About the role

HM Inspectorate of Prisons is looking for an exceptional candidate to head up one of its inspection teams (A Team) which leads on the inspection of adult male prisons.   The successful candidate will be expected to take up post in early 2020. The exact date will be dependent on the timescales for interviews and security clearance processes. It is hoped there will also be a handover period.

As Inspector Team Leader, you will have a key role within the Inspectorate, making a demonstrable difference to the conditions and treatment of those held in detention in England and Wales by reporting on what you inspect and helping to achieve positive outcomes.  

You will be responsible for planning and carrying out inspections of prison establishments, managing a core team of inspectors, and the production of timely and accurate reports.   You will also be part of the Inspectorate’s Delivery Board and will be responsible for helping to develop Inspectorate policy and inspection practice.  

You will be required to use your skills, knowledge and experience on a daily basis to advise on and influence national and justice policy formation and promote the work of HM Inspectorate of Prisons.  

Reporting to HM Deputy Chief Inspector of Prisons, you will head the team of inspectors, develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders and provide expert advice to HM Chief Inspector.

Frequent travel within the UK (and possibly abroad) will be required, and you will spend at least one week in three away on inspection, as well as travelling for meetings and other events. You will also need to be available to come to London for internal and external meetings on a regular basis.

Responsibilities

Inspections

You will:

• Lead and coordinate the inspection of prisons and other places of detention to assess outcomes for detainees against the Inspectorate’s inspection criteria known as Expectations.

• Mobilise and supervise an effective inspection team (which will include core team members, specialists, and colleagues from other inspectorates) and help them to gather, analyse and test out evidence;

• Assess all relevant experiences and outcomes for prisoners in each establishment guided by the Inspectorates ‘healthy prison’ model (safety, respect, purposeful activity and rehabilitation and release planning) and presenting findings under each heading;

• Brief the governor or centre manager and senior managers during inspections, and in a formal debrief on the final day.

• Produce well written public reports within tight deadlines and present edited versions to the Deputy Chief Inspector and Chief Inspector;

• Work collaboratively as a member of multidisciplinary teams.

• Contribute, as required, to thematic inspection reports and reports produced jointly with other criminal justice inspectorates.

• Ensure inspectors assist with the development of Inspectorate criteria and guidelines relating to their team’s specialism;

Management and policy

You will:

• Lead on the Inspectorate response to relevant consultations and carry out relevant public speaking engagements on behalf of the Chief Inspector;

• Take appropriate action in response to concerns raised about those detained, including raising safeguarding alerts as required.

• Keep up to date with policy developments in order to advise HM Chief Inspector and ensure better outcomes for populations in detention;

• Manage an inspection team within the Inspectorate (including selection, induction, supervision, appraisal, quality assurance, training and development);

• Be an active member of the Inspectorate’s Delivery Board;

• Effectively project manage pieces of work and lead on meeting the objectives of the Inspectorate’s business and strategic plans;

• Advise on the development of internal Inspectorate policy, the continuing review and development of Inspectorate criteria and methodology, and the development of new inspection frameworks.

• Represent the Inspectorate externally: for example, in meetings and working parties with the Prison Service, Ministry of Justice, other inspectorates, other statutory and voluntary outside groups, and at conferences and seminars;

• Maintain effective partnership working with key stakeholders;

• Carry out inquiries as required, on behalf of the Chief Inspector.

Experience

Essential

• Experience of strong leadership and communication and of demonstrating independence, objectivity and the ability to assimilate and analyse complex data and evidence.

• Considerable senior management experience within, or directly relevant to, a custodial setting and/or experience developing or influencing policy in relation to the criminal justice system;

• Experience that demonstrates support for, and understanding of, the Inspectorate’s work and values

Desirable:

• Experience as the Governor or Director of one or more custodial establishments.

Behaviours and Strengths

You will be tested against the Success Profiles used across the Civil Service and its agencies at application and/or at interview stage. Please note that as part of the selection process, candidates invited to interview will also be required to sit a written assessment. 

Essential behaviours:

Leadership - Show pride and passion for public service. Create and engage others in delivering a shared vision. Value difference, diversity and inclusion, ensuring fairness and opportunity for all.  

Communicating and Influencing - Communicate purpose and direction with clarity, integrity and enthusiasm. Respect the needs, responses and opinions of others.

Making Effective Decisions - Use evidence and knowledge to support accurate, expert decisions and advice. Carefully consider alternative options, implications and risks of decisions.  

Delivering at Pace - Take responsibility for delivering timely and quality results with focus and drive.    

Essential strengths:

Team Leader - You are confident to lead a team and can effectively manage team dynamics to drive forward a shared goal. You take into consideration everyone’s individual needs and create a genuine team spirit.

Confident - You take charge of situations, people and decisions. You communicate confidently and give direction.

Emotionally Intelligent - You draw insight from your own emotions and those of others to demonstrate empathy.

Explainer - You communicate thoughts and ideas, verbally or in writing. You simplify complexities and adapt communication so others can understand.

Analytical - You seek and analyse information to inform decisions based on the best available evidence.

Decisive - You use your judgement and take a considered approach to situations and tasks when making decisions.

Catalyst - You are self-motivated to act to achieve a goal. You are confident using your own initiative to take forward actions.

Adaptable - You can adapt to variations in work or environment and your effectiveness isn’t impacted by change. You are flexible and versatile and act as an advocate for change.