Desistance Service Manager - HMP Millsike - East Riding of Yorkshire

This is a brand-new role and a first for Forward Trust. As Desistance Service Manager at HMP Millsike, you’ll lead delivery of our new 6-week flagship More Than My Past (MTMP) programme, a cornerstone of our ambitious Connections Services and whole-prison desistance approach. You’ll manage a residential houseblock, oversee a rich programme of wellbeing and resettlement interventions, and play a visible, influential role in shaping culture across the establishment.

Why this role is different

• You’ll be launching, implementing, and evaluating a brand-new flagship programme
• You’ll lead the More Than My Past Houseblock, embedding ethos, regime, and purpose
• You’ll influence practice and culture well beyond your team, across the whole prison
• You’ll be trusted to lead, innovate, and assertively uphold Forward Trust values

This role is ideal for a confident, experienced manager who enjoys challenge, complexity, and making things happen. We’re keen to meet people with relevant experience, passion, and transferable skills, including those who bring diverse professional backgrounds.

What you’ll bring

• Has experience delivering programmes, ideally within a custodial setting
• Is confident managing people, programmes, and multiple stakeholders
• Can lead implementation, quality assurance, and programme evaluation
• Is visible, credible, and able to influence across disciplines
• Brings energy, drive, and a passion for desistance that is obvious and infectious

You’ll enjoy leading from the front and ensuring the Forward Trust culture thrives across the whole establishment.

Working pattern

• Full-time, permanent, based at HMP Millsike (35 Hours)
• Primarily Monday–Friday, with one weekend in four
• Flexibility required, the regime runs 7 days per week, including evenings
• You understand the importance of being visible on the houseblock, including evenings and weekends, to support staff, residents, and activities

Selection Process

The selection process will consist of an in-person presentation followed by a panel interview, both of which will take place onsite at HMP Millsike.

To apply, please submit:

• A CV that not only outlines your work history, but clearly demonstrates how your skills and experience align with the requirements of this role
• A covering letter (maximum 1,500 words) setting out how you meet the skills, experience, and knowledge described in the Job Description

HMP Millsike is in a rural location; therefore, access to a car is preferred. All prison-based roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks and HMPPS security vetting. These checks can take up to 5 months to complete. Any offer of employment will be conditional upon the successful completion of both checks. Please note if you have lived overseas within the last 5 years then checks may take longer.

About Us

We are The Forward Trust, the social enterprise with charitable status that empowers people to break the often interlinked cycles of crime and addiction to move forward with their lives. For more than 25 years we have been working with people to build positive and productive lives, whatever their past. We believe that anyone is capable of lasting change. Our services have supported thousands of people to make positive changes and build productive lives with a job, family, friends and a sense of community. We are committed to our cause and the work we carry out as a charity. Equally the wellbeing and the employees who work for us are also important. Joining us as an employee, we will offer you the following benefits:

• Flexible working
• Training and development opportunities
• Simply Health Cashback Scheme (optional)
• Season Ticket Loan Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Crisis Loan Scheme
• Electric Car Scheme
• 3 x Wellbeing Days (pro rata'd for part time employees)
• Access to Blue Light Card
• 25 days (rising to 30 with length of service) Annual Leave