At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead rehabilitation services and shape impactful programmes at HMP Millsike.
- Company: Join The Forward Trust and Mitie in a pioneering prison environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, permanent role, and the chance to influence change.
- Other info: Be part of an ambitious team dedicated to innovation and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of prisoners and their families.
- Qualifications: Significant leadership experience in prison services and a passion for rehabilitation.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 65000 £ per year.
The Forward Trust, in partnership with Mitie, is seeking an exceptional senior leader to join the Senior Leadership Team at HMP Millsike – one of the UK’s newest privately operated prisons. This is a rare opportunity to step into a flagship leadership role where you will have the autonomy and influence to shape services that genuinely change lives. As Head of Connections, you will lead a holistic rehabilitation model that brings together family relationships, recovery, substance misuse and community reintegration to reduce reoffending and support long‑term desistance.
About HMP Millsike: HMP Millsike is a newly opened, privately operated prison managed by Mitie in partnership with The Forward Trust. Having been operational for just over a year, the prison is entering an important phase of development, providing an exciting opportunity to influence how services evolve for years to come.
About the Role: Reporting to the Executive Director of Criminal Justice, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across the Connections service, overseeing:
- Family and Relationships Services
- Drug Strategy
- Visits and Visitor Services
- More Than My Past rehabilitation programme
You will work collaboratively across the prison to ensure these services operate as one integrated rehabilitation model, delivering measurable outcomes for prisoners, families and the wider community.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the prison’s Connections service as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
- Develop and deliver the prison’s rehabilitation and recovery strategy.
- Lead operational improvement across family services, substance misuse and rehabilitation programmes.
- Build and develop a high‑performing leadership team.
- Drive innovation and continuous improvement.
- Manage budgets, contracts and performance reporting.
- Build strong relationships with prison leadership, partners and external stakeholders.
- Ensure services consistently meet contractual, inspection and governance requirements.
- Champion evidence‑based rehabilitation and desistance approaches.
Who We’re Looking For:
- Significant leadership experience within HM Prison Service or privately operated prisons.
- Experience as a Head of Function or equivalent senior operational leadership role.
- A strong operational prison management background.
- Experience leading complex multidisciplinary services.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills.
- Experience managing budgets and contractual performance.
- A proven ability to lead organisational change and service improvement.
- Outstanding communication and leadership skills.
- A genuine passion for rehabilitation and reducing reoffending.
Applications will also be welcomed from candidates who bring:
- Senior prison leadership experience combined with community rehabilitation or criminal justice service management.
- Operational prison experience alongside leadership in rehabilitation, recovery or related community‑based services.
Why Join? This role is far more than a management position. It is an opportunity to help shape one of the UK’s newest prisons, influence its culture and leave a lasting legacy by improving outcomes for prisoners, families and communities. You will work alongside an ambitious Senior Leadership Team committed to innovation, partnership working and delivering outstanding rehabilitation services.
Salary & Benefits: £52,000 - £65,000 per annum (depending on experience), Permanent, full‑time position, On‑site role based at HMP Millsike, York, Opportunity to shape services within a new custodial environment, Senior Leadership Team position with genuine strategic influence.
Security Clearance: The successful candidate will be required to obtain HMPPS Enhanced Level 1 Vetting. Existing prison vetting may be transferable, subject to approval.
Equal Opportunity Employer: The Red Snapper Recruitment Group is an equal opportunities employer.
Head Of Prison Services employer: Red Snapper Recruitment Limited
At HMP Millsike, we offer a unique opportunity to lead transformative change within one of the UK's newest privately operated prisons. Our commitment to rehabilitation and community reintegration is matched by a supportive work culture that values innovation and collaboration, providing you with the chance to shape services that make a real difference in people's lives. With competitive benefits, ongoing professional development, and a focus on employee well-being, joining our team means being part of a mission-driven organisation dedicated to creating lasting impact.
Contact Details:
Red Snapper Recruitment Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Prison Services
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We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Prison Services
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