Job Summary: Deputy Head of Change Systems at HMPPS.

The Change Delivery and Systems team oversee the HMPPS governance for change referred to as the Gateway Management System (GMS). The GMS is used to triage/approve change activity through to delivery and completion. The Deputy Head of Change Systems is a senior role that plays a pivotal part in the strategic and operational management of HMPPS change systems initiatives at a national level. Working directly to the Head of Change Systems, this role involves working closely with senior leaders to enable the team to drive forward strategic change priorities whilst overseeing the management and operational delivery of two core platforms: the Excellence and Quality in Process (EQuiP) system and the Gateway Management System (GMS). These platforms underpin the organisation’s approach to change management, process governance, project initiation, and operational consistency across both probation and prison services 

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership: Provide strategic input to the design and development of change systems and solutions at a national level. Leading or supporting on specific national strategic activity on behalf of the wider Rehabilitation and Change Directorate as required.

Team Leadership: Manage and inspire Change Systems staff, providing clear guidance and holding them accountable for their roles and responsibilities regarding the Gateway Management System, EQuiP and change management best practice. Lead on recruitment for the team and supporting team development and performance, ensuring that objectives are met, and workloads are managed effectively. Working with the Head of Change Systems, develop a team identity that is built on professional role modelling, inclusivity, consistency of approach and collaborative leadership.

Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a national representative of change systems, engaging actively and professionally with senior stakeholders through engagement, reporting and consultation. Proactively managing relationships by participating in forums and meetings with internal and external stakeholders including in person where required. Deputising for the Head of Change Systems in national meetings as required. Providing a link between Area and National Change Delivery and Systems colleagues for the purposes of escalation/feedback and providing clear direction to the team.

The Deputy Head will be expected to champion digital capability across HMPPS alongside other digital champions, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and contribute to the strategic direction of the Change and Corporate Services Group. This role is ideal for a dynamic leader with a passion for technology-enabled change and a commitment to public service excellence. Collaboration with Heads of Change Delivery, their Deputies, Change Managers, Officers and Project Officers to ensure cohesive delivery across national programmes and business as usual change projects.

Compliance: Ensuring compliance with the GMS is a critical aspect of the role. The Deputy Head of Change Systems will uphold the professional standards within the team confirming we are working according to national expectations as defined in our service level agreement and protocols for EQuiP, GMS and PftW. Ensuring our change reporting is accurate and comprehensive when presented to senior stakeholders or used nationally.

Change Management Excellence: The Deputy Head of Change Systems will ensure the Change Systems Team utilise best practice methodology in change management through the use of training, continuous professional development and supervision.

Performance Monitoring and Reporting: Providing formal reporting at a national senior leadership level, where required, offering assurance of change load and delivery progress. The Deputy will also use this information to monitor and manage team performance offering assurance of data quality.

Risk Management and Continuous Improvement: The Deputy Head of Change Systems will work alongside the Head of Change Systems to build and maintain a culture within their team that identifies effective risk management strategies, business continuity and continuous improvement to ensure change is able to be implemented and embedded successfully. Using the methods and systems available to the Change Systems team, the Deputy will use reporting outputs to secure senior leader engagement. Working with the Change System Team on the ongoing development of the GMS and associated systems/protocols.

Technical: This role demands a high level of technical expertise and leadership in low-code development, with a particular emphasis on exploiting the Microsoft Power Platform, including Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power BI, to streamline workflows, enhance user experience, and drive digital transformation. In addition to acting as a technical authority on Power Platform and AI capabilities, advising senior leaders and stakeholders on opportunities for innovation and efficiency, the postholder will also lead on the development of integration of AI solutions to improve service delivery, automate routine tasks, and support data-driven decision-making across the Change portfolio.