At a Glance
- Tasks: Facilitate arts-based group sessions for men in custody, exploring identity and behaviour.
- Company: Join Safe Ground, a charity transforming lives through creative interventions in the criminal justice system.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, pension contributions, and access to mental health support.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for training and career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by empowering individuals to reflect and change their lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in group facilitation and working with challenging environments is essential.
When registering to this job board you will be redirected to the online application form. Please ensure that this is completed in full in order that your application can be reviewed.
Location: Based within HMP Forest Bank, Greater Manchester. You may be expected to travel to other services as required, including to Central London Central Office, HMP Altcourse and for in-person meetings held off site. Hybrid working is permitted with an option of up to 2 days working from home when appropriate. Step Free access is not available at this service.
Salary: £32,000
Shift Pattern: 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday 07:30 - 17:30. You may be required to work outside these hours as per service and organisational requirements, including evenings, weekends, and bank holidays and forming part of the out of hours on call rota for managers.
About the Role
We’re hiring a Safe Ground Programme Facilitator to join our team based at HMP Forest Bank. In this role, you will support men in custody by delivering arts-based, therapeutically informed group interventions that explore identity, relationships, and behaviour.
As a Programme Facilitator, you will support the delivery of Safe Ground’s core programmes, including Fathers Inside and Man Up which have received national recognition being delivered nationally across custodial and community settings. You will work closely with colleagues to facilitate structured group sessions, encourage participant engagement, and ensure sessions are well prepared and consistently delivered. You’ll use creative approaches such as theatre, writing and participatory exercises to help participants reflect and engage in a meaningful way. Working within a remand prison setting, you will need to build trust quickly, respond to complex group dynamics, and maintain clear boundaries in a fast-paced, unpredictable environment.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Previous experience within a prison or other criminal justice setting and/or within a similar role
- Support delivery of structured group programmes, including Fathers Inside and Man Up which have received national recognition being delivered nationally across custodial and community settings.
- Leading in facilitating arts-based, therapeutically informed group sessions
- Build rapport and trust with participants, supporting consistent engagement
- Respond appropriately to group dynamics and behaviour in a custodial setting
- Bespoke training and active learning will be provided
- Support session planning, preparation, and coordination of delivery
- Contribute to creative practice through theatre, writing and participatory methods
- Work collaboratively with colleagues to support programme delivery and development
- Adapt to changing operational demands within a remand environment
Why work with Safe Ground Prisons?
At SIG Safe Ground, we do things differently. Safe Ground is an Arts-based therapeutically informed charity with over 30 years' experience working across the criminal justice system. We support people in custody and their families to build stronger and more fulfilled relationships, reflect on behaviours, and navigate change without shame.
Working with Safe Ground means working differently. It’s about meeting people without judgement, holding space for accountability, and using creativity to disrupt cycles of harm. We believe real change happens when people are seen, challenged and supported, even (and especially) inside prison walls.
Please be informed that as this role is based within a Prison environment, therefore further vetting from SIG's enhanced DBS will be required such as MOJ clearance.
About You
We’re looking for a confident and engaging facilitator who is comfortable working with groups in complex or challenging environments, including men in custody. You will be able to build trust quickly, manage group dynamics, and create a safe and consistent space for participants. You’re calm under pressure, adaptable, and a strong team player with a genuine interest in creative, arts-based approaches. You will be able to work collaboratively as part of a team, and will have alignment with our SIG values. You will be keen to support our participants to achieve their individual goals and support them to be the best versions of themselves.
Essential experience of:
- Working within a prison or criminal justice setting, or in a comparable role operating in complex environments.
- Experience facilitating or supporting group work
- Experience working with complex, challenging, or marginalised groups
- Ability to manage behaviour and maintain clear boundaries
- Great organisational skills and ability to support programme delivery
- Ability to engage with people from different backgrounds, build rapport, and empower them to achieve their personal goals; respond flexibly to their needs and working patterns of the participants.
- Interest in working within the criminal justice system and with men in custody
- Ability to use, learn and adapt to IT at an intermediate level, including Microsoft and other software programs
- Interest or experience in creative/arts-based approaches (e.g. theatre, writing)
- Understanding of the different needs people with multiple and complex needs have and be aware of the social marginalisation that can be attached to people who face personal challenges
- Alignment with our values of Ambition, Empowerment, Inclusivity, and Transparency
We are interviewing on an ongoing basis so this job role may close early. We advise applying as soon as possible for your application to be taken into consideration at the early stages. As a note, Interviews are scheduled for commencing on the 28th of July and 2nd Stage interviews for the 9th of August.
What we Offer
- 25 days (Full time equivalent) annual leave, increasing with the length of service
- Employer Pension Contribution
- Eligibility to register with Blue Light Discount Card
- Access to discounted tickets for music events, shows, sports and more
- Reflective Practice regular sessions with a therapist provided by an external provider to support Mental Health and Wellbeing at work
- Training and Development, including access to courses, upskilling, and progression plans
- Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling
- Life Assurance Scheme
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- Annual Staff Awards
- EDI Ambassador programme
About Social Interest Group (SIG)
SIG is a not-for-profit organisation providing thousands of people with good-quality support and care in residential, drop-in centres, community floating support settings, probation settings, and hospitals. We do so across London, Brighton, Bedfordshire, Luton, Kent and Liverpool. Our goal is to transform lives through empowering change.
We believe good care and support improves lives with the vision to create healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities. Join us on our mission to empower independence through trauma-informed solutions and dynamic partnerships that keep people out of prison, out of hospital, and off the streets.
Additional Information
Please note that this job advert may close early due to screening applications on an ongoing basis. We advise applying as soon as possible for your application to be taken into consideration at the early stages.
Please note that as part of our process, we complete an enhanced DBS check, some roles may require further vetting. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship, please ensure you have full right to work in the UK prior to applying to our positions.
Programmes Facilitator in Salford employer: Social Interest Group
At Safe Ground, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. Our team at HMP Forest Bank benefits from a unique blend of creative, arts-based approaches and therapeutic practices, empowering both staff and participants to engage meaningfully in their roles. With comprehensive training opportunities, a strong focus on mental health and wellbeing, and a commitment to employee growth, we offer a rewarding career path for those passionate about making a difference in the criminal justice system.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programmes Facilitator in Salford
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
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We think you need these skills to ace Programmes Facilitator in Salford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Social Interest Group:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Social Interest Group! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Social Interest Group
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
