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- Tasks: Lead the creation of a Prison Employment Pathway to help prisoners find meaningful work.
- Company: Join the Education, Skills and Work team at HMP Forest Bank.
- Benefits: Make a real difference in rehabilitation and reduce reoffending through employment.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to making a positive impact.
- Why this job: Empower individuals to transition from custody to community with sustainable job opportunities.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for rehabilitation are essential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
We are seeking a motivated and forward‑thinking Prison Employment Lead (PEL) to join our Education, Skills and Work team at HMP Forest Bank. This is a pivotal role focused on improving the employability of prisoners and supporting them into sustainable employment upon release. You will lead on creating and managing an end‑to‑end Prison Employment Pathway, ensuring every prisoner understands the real opportunity of finding meaningful work as part of their rehabilitation journey. The successful candidate will work closely with internal and external stakeholders—including employers, education providers, and the New Futures Network (NFN)—to match work‑ready candidates with live vacancies and help bridge the gap between custody and community employment.
Responsibilities
- Lead the design and delivery of an employment pathway that identifies, develops, and promotes work‑ready prisoners from induction through to release.
- Collaborate with internal prison departments, New Futures Network, and community employment agencies to broker meaningful job opportunities.
- Manage the Employment Hub, centralising employment services and promoting live vacancies to prisoners approaching release.
- Support education and IAG providers to ensure employment, education, and training opportunities are clearly promoted at induction and throughout custody.
- Track and report on employment outcomes, ensuring accurate data collection and compliance with performance and contractual targets.
- Partner with the Strategic Employment Advisory Board to align employability programmes with employer needs and industry standards.
- Organise employer engagement events and recruitment drives within the prison (e.g., hospitality, construction).
- Work closely with Pre‑Release and Community Offender Management teams to ensure effective transition and continuity of support after release.
- Line manage the Identification and Bank Account Administrator, ensuring high performance and compliance with standards.
Essential Qualifications
- A genuine interest in rehabilitation and reducing reoffending through employment.
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to engage confidently with diverse stakeholders.
- Excellent organisational and administrative skills, including accurate data management.
- Proficient IT skills, including use of databases and Microsoft Office.
- Ability to handle confidential information with integrity and professionalism.
Desirable Qualifications
- Experience in employability, education, training, or offender rehabilitation services.
- Knowledge of Education, Skills and Work (ESW) frameworks and HMPPS processes.
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
- Experience in partnership working across agencies and employer networks.
Core Competencies
- Business Consulting
- Continuous Improvement
- Employee Engagement
- Results Orientation
We are an equal‑opportunity employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are committed to a disability‑confident workplace and encourage applicants with disabilities to apply.
Prison Employment Lead employer: Sodexo
Contact Detail:
Sodexo Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Prison Employment Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with stakeholders. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for rehabilitation! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, share your genuine interest in helping prisoners find meaningful work. It’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to come to you. Research companies that align with your values and reach out directly. You never know what might come from a simple email or call.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources and support to help you land that Prison Employment Lead role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission to improve employability for prisoners.
We think you need these skills to ace Prison Employment Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Rehabilitation: When writing your application, let your genuine interest in rehabilitation and reducing reoffending shine through. We want to see how you connect with the mission of helping prisoners find meaningful work as part of their journey.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience in employability, education, or offender rehabilitation services. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate their skills in these areas, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Be Clear and Concise: Strong communication skills are key for this role. Keep your application clear and to the point, using straightforward language that reflects your ability to engage with diverse stakeholders. We appreciate a well-organised application!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and ready to take the next step in your career!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Prison Employment Lead inside out. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, especially around creating employment pathways and collaborating with stakeholders. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in rehabilitation.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves engaging with diverse stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated in previous roles, especially in challenging situations. This will demonstrate your strong verbal and written communication skills.
✨Be Data Savvy
Brush up on your data management skills, as tracking and reporting on employment outcomes is crucial. Be ready to discuss how you've handled data in past roles and how you ensure accuracy and compliance. This will highlight your organisational skills and attention to detail.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Rehabilitation
Express your genuine interest in reducing reoffending through employment. Share any relevant experiences or insights that showcase your commitment to helping others. This will resonate well with the interviewers and align with the core values of the role.