Head of Training Services in Devon, Honiton

Job summaryWe are seeking an experienced and dynamic Forensic Operational Service Manager to lead the delivery of high-quality forensic services within a complex and fast-paced environment.This is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing operational performance, service delivery, quality standards, workforce management, and continuous improvement initiatives. The successful candidate will ensure that forensic services are delivered efficiently, safely, and in compliance with all relevant regulatory, legal, and accreditation requirements.Working closely with senior leaders, operational teams, and external stakeholders, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and developing forensic services to meet current and future demands.Main duties of the jobLead the day-to-day operational management of forensic services.Ensure delivery of services in line with agreed performance targets and quality standards.Monitor and improve operational performance through the use of KPIs, audits, and service reviews.Manage budgets, resources, workforce planning, and staffing requirements.Lead, motivate, and develop multidisciplinary teams to achieve excellence in service delivery.Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, regulatory frameworks, accreditation standards, and organisational policies.Identify, manage, and mitigate operational risks.Develop and implement service improvement and transformation initiatives.Build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including criminal justice partners, healthcare providers, law enforcement agencies, and regulatory bodies.Produce operational reports and provide assurance to senior management regarding service performance and quality.About usValuing you. Recognising your dedication. At EPUT, we look after you.Receive supervision and support to help you fulfil your potential.Join an inclusive EPUT community and connect with others through engagement events and equality or champion networks.If you need help, we provide mental health and wellbeing services, occupational health advice and counselling.Benefits27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years' service.Excellent pension of up to 14.5% of your pensionable pay.Staff discounts include Blue Light Card, NHS discount offers, and staff benefits.8K relocation package if you move to Essex to join usSeason ticket loans are interest-free to cover the cost of travelling to and from work via tram, rail, or bus.Work that wraps around your needsJob share: Applications for job shares are welcomed.DetailsDate posted26 June 2026Pay schemeAgenda for changeBandBand 8bSalary 66,582 to 77,368 a year Per Annum ContractPermanentWorking pattern Full-time Reference number364-B-193Job locationsRobin Pinto UnitCalnwood RoadLutonLU4 0FBUnited KingdomJob descriptionJob responsibilitiesThe postholder holds full operational accountability for: service performance workforce deployment and planning financial management patient flow and bed management compliance with regulatory and contractual standards delivery of key performance indicators operational governance and risk managementThis role is distinct from the Matron role. The Matron provides professional nursing leadership, clinical standards oversight, and assurance of nursing practice and competency frameworks. The Service Manager and Matron work in partnership, but the Service Manager retains overall operational responsibility for the service. Job description Job responsibilitiesThe postholder holds full operational accountability for: service performance workforce deployment and planning financial management patient flow and bed management compliance with regulatory and contractual standards delivery of key performance indicators operational governance and risk managementThis role is distinct from the Matron role. The Matron provides professional nursing leadership, clinical standards oversight, and assurance of nursing practice and competency frameworks. The Service Manager and Matron work in partnership, but the Service Manager retains overall operational responsibility for the service.Person Specification Education/Qualification EssentialMaster's degree or equivalent experienceProfessional qualification in mental health (RMN, Social Work, OT, Psychology)DesirableEvidence of specialised forensic mental health trainingFormal management or leadership qualificationTraining in quality improvement, governance or risk management Knowledge EssentialIn depth understanding of forensic pathways, secure networks and Provider CollaborativesExpert knowledge of procedural, physical and relational securityStrong understanding of MHA, MCA, MAPPA, safeguarding and secure care legislationKnowledge of NHS operational performance frameworks (activity, flow, finance, workforce)Knowledge of CQC standards, thematic findings and regulatory expectationsUnderstanding of clinical audit, QI methodology and governance systemsDesirableKnowledge of employment law, contracting and compliance Experience EssentialExtensive operational management experience in forensic mental health servicesExperience managing inpatient mental health servicesDemonstrable success delivering high quality services to required performance levelsExperience holding operational accountability for performance, workforce, finance and complianceExperience working alongside senior nursing leaders (e.g., Matrons) while retaining operational responsibilityExperience leading services through organisational or operational changeExperience working within a forensic MDT environmentDesirableEvidence of innovation and service development Skills EssentialStrategic thinking and planningStrong analytical and problem solving skillsAbility to lead operational performance across multi site servicesAbility to work collaboratively with senior leaders, including Matrons and clinical leadsAbility to work independently, manage pressure and prioritise effectivelyPersonal resilience and ability to contain anxiety of othersDesirableProject management skillsEntrepreneurial approach to service development Leadership & Team Management EssentialExcellent leadership, motivation and influencing skillsAbility to make informed decisions using evidence, judgement and stakeholder inputExperience managing large multidisciplinary teams and complex structuresAbility to lead workforce planning, deployment and performance management Communication & Interpersonal Skills EssentialExcellent verbal, written and presentation skillsAbility to build positive relationships with internal and external stakeholdersAbility to empower and support staff in challenging environmentsAbility to communicate complex information clearly to diverse audiencesDesirableExperience presenting to large audiences Person Specification Education/Qualification EssentialMaster's degree or equivalent experienceProfessional qualification in mental health (RMN, Social Work, OT, Psychology)DesirableEvidence of specialised forensic mental health trainingFormal management or leadership qualificationTraining in quality improvement, governance or risk management Knowledge EssentialIn depth understanding of forensic pathways, secure networks and Provider CollaborativesExpert knowledge of procedural, physical and relational securityStrong understanding of MHA, MCA, MAPPA, safeguarding and secure care legislationKnowledge of NHS operational performance frameworks (activity, flow, finance, workforce)Knowledge of CQC standards, thematic findings and regulatory expectationsUnderstanding of clinical audit, QI methodology and governance systemsDesirableKnowledge of employment law, contracting and compliance Experience EssentialExtensive operational management experience in forensic mental health servicesExperience managing inpatient mental health servicesDemonstrable success delivering high quality services to required performance levelsExperience holding operational accountability for performance, workforce, finance and complianceExperience working alongside senior nursing leaders (e.g., Matrons) while retaining operational responsibilityExperience leading services through organisational or operational changeExperience working within a forensic MDT environmentDesirableEvidence of innovation and service development Skills EssentialStrategic thinking and planningStrong analytical and problem solving skillsAbility to lead operational performance across multi site servicesAbility to work collaboratively with senior leaders, including Matrons and clinical leadsAbility to work independently, manage pressure and prioritise effectivelyPersonal resilience and ability to contain anxiety of othersDesirableProject management skillsEntrepreneurial approach to service development Leadership & Team Management EssentialExcellent leadership, motivation and influencing skillsAbility to make informed decisions using evidence, judgement and stakeholder inputExperience managing large multidisciplinary teams and complex structuresAbility to lead workforce planning, deployment and performance management Communication & Interpersonal Skills EssentialExcellent verbal, written and presentation skillsAbility to build positive relationships with internal and external stakeholdersAbility to empower and support staff in challenging environmentsAbility to communicate complex information clearly to diverse audiencesDesirableExperience presenting to large audiencesDisclosure and Barring Service CheckThis post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.Certificate of SponsorshipApplications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.Certificate of SponsorshipApplications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).Employer detailsEmployer nameEssex Partnership University NHS Foundation TrustAddressRobin Pinto UnitCalnwood RoadLutonLU4 0FBUnited KingdomEmployer's websiteEmployer detailsEmployer nameEssex Partnership University NHS Foundation TrustAddressRobin Pinto UnitCalnwood RoadLutonLU4 0FBUnited KingdomEmployer's website