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.
Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons for England and Wales (HMI Prisons) is an independent inspectorate which reports on the treatment of, and conditions for, those in prison, young offender institutions and court custody suites in England and Wales, and immigration detention facilities in the United Kingdom. HMI Prisons also inspects Border Force customs custody (jointly with HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services) and secure training centres (jointly with Ofsted). By invitation, HMI Prisons inspects some military detention facilities, as well as prisons in Northern Ireland and in other jurisdictions with links to the UK, such as the Isle of Man.
The role of HM Inspectorate of Prisons is to provide independent scrutiny of the conditions for and treatment of prisoners and other detainees, promoting the concept of ‘healthy establishments’ in which staff work effectively to achieve positive outcomes for those detained and for the public.
The Inspectorate’s work constitutes an important part of the United Kingdom’s obligations under the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment of Punishment. This Protocol requires signatory states to have in place regular independent inspection of places of detention.
HM Inspectorate of Prisons is an Arm’s Length Body (ALB) of the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). The Chief Inspector of Prisons is a Crown Appointee, while the staff of the Inspectorate are civil servants employed by the MoJ. The established values of the Inspectorate are:
- Independence, impartiality and integrity are the foundations of our work.
- The experience of the detainee is at the heart of our inspections.
- Respect for human rights underpins our Expectations.
- We embrace diversity and are committed to pursuing equality of outcomes for all.
- We believe in the capacity of both individuals and organisations to change and improve, and that we have a part to play in initiating and encouraging change.
About The Role
This is a busy and interesting role, which principally involves providing administrative support to the Chief and Deputy Chief Inspector throughout all aspects of their work. The post holder will manage their diaries, including liaising with a range of internal MoJ, partner organisation and external stakeholders. The role will also involve managing correspondence on behalf of the Chief Inspector/Deputy Chief Inspector and acting as secretary to a programme of meetings. The role involves dealing with sensitive material on a regular basis, so a high level of discretion and judgement is required. The post sits within the Secretariat Team at HM Inspectorate of Prisons, which provides support to the entire organisation to ensure that the Inspectorate delivers its role.
Grade
EO (Band D)
Responsibilities
Draft acknowledgements and short correspondence on behalf of the Chief Inspector/Deputy Chief Inspector.
Organise a range of internal and external meetings, on behalf of the Chief Inspector, Deputy Chief Inspector, and other senior leaders in the This will include assisting with preparing agendas, distributing meeting papers and following up action points as required.
Act as secretary to the quarterly Corporate Governance Board (CGB). The postholder will need to work closely with the Head of Secretariat to co-ordinate quarterly meeting arrangements. As secretary to the CGB, the postholder is required to set appropriate agendas, collate, and distribute meeting papers, maintain an action log and follow up progress against this and produce a detailed minute of the meeting.
Act as secretary to the monthly Delivery Board meeting and provide secretariat support to chair and board members. The postholder will need to work closely with the Head of Secretariat and Deputy Chief Inspector to ensure the priorities of the Board are As secretary to the Delivery Board the postholder is required to set appropriate agendas, collate and distribute meeting papers, maintain an action log and follow up progress against this and produce a detailed minute of the meeting.
Support the Head of Secretariat with organising quarterly Development Days for all staff at an outside venue, which includes booking and liaising with the venue, confirming the agenda, liaising with speakers and organising overnight accommodation etc.
Maintain distribution lists for regularly used groups and ensure these are updated as required.
Act as a key contact in the office for general enquiries, ‘signposting’ queries to other teams/individuals where appropriate.
Line management responsibility for one Inspection Support Officer (AO)
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.
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