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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead psychological services, manage complex cases, and develop rehabilitative strategies.
- Company: Join Serco, a global leader in delivering essential public services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, company car, bonuses, and private medical cover.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Chartered with BPS and registered as a Practitioner Psychologist with HCPC.
- Other info: Flexible working, extensive training opportunities, and a supportive community.
The predicted salary is between 73838 - 82300 ÂŁ per year.
Location: HMP Thameside – London
Salary: ÂŁ73,838 per annum, plus company car, company bonus, private medical cover and London weighting
Employment: Permanent, 40 hours per week Monday to Friday, flexible working
Overview
Lead the Future of Psychological Services at HMP Thameside. You’ll be a key member of the Senior Management Team, providing expert oversight of risk assessment, intervention, and violence reduction strategies, while guiding the development of a rehabilitative environment. You’ll work with complex cases, lead clinical decision‑making for parole reports, and deliver consultancy, research, and training that makes a real difference.
Main Accountabilities
- Provide strategic leadership and development of Psychological Services, including line management of the department.
- Lead on complex risk assessments, risk management plans, and psychological input for high‑risk or vulnerable prisoners.
- Review cases, advise on parole directions, and act as a professional witness in hearings and multi‑agency meetings.
- Contribute to rehabilitative culture strategies, safer custody initiatives, and young offender approaches.
- Offer expert consultancy to senior management and multidisciplinary teams on psychology services, trauma‑informed practice, and evidence‑based interventions.
- Deliver professional supervision for Forensic Psychologists in Training and support their progression toward chartered status.
- Conduct research, data analysis, and present findings to inform practice and policy.
- Ensure compliance with HCPC and BPS standards, maintain CPD, and uphold professional registration.
- Provide timely psychological reports and input across the prison regime.
Essential Requirements
- Achieve SC Clearance and enhanced vetting.
- Chartered with the BPS.
- Registered as a Practitioner Psychologist with the HCPC.
- Significant post‑qualification experience, highly desirable within a prison environment.
- Previous experience of managing people or leading a team.
Desirable Skills
- PCL‑r certification.
- Experience of Offending Behaviour Programmes.
- Experience of supervising FPiTs.
- On the Register of Applied Psychology Practice Supervisors (RAPPS) with BPS.
- Experience of conducting a range of psychological assessments including PCL‑r, WAIS, SARA, HCR20, SRA, RSVP.
- Experience of writing Parole Reports.
What We Offer
- Company car.
- Company bonus.
- Private Medical cover.
- Competitive salary with annual reviews.
- Pension: up to 6% contributory pension scheme.
- Holidays: 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Training and development: wide range of learning opportunities, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships, mentoring and internal progression.
- Wellbeing: 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, BUPA Anytime HealthLine, wellbeing app, Simplyhealth cash plans, 30% off at Serco‑managed leisure centres.
- Discounts at ~1,000 retailers.
- Employee networks for support and community.
- Charity support: paid volunteering day each year, payroll giving scheme.
About Serco
Serco delivers essential public services to 50,000 people worldwide. We innovate to redesign and improve services across defense, transport, justice, immigration, healthcare and citizen services, and we are committed to diversity and inclusion.
Join our Global Employee Networks – SercoInspire, SercoEmbrace, SercoUnlimited and In@Serco.
Apply
Please click the apply button to complete your application. Applicants are encouraged to apply promptly as closing dates may move forward. Serco is an equal opportunity employer and supports inclusive hiring, reasonable adjustments, and flexible working.
For inquiries, contact j&icareersUK@serco.com.
Head of Psychological Services in City of London employer: Serco
Contact Detail:
Serco Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Psychological Services in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the psychological services field, especially those who have experience in prison environments. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of risk assessments and rehabilitation strategies. We want you to showcase your expertise and how you can contribute to the team at HMP Thameside.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on roles that excite you! Use our website to find positions that match your skills and passion. Tailor your approach to show why you’re the perfect fit for the Head of Psychological Services.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and gives you another chance to highlight your qualifications.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Psychological Services in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in psychological services, especially in a prison environment. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Head of Psychological Services at HMP Thameside.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a key member of the Senior Management Team, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects, particularly in complex settings. We love seeing how you can lead and inspire others!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Don’t forget to mention any specific qualifications or experiences that relate to the essential and desirable skills listed in the job description. If you’ve got PCL-r certification or experience writing Parole Reports, make sure we know about it!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Let’s get your application rolling!
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in psychological theories and practices, especially those relevant to prison environments. Brush up on risk assessment tools and evidence-based interventions, as these will likely come up during your interview.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a Head of Psychological Services, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and manage a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, particularly in high-pressure situations.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about handling complex cases or making clinical decisions. Think through potential scenarios you might face in this role and how you would approach them, focusing on your problem-solving and decision-making skills.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with Serco’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and rehabilitation. Be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to creating a rehabilitative environment at HMP Thameside.
