criteria to provide eligible former members of the Armed Forces with opportunities to secure rewarding jobs. Allowing veterans to continue to serve their country, and to bring highly skilled individuals with a broad range of experience into the Civil Service in an environment, which recognises and values your previous service in the Armed Forces.
For further details about the initiative and eligibility requirements visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/making-the-civil-service-a-great-place-to-work-for-veterans

Redeployment Interview Scheme

Civil Service departments are expected to explore redeployment opportunities before making an individual redundant. The MoJ is committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'.

MoJ is able to offer an interview to eligible candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. Candidates will not be eligible for the Redeployment Interview Scheme if they are applying on promotion.

Civil Service Nationality Rules

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

UK nationals
nationals of the Republic of Ireland
nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families
nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules

Reserve list

A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made for the same or similar roles.

Contact Information

MoJ:

If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk

Please quote the job reference

HMPPS

If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk

Please quote the job reference 22232

Allowance

Required hours allowance

This role requires regularly working unpredictable and unsocial hours and be on call to attend their place of work at anytime. A 20% payment will be paid in addition to your basic pay to recognise this. Unsocial hours are those hours outside 0700 - 1900hrs Monday to Friday and include working evening, nights, weekends and Bank / Public holidays.

This vacancy attracts the following Additional Allowances

Excess Fares

Job Description Attachment

HQ-JES-2818-Operational-Implementation-and-Support-Group-OISG-Lead-v1.0.pdf (Job Description Attachment)

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Application form stage assessments

Behaviours

A sift based on the lead behaviour, Changing and Improving, may be held if a large number of applications are received. If a large number of applications remain after the initial sift, your application will be progressed to a full sift, where all behaviours will then be considered.

Behaviours Application Form Question Word Limit

500

Leadership

Changing and Improving

Experience

We will assess your experience for this role via the following methods

CV or Work History, Statement of Suitability

Statement of Suitability

Guidance for the Statement of Suitability

Please provide a Statement of Suitability (maximum 1,250 words) demonstrating how your skills, experience and achievements make you suitable for the role of Urgent Notification Lead at HMP Pentonville.

In your response, please provide evidence of your ability to:

Lead complex improvement and recovery programmes in a challenging operational environment.
Inspire, motivate and influence staff, managers and senior stakeholders to deliver change and achieve shared objectives.
Build credibility and maintain constructive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including those with competing priorities.
Drive the delivery of improvement plans and ensure recommendations are implemented effectively, at pace and to a high standard.
Monitor performance, manage risks and hold others to account for delivery.
Demonstrate strategic thinking by implementing sustainable solutions that deliver long-term organisational improvement rather than short-term fixes.
Prioritise effectively and maintain momentum when operating in a high-pressure environment with demanding deadlines.
Show confidence, resilience and personal leadership when managing resistance, challenge or ambiguity.

We are particularly interested in examples that demonstrate experience of leading organisational improvement, inspection readiness, performance recovery, cultural change or operational transformation.

Assessment Criteria

Candidates will be assessed against:

Leadership and influencing skills
Strategic thinking and planning
Delivery and implementation of improvement programmes
Stakeholder management and relationship building
Ability to drive accountability and performance
Confidence, resilience and judgement
Commitment to sustainable, long-term improvement

Evidence of Experience

CV or Work History, Statement of Suitability

Interview stage assessments

Interview Dates

Expected: Beginning of October

Behaviours

Leadership

Changing and Improving

Level of security checks required

DBS Standard

Use of Artificial Intelligence (Al)

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.