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This vacancy is only available to existing Civil Servant employees and employees of accredited non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs). Please review the "Eligibility" section before you apply.

General Information

Salary
The national salary range is £91,540 - £100,694, London salary range is £94,660 - £105,912. Your salary will be dependent on your base location
Working Pattern
Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working
Vacancy Approach
Cross Government
Location
National
Region
National
Closing Date
29-Jul-2026
Business Unit
Estates Capacity
Post Type
Permanent
Civil Service Grade
Other
Number of jobs available
1
Reserve List
12 Months
Job ID
20034

Descriptions & requirements

Job description

Overview of the job

The Change Directorate, providing Prison Capacity for HMPPS, including the Prison Capacity Sub-Portfolio responsible for overseeing the management and development of prison facilities across the estate, consisting of New Prisons, Prison Estate Expansion, Private Prisons Contract Expiry and Transfer, Accelerated Houseblock Delivery Programme (ADHP), Small  Secure Houseblocks and Rapid Deployment Cells Programme (RDCP), as well as the Long-Term Estates strategy and pipeline. 

Creating a reformed estate for male and female population in prisons, that is less crowded, better organised, more effective and comprises modern, fit for purpose accommodation that meet the specific needs and risks of different prisoner groups. 

This is a critical role as the post holder will lead on the strategic approach to delivering against the Government prison place commitment, while also providing strategic leadership on wider prison builds. 

This is a non-operational role, with line management responsibility.

Summary

The post holder will work to the Executive Director for Change Directorate and will be a member of the Directorate Senior Leadership team. 

This senior post holder will be accountable for the leadership vision, and performance of the Prison Capacity Sub-Portfolio. 

Providing strategic direction for the management and development of prison facilities across the estate, ensuring that the portfolio delivers modern, fit for purpose accommodation aligned with Government priorities and the needs of diverse prisoner groups, overseeing the delivery and implementation of an internal estate strategy for HMPPS, that considers the future of the prison and probation estates.  

The post holder will lead multiple central teams, with both direct and indirect responsibilities for a geographically dispersed workforce. 

Responsibilities, Activities and Duties

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

             Through expert translation of evidence and the development of long-term strategies, the post holder will set the direction for prison building programmes and the operational function of the directorate, ensuring that objectives are evidence-based and responsive to the iterative development of the Estates and Infrastructure Strategy. 

             Overseeing a large portfolio spanning multiple programmes with national impact on prison capacity and rehabilitation outcomes

             Responsible for the strategic direction and transformation of the Change Directorate, shaping long-term policy and delivery models that influence national prison infrastructure and operations

             Representing the Directorate at senior forums and decision-making bodies, and providing leadership across a range of strategic and operational matters 

             Lead engagement with senior stakeholders and create and maintain constructive links with key cross partners across HMPPS, MoJ, HMT, No10.

             Lead on organisational capability strategy and Provide assurance to the Executive Director on delivery confidence of the Portfolio.

             Manage Portfolio capital investment budget including leading on SR for directorate. 

             Lead strategic stakeholder engagement across a large and complex organisation, providing direction and oversight in the development and implementation of communications plans. 

             Actively support programme teams in unlocking challenges internally and externally, particularly on areas that require cross-government collaboration

             Accountable for high-level decision-making on investment prioritisation, risk mitigation, and strategic alignment across government departments, including leading on the strategic direction of the ICF’s contribution to the HLT risk register

             The post holder will provide assurance to the Senior Sponsor on the delivery of a large number of projects and act as a key advisor on the strategic approach for future delivery and the operational function of the Prison Supply Directorate. 

             Provide senior leadership and oversight of the operational activity of 3 multi-disciplinary central teams overseeing the strategic, corporate and assurance objectives of the directorate

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 Welsh.

Civil Service Success Profile Criteria

Behaviours

Note: We recommend you choose up to 6 behaviours.

             Seeing the Big Picture

             Making Effective Decisions

             Leadership

             Communicating and Influencing

             Delivering at Pace

Experience

             Demonstrates strong strategic leadership through managing high-profile portfolios and shaping cross government policy on behalf of HMPPS. 

             Effectively translates complex policy into clear strategic direction and communicates priorities to senior stakeholders, Ministers, and partners.

             Extensive experience working with central government departments and operating as a senior stakeholder in complex, high-profile initiatives. 

             Uses sound judgement and advanced influencing skills to represent HMPPS effectively at the highest levels.

             Experience in building collaborative relationships that leverage the expertise of others to deliver shared outcomes. 

             Proven ability to influence and engage across diverse teams and stakeholders to drive progress and innovation.

             A level of project delivery expertise, ideally focused on department and cross government governance, financial controls and tolerances.      

Ability

             Strong relationship management skills are required as the post holder deals with senior stakeholders, work stream leads and senior executives from other departments and organisations.

             Excellent interpersonal skills to manage work stream relationships, private prison senior leaders and other senior stakeholders. 

            Negotiation skills to ensure the best outcomes are achieved for HMPPS and prison places are brought online.

Hours of Work (Unsocial Hours) Allowances

37 hour working week

 

Additional Information

Working Arrangements & Further Information

The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.

For nationally advertised roles, the successful candidate(s) will be appointed to a MoJ office location, which may include their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. This will be discussed and agreed on the completion of pre-employment checks.

Some of MoJ’s 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 full time working hours are 37 hours per week excluding breaks which are unpaid. HMPPS welcomes part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the HMPPS’ Flexible Working policy.

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.

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

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 TBS Recruitment Enquiries Team.

For more information on applying for a role as a candidate with a disability or long-term condition, please watch our animated videos.

Diversity & Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

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 is committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'.

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

Civil Service Nationality Rules

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

Reserve list

A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made for the same or similar roles.

Contact Information

MoJ:

If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk

Please quote the job reference 20034

HMPPS

If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk

Please quote the job reference

Application form stage assessments

Experience
We will assess your experience for this role via the following methods
CV or Work History, Statement of Suitability
Evidence of Experience
CV or Work History, Statement of Suitability

Interview stage assessments

Interview Dates
To be confirmed
Behaviours
Seeing the Big Picture
Making Effective Decisions
Leadership
Communicating and Influencing
Level of security checks required
DBS Standard

Use of Artificial Intelligence (Al)

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.  Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.