At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a pioneering team to shape a new high-security prison and deliver psychological services.
- Company: Be part of HM Prison & Probation Service, committed to public safety and rehabilitation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of prisoners while building a new facility from the ground up.
- Qualifications: Must be a Registered Practitioner Psychologist with relevant experience and qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 73513 - 86082 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the team shaping HMP Welland Oaks, a new Category B Long Term High Security estate prison in Market Harborough. Publicly operated and currently under construction, the prison will provide capacity for 1,715 prisoners and play an important role in the future prison estate. Following the official naming announcement and ground-breaking on 6 November 2025, the project is now starting the process of planning, mobilisation and ramp-up ahead of opening in early 2029. Joining now means contributing to a major new prison from the ground up, helping to build the culture, systems and operational foundations that will support its safe and successful opening.
As HMP Welland Oaks is under construction, it is not possible to work from site at this time. Therefore, your base location will vary and could be any HMPPS (or other) location within a reasonable distance of Welland Oaks including other LTHSE establishments and may vary from time to time depending on the needs of the business. Mileage expenses would be covered for this travel. As soon as HMPPS is able to occupy the prison, you will be expected to attend site. Please ensure you consider this before making your application.
Person specification
- The job holder will be a Registered Practitioner Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council and eligible to use a protected title.
- They are likely to also be a Chartered Psychologist with Full member of the appropriate division of the BPS if the post requires it.
- They will have experience of delivering psychological services directly, and through a managed team.
- They will have been registered for over two years.
Qualifications
- Registered Practitioner Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council and eligible to use a protected title.
- Experience of delivering psychological services directly, and through a managed team.
- Registered for over two years.
Memberships
- Registered Practitioner Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council and eligible to use a protected title.
- Chartered Psychologist with Full member of the appropriate division of the BPS if the post requires it.
- Experience of delivering psychological services directly, and through a managed team.
- Registered for over two years.
Languages
- Written and Spoken English
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Changing and Improving
- Communicating and Influencing
- Leadership
- Making Effective Decisions
- Managing a Quality Service
- Working Together
Benefits
- Alongside your salary of 73,513, HM Prison & Probation Service contributes 21,296 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
- Access to learning and development.
- A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options to enhance your work life balance.
- A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity.
- A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
- Annual Leave.
- Public Holidays.
- Season Ticket Advance.
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo an enhanced (or equivalent) criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check.
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- Nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- Nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- Individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found.
Principal Registered Psychologist - Psychology Services - LTHSE - HMP Welland Oaks (Ref: 21004) employer: United Kingdom Government
Joining HM Prison & Probation Service as a Principal Registered Psychologist offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of HMP Welland Oaks, a new high-security prison in Staffordshire. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working options, and a supportive culture that values diversity and inclusion, this role not only provides competitive remuneration but also the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of prisoners and the wider community. As part of the Civil Service, you will benefit from a generous pension scheme and a collaborative work environment that prioritises your professional growth.
