50701 - Head of Security - HMP Huntercombe

£42,626 - £51,154
1
12 Months
South East
Henley-on-Thames
HM Prison Huntercombe, RG9 5SB
SEO
Band 8
Permanent
Full Time
Security

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about how we do this visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity.

Overview of the job 

This is a functional management job within an establishment.

Summary 

The job holder will be responsible for managing a number of work area(s) within the Security and intelligence function of the establishment, accountable for protecting the public by preventing escape and further offending from inside the establishment As a member of the Senior Management Team, they will contribute and implement their functions objectives as defined in the establishment’s business plan. 

This is an operational job with line management responsibilities.

Responsibilities,

Activities and Duties 

The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:

•   Ensure all managers and staff within the function provide a respectful, safe decent environment for all prisoners and staff 

•   Accountable for the performance of the function and the staff within it. Manage the achievement of qualitative and quantative standards including Service Delivery Indicators (SDI’s) within the function, verifying and signing off documentation as appropriate. Analyses and acts upon data which is relevant to their function.

•   Accountable for the integrity of the following systems and processes and all staff within the area. This Includes: 

  • Intelligence unit
  • Security
  • Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU)
  • Corruption Prevention
  • Dog Handling
  • Security Lead searching
  • Mandatory Drug Testing (MDT)
  • Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA)
  • Night Management
  • Prisoner Identification Number (PIN) phones interrogation
  • Correspondence and Censors

•   Accountable for all aspects of Security for the establishment and ensure a safe environment for staff, prisoners and visitors

•   Accountable for protecting the public by preventing escape and further offending from inside the establishment 

•   Accountable for managing Human Intelligence Sources, Corruption Prevention and Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) for the establishment

•   Accountable for ensuring the effective deployment of the searching team in accordance with national policy, National Security Framework (NSF)/Local Security Strategy (LSS) to meet both planned and intelligence led targets

•   Accountable for ensuring that the searching strategy is fit for purpose and carried out in accordance with the (NSF) / (LSS)

•   Accountable for ensuring the Local Security Strategy (LSS)  is maintained to reflect the operation of the establishment and that all staff are compliant to the specified level 

•   Accountable for the control and management of keys and the key ledger (1001)

•   Accountable for the management of all Corruption Prevention reports in accordance with national policy 

•   Accountable for ensuring correct and accurate risk assessments are completed with all relevant intelligence 

•   Accountable for ensuring all managers and staff within the function contribute towards the establishment’s Drug Strategy Policy including supply and reduction measures and intelligence led MDT 

•   Accountable for establishing a culture where corruption is not tolerated within the establishment 

•   Accountable for disseminating information from Security Information Reports (SIR’s) to manage the risk to the establishment using action plans to address any concerns. 

•   Accountable for ensuring internal intelligence information is disseminated to the relevant external agencies

•   Accountable for ensuring appropriate actions are taken as a result of any intelligence 

•   Accountable for ensuring compliance with Interceptions of Communication Commissioner’s Office (IOCCO) 

•   Accountable for ensuring the Security Information Reports (SIR) and Conflict of Interest Register are maintained

•   Accountable for all aspects of the Audit Assurance process linked to the Security function.  Ensure and maintain Security compliances and Audit Contingency Planning

•   Accountable for managing the Counter Terrorism (CT)/PREVENT agenda on behalf of the establishment and ensure effective liaison with the Area CT coordinator, Special Branch and other agencies

•   Accountable for managing the Access to Justice process and its attendant risks

•   Accountable for managing all Escape list and Category A procedures and making submissions for potential Category A prisoner

•   Analyse data and trends to identify emerging risks and threats to security

•   Chair monthly security committee setting objectives direction of works and reviewing any current threats

•   Accountable for ensuring prisoners are treated lawfully and decently

•   Accountable for monitoring prominent nominals within the establishment

•   Commission and act on physical security audits and checks to ensure security related planned preventative maintenance is carried out

•   Support Senior Management team colleagues on the promotion of dynamic security 

•   Accountable for managing the establishment Covert Test Programme in accordance with national policy, High Security objectives and local risk assessment 

•   Accountable for consulting with local hospitals/police forces in ensuring security is maintained in relation to hospital escorts and bedwatches.  Accountable for   updating and maintaining local protocols

•   Accountable for local drug supply reduction strategy and the systems and practices in place to support this

•   Ensure Category A procedures are adhered to  

Undertake other management tasks including:

•   Act as the Governor's representative by chairing adjudications and taking charge of day-to-day establishment operations as Duty Governor 

•   Promote Prison Service policy in all activities and behaviours e.g. promote diversity, decency, safety and reducing re-offending agendas

•   Review open Assessment Care in Custody teamwork (ACCT) as and when required in line with audit baselines

•   Provide leadership and management of the Function.  Will have the skills to apply all Human Resources (HR) related policies and practices and be able to carry out all aspects of people management such as Attendance Management, Disciplinary Investigations, Performance Management and Staff Appraisals  Manage Prisoners Complaints Process within the Function 

•   Responsible for ensuring all litigation claims relevant to the area have been dealt with in accordance with policy

•   Oversee the compilation and  regular progress reporting of performance improvement programmes

•   Manage the appropriate authorisation of Financial Compliance Statements

•   Manage devolved budgets in accordance with the financial procedures outlined in the budget delegation

•   Ensure that the Function produces and analyses audit and establishment performance management information identifying variances and areas requiring improvements

•   Contribute to the establishment’s overall achievement of (SDIs) and standards and be accountable for the performance and delivery of targets relating to the budget; People Plan for the Function.

•   Accountable for all local and national policies relating to the Function, and ensure procedures implemented are compliant, including the development of new policies

•   Contribute to the development and delivery of the medium-to-long term strategic and business plan for the establishment, with overall responsibility for implementation within their Function

•   Attend relevant boards/meetings and actively contribute either as chair or team member

•   Responsible for ensuring the defined work areas and associated activities comply with Health and Safety legislation.  Ensure all risk assessments are undertaken and staff are made aware of their personal responsibility towards Health and Safety compliance

•   Work collaboratively and provide constructive challenge to colleagues to ensure that their own and other Functions are joined up and together contribute towards the overall delivery of the establishment’s performance

•   Contribute to the preparation of the establishment contingency and emergency plans and ensure implementation when required.

•   Ensure the effective use of staff resources  and the provision of training and annual leave opportunities 

•   Produce relevant reports as required and ensure that the response to all correspondence are within agreed timescales

•   Carry out investigations and administration in relation to incidents of potential discrimination and report on findings

•   Accountable for ensuring actions arising from Standard Audit, Her Majesty

Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) Action Plans and Managing Quality of Prison Life (MQPL) surveys, including local self-audit action plans and Resettlement strategies, are delivered

•   Deliver and implement projects as directed by the Governor

•   Actively encourage staff engagement within the Function to ensure objectives are met 

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary. Significant adjustments may require re-examination under the Job Evaluation scheme and shall be discussed in the first instance with the Job Holder. 

An ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through the medium of English or (where specified in Wales) Welsh. 

Behaviours

  • Delivering at Pace
  • Leadership
  • Communicating and Influencing
  • Working Together
  • Managing a Quality Service
  • Changing and Improving
  • Making Effective Decisions

Technical Requirements

Job holders must complete specific training in their specialism once they take up post. 

If Operational 

•       Must be successfully accredited by passing the Head of Function Assessment Centre (HFAC), or prior to 2016 be accredited as an Operational Manager (or in post as a G5 prior to 1999). 

•       Where HFAC accreditation was gained from 2018, the Incident Management Silver Command (IMSC) assessment must also be passed to be eligible for operational Head of Function roles.

•       Successful completion of the workbook.

•       When transferring to a Young Persons establishment the job holder will be required to successfully undertake an assessment to demonstrate suitability to work with Young People. 

Hours of Work (Unsocial Hours) Allowances

37 hour week

Working Arrangements & Further Information

For nationally advertised campaigns, candidates will be appointed to their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. This will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) on the completion of pre-employment checks.

Some of MoJ’s, including HMPPS, terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made.

Standard working hours for this post are 37 hours per week excluding breaks which are unpaid.

If you are a current NPS employee, this vacancy may be available on a Loan basis for up to 2 years. Applications are invited from suitable qualified staff.

The Loan/Secondment is subject to the approval of the selected candidate's Business Unit, which should be obtained before confirmation of appointment.

Benefits

Annual Leave

-The holiday year runs from 1 March. If you work a non standard work pattern your leave entitlement may be expressed in either hours or days as appropriate. Leave entitlement is calculated on a pro-rata basis and you will be advised of your actual entitlement on appointment. If you were appointed internally and your leave was previously calculated in days, this will continue to be the case.

Bank, Public and Privilege Holidays

-You are entitled to 9 days (66 hours 36 minutes) in recognition of bank, public and privilege holidays. These hours are added to your annual leave allowance. There is a requirement to work some public and bank holidays subject to your shift pattern and the operational needs of the establishment

Pension

-The Civil Service offers a choice of two pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.

Work Life Balance

HM Prison & Probation Service  (HMPPS) is keen to encourage alternative working arrangements. Work life balance provides greater opportunities for staff to work more flexibly wherever managers and establishments can accommodate requests to do so. HMPPS offers flexible working subject to completion of a satisfactory probationary period and NVQ

Season Ticket Advance

-After two months’ service, you’ll be eligible to apply for a season ticket advance to purchase a quarterly or longer-period season ticket for travel between home and your place of work

Childcare Vouchers

For any moves across the Civil Service may have implications on your ability to carry on claiming childcare vouchers

Training

HMPPS is committed to staff development and offers a range of training and development opportunities, including areas such as Equality and Diversity, Dealing with Challenging Behaviour, Suicide Prevention and Anti Bullying Programmes

-There are opportunities to access promotion programmes and HMPPS provides a variety of training appropriate to individual posts

-All staff receive security and diversity training and an individual induction programme into their new roles

Eligibility

-All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to taking up post

-All external candidates are subject to 6 months probation. Internal candidates are subject to probation if they have not already served a probationary period within HMPPS

-All staff are required to declare whether they are a member of a group or organisation which the HMPPS considers to be racist

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. Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint in the following order

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns.

You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the SSCL Recruitment Enquiries Team.

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about how we do this visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity.

Interviews expected to begin from 15th December 2021

09/12/2021, 23:55 hours.

If you require any assistance please call 0845 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com. Please quote the job reference - 50701.

Success Profiles will enable a fairer and more inclusive method of recruitment by enabling us to assess the range of experiences, abilities, strengths, behaviours and technical/professional skills required for different roles. This flexible approach to recruitment focuses more on finding the right candidate for the specific role. To find out more about Success Profiles to support your application please click here for further guidance.

if you feel that your application has not been treated in line with the Civil Service Recruitment Principles, please contact SSCL (Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com) in the first instance

We have provided detail of the assessment stages and areas being assessed to help you prepare for completing your application form, and to advise of what will be assessed following this, if you successfully pass the application stage.


Application form stage assessments

Behaviours
Delivering at Pace - 250 word limit
Leadership - 250 word limit
Communicating and Influencing - 250 word limit
Working Together - 250 word limit
Managing a Quality Service - 250 word limit
Changing and Improving - 250 word limit
Making Effective Decisions - 250 word limit

Interview stage assessments

There is 1 interview stage for this vacancy.
Behaviours
Delivering at Pace
Leadership
Communicating and Influencing
Working Together
Managing a Quality Service
Changing and Improving
Making Effective Decisions
Strengths may also be assessed at interview but these are not shared in advance.

A Great Place to Work for Veterans

The "Making the Civil Service a Great Place to work for veterans" initiative includes a guaranteed interview scheme to those who meet the minimum criteria to provide eligible former members of the Armed Forces with opportunities to secure rewarding jobs. Allowing veterans to continue to serve their country, and to bring highly skilled individuals with a broad range of experience into the Civil Service in an environment, which recognises and values your previous service in the Armed Forces.
For further details about the initiative and eligibility requirements visit : https://www.gov.uk/government/news/making-the-civil-service-a-great-place-to-work-for-veterans

Redeployment Interview Scheme

Civil Service departments are expected to explore redeployment opportunities before making an individual redundant. The MoJ are committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'.

MoJ are able to offer an interview to eligible candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. Candidate's will not be eligible for the Redeployment Interview Scheme if they are applying on promotion.

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) (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families

· nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for 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

· Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules

This Vacancy is closed to applications.