At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a multi-disciplinary team delivering recovery-focused services in a prison environment.
- Company: Join Forward Trust, a charity dedicated to supporting recovery and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Flexible working, training opportunities, wellbeing days, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in leadership and a passion for trauma-informed care.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 37433 - 45751 £ per year.
The Forward Trust delivers clinical and psychosocial substance misuse services across Surrey prisons, working in close partnership with NHS healthcare providers. Our services are rooted in a trauma-informed, gender-responsive Health & Wellbeing framework, supporting people to build recovery, resilience and positive futures.
We are looking for a Service Manager to lead our service at HMP Highdown in Sutton, Surrey, a Category C men’s training and resettlement prison with a diverse and complex population.
Based on site, you’ll lead a skilled multi-disciplinary team delivering recovery-focused psychosocial and clinical interventions to adults aged 18+. Collaboration is key – you’ll work closely with prison staff, healthcare, mental health services and external partners to ensure joined-up care.
Key responsibilities:- Line manage and support Team Leaders within the service
- Contribute to strategic development and Forward Trust’s business plan alongside the Regional Manager
- Build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships across the prison and partner agencies
- Produce performance reports for commissioners and attend contract meetings
- Ensure accurate data submission, audit compliance and adherence to CQC standards
This is a CQC registered service, and you’ll be expected to take on the role of CQC Registered Manager following probation (or an agreed timescale).
If you’re a confident leader with a passion for recovery-oriented, trauma-informed services and thrive in complex environments, we’d love to hear from you.
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.
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 plus Bank Holidays
- Contributory Pension Scheme – Employer matched contributions of up to 6% in the first two years’ service and up to 9% thereafter
- Death in Service Payment (2x annual salary)
- Critical Illness Insurance (subject to qualifying criteria)
The Forward Trust commits to providing opportunities to everyone. We want to ensure we have a diverse team with a range of lived and professional experiences. This includes those with ‘Lived Experience’ of addiction, offending, or homelessness.
When we recruit, we welcome applications from everyone. This is inclusive of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion and/or belief, marriage and civil partnerships, pregnancy and maternity and socio-economic background. Where operationally possible, we will consider flexible working requests and make reasonable adjustments for all roles.
Dependent on role you may be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service Check, details of which will be shared with you at interview.
If successful in your application, you will be required to provide eligibility to work evidence in line with the ‘Eligibility to Work in the UK’ requirements.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk. Forward Trust follow safer recruitment practices and support a culture of openness and accountability.
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Forward Trust, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application.
Service Manager HMP Highdown in Sutton employer: The Forward Trust
Contact Detail:
The Forward Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager HMP Highdown in Sutton
✨Tip Number 1
Networking is key! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those who work at Forward Trust or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview like it’s a big game day. Research the Forward Trust’s values and services, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but for the team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do a mock interview with you. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and boost your confidence when it’s time to shine in front of the real interview panel.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager HMP Highdown in Sutton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Service Manager. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission at HMP Highdown!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Service Manager, you'll be leading a multi-disciplinary team. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership style and any relevant experiences that showcase your ability to manage and inspire a team.
Highlight Collaboration Experience: Collaboration is key in this role! Share examples of how you've successfully worked with various stakeholders in the past. We love to see how you can build strong relationships with partners and teams.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Forward Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Service Manager in a prison setting. Familiarise yourself with trauma-informed care and the specific challenges faced by the population at HMP Highdown. This will show your commitment and readiness to lead a multi-disciplinary team.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight your ability to support and develop Team Leaders, as well as your experience in building strong stakeholder relationships. This is crucial for the collaborative nature of the role.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in complex environments. Think about scenarios where you've had to navigate challenges in service delivery or stakeholder management, and be ready to discuss how you handled them.
✨Understand the Importance of Compliance
Familiarise yourself with CQC standards and the importance of data submission and audit compliance. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure adherence to these standards in your role, as this is vital for the success of the service.