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. An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) and Lay Observer (LO) Secretariat as Head of Policy and Impact. Members of IMBs and Lay Observers are unpaid public appointees who provide statutory independent oversight of conditions and treatment of prisoners and detainees and those held in courts and escorts. IMBs operate in prisons and young offender institutions, and places of immigration detention. Lay Observers monitor the welfare of those in court custody suites 0n escorts. All of this work is supported by a secretariat, and sponsored by the Ministry of Justice. The 24 secretariat staff are based at Canary Wharf. Job Specification The Head of Policy and Impact will have lead responsibility for ensuring that IMB members and LOs have access to the knowledge and guidance that they need, and that their work has maximum impact on outcomes for prisoners and detainees. You will lead a team that: - can identify and interpret relevant policy and information from a wide variety of external sources;
- carries out internal engagement and regular communication with IMBs, LOs and their national governance structure, to provide accessible information and guidance, support their role and provide them with up to date information
- captures and analyses trends and themes from IMB and LO findings, with regular reports to ministers, the relevant services and departments, and parliamentarians to reflect the impact of current policies and practice and seek to improve outcomes for prisoners and detainees
- implements an external engagement and impact strategy, including the IMB website and social media, oversight of IMB publications and media engagement.
Key Duties You will be part of the senior leadership team, reporting to the head of secretariat. You will - manage a team of three staff: responsible for publications, policy and impact, communications and engagement.
- lead the policy and impact function, to maximise IMB and LO impact and influence, with the aim of improving outcomes for prisoners and detainees
- ensure that boards, members and lay observers receive the internal and external information and guidance needed to monitor effectively and to develop effective support networks
- develop strategic links with relevant HMPPS or Home Office policy and operational leads to ensure that IMB and LO findings are understood and followed up
- provide strategic advice and support both at local and national level in developing and managing key external stakeholder relationships.
- lead the external communications function, in the media, public and stakeholder organisations, through a range of channels and tools.
Essential skills and experience: - Sound judgment and analytical skills at both and a strategic and tactical level, in a complex and politically sensitive environment.
- Knowledge and understanding of criminal justice, prisons and/or detention settings
- Excellent interpersonal skills to deal with challenging situations and build appropriate independent relationships with key stakeholders at senior level
- Strategic approach to communications with skills across a range of communications disciplines including publications, media and digital.
- Strong writing and oral skills to present key findings from a wide range of data sources.
- Excellent planning, management and organisational skills
- Experience of leading and building teams and of change management
- Understanding of the approach needed in working with and through volunteers
- Experience of engaging successfully at strategic level with external stakeholders and the media
CS Behaviours - Seeing the big picture
- Leadership
- Communicating and influencing
- Working together
The secretariat, IMBs and LOs, value diversity and inclusion and actively encourage applications from everyone, including those who are underrepresented in our workforce. We promote equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment and a working environment free from discrimination, harassment, bullying and victimisation.
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