THELAWPAGES.COM

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.

HM Inspectorate of Prisons (HMI Prisons) for England and Wales 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 an exciting opportunity for an exceptional policy professional to continue to enhance the policy capability of the organisation. It is a key post within the Inspectorate, reporting to the Head of Secretariat and working closely with the Chief Inspector. As Head of Policy, you will manage all internal and external policy and parliamentary work on behalf of the Inspectorate, making sure that our output helps to shape public and political debate about the treatment and conditions of prisoners. You will ensure that HMI Prisons contributes to the UK’s National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) and meets its obligations under OPCAT. You will support inspection staff with the development and revision of inspection methodology and oversee our work on stakeholder mapping and engagement. The post holder is required to work with minimal supervision and will be responsible for managing a Band C (HEO) Policy Officer.

Responsibilities

The key responsibilities of this job are to:

• Lead the inspectorate’s policy function to maximise our impact and influence with the aim of improving outcomes for prisoners and

• Monitor external policy and strategy developments, which may impact upon/inform the Inspectorate’s work and communicate these to relevant inspectorate

• Provide pro-active and strategic policy support to the Chief Inspector and other senior managers by producing policy briefings, advising on policy, drafting speeches and

• Assist inspection staff to develop and revise inspection methodology as required.

• Member of the Corporate Governance Board, assisting the Head of Secretariat with the monitoring of HMIP’s strategic risk register and reporting to the Board on the policy

• Work closely with the Head of Communications and Publications to carry out stakeholder mapping and develop a stakeholder engagement plan to make sure the inspectorate’s output helps to shape public and political debate about the treatment and conditions of

• Provide strategic advice and support to inspectorate staff in developing and managing key external stakeholder

• Work across the organisation to draft and coordinate high quality responses to policy consultations, prepare evidence to parliamentary and other inquiries, including providing advice on prioritisation and

• Support internal policy processes, including developing internal policy on new areas of work and supporting the work of the Inspectorate’s policy

• Make sure that inspectorate practice, policy and reports reflect human rights standards.

• Make sure evidence from inspections and thematic reports is fed into the development of penal and wider criminal justice policy and practice, through building relations with external stakeholders and other

• Represent the Chief Inspector to a range of audiences (including international) by attending meetings, delivering presentations and hosting visiting delegations.

• Line management of Band C (HEO) Policy Officer

Essential Knowledge, Experience and Skills:

• Demonstrable experience of leading and influencing policy development in the civil service, charity, public or private

• Excellent written   and   verbal    communication   skills   and   the   ability   to communicate confidently with a wide range of audiences and

• Strong interpersonal skills, with a proven track record of successful internal and external relationship management skills and the ability to build and maintain good working relationships at senior level

• Proven experience of applying human rights law to practice and policy

• Management experience, including direct line management

• An ability to demonstrate support for and understanding of the Inspectorate’s work and values, including its independence from

Desirable Knowledge, Experience and Skills:

• Understanding of policy and debates associated with detention and custodial environments

• Knowledge and understanding of devolved administrations within the UK