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General Information

Salary
£56,221 - £61,843
Working Pattern
Full Time, Part Time/Job Share
Vacancy Approach
Cross Government
Location
Croydon
Region
London
Closing Date
27-May-2025
Business Unit
Security Group
Post Type
Permanent
Civil Service Grade
SEO
Number of jobs available
1
Reserve List
12 Months
Job ID
5714

Descriptions & requirements

Job description

Overview of the job

MHCS discharges the Secretary of State’s functions under the Mental Health Act 1983 in respect of restricted patients. These are mentally disordered offenders who present a risk of significant harm to the public. The Secretary of State’s functions involve the transfer of prisoners to and from hospital, and the management of other restricted patients diverted for treatment at the point of sentence who are either detained in hospital or conditionally discharged to live in the community under supervision. MHCS takes decisions on discharge, recall, community leave, transfer and provides advice and training to stakeholders including clinicians at Consultant level on the management of restricted patients.

MHCS manages all litigation concerning its decisions and MHCS challenges to decisions of the First Tier Tribunal (Mental Health).

This newly established, high profile role will deliver MHCS’s commitments in regards to terrorism and extremism, particularly in response to Jonathan Hall QC’s independent review of MAPPA. Our case management of high profile TACT cases requires a different approach to how MHCS currently operates; the post holder will be responsible for establishing this new approach, working closely with partners.

In addition to our casework teams, MHCS’s Casework Support and Performance Team (CPST) provide essential central support functions, implement thematic quality assurance and improvement systems and provide full performance management data. The post holder will work with the CPST in relation to quality assurance of extremism related casework and reporting.

The post holder sets the direction for this work, delivering alongside other Heads of Team in MHCS, and is accountable for decisions made on behalf of the Secretary of State in respect of restricted patients (mentally disordered offenders who present a risk of significant harm to the public) identified as of concern due to terrorism and/ or extremism.

The post holder is a member of the MHCS Senior Management Team (SMT). The post holder will take part in corporate discussions, advice and decision-making for MHCS as a whole and will lead for the MHCS SMT on cross-Section operational policy in relation to extremism and terrorism.

The post holder reports to the Head of Mental Health Casework Section.

Summary

This exciting and high profile post will require the post holder to represent the department regularly, delivering training, engaging with stakeholders, delivering presentations and working with all relevant partners involved in the management of this specialist area.

They will work directly to the Head of Section to further develop MHCS’s case management approaches for high profile TACT and TACT Connected patients/ offenders. They will develop a detailed knowledge at individual case level and be responsible for decision making in these cases. Decision making requires analysis of clinical and legal reports balancing the rights of the patient to rehabilitation against the need to protect the public from harm, within the legal framework of the Mental Health Act 1983 and other legislation.

 The post holder will take ownership of development and delivery of new casework practices for high profile extremism cases and build effective relationships with partners to ensure effective case management practices are in place and risk is appropriately managed. They will manage their own work and deliver to casework targets and establish good working relationships with other agencies involved in the management of restricted patients. They will attend MAPPA as appropriate and represent MHCS at these meetings, using information appropriately to inform decision making on caseload as necessary.

In order to undertake the role, the post holder will have, or will need to acquire, a good understanding of the mental health legislative framework, case law, Department of Health and NHSE&I guidance and the facilities available for the management of restricted patients. Additionally they will be required to develop a keen understanding of MHCS’s wider statutory responsibilities with regard to Restricted Patients and participate in the Out of Hours rota.

The role requires SC clearance which can be obtained on appointment.

Responsibilities, Activities and Duties   

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

•             Manage a caseload of high profile TACT/TACT Connected cases. Developing a detailed knowledge of each case at individual level to ensure MHCS can provide greater scrutiny and closer communications between MHCS as decision maker and partners.

•             Provide leadership and direction to caseworkers and casework managers involved in the wider casework responsibilities for this group of restricted patients.

•             Make, approve and oversee decisions in relation to this caseload, working with case management systems as required.

•             Develop systems and mechanisms to effectively communicate with partners in such cases, and adapting style as appropriate to the audience.

•             Develop and deliver MHCS strategic priorities in this area, including

delivering MHCS’s commitments in response to the Independent Review of

MAPPA in relation to Terrorist Risk Offenders.

•             On behalf of MHCS, own and manage the terrorist risk information sharing process.

•             Attend MAPPA and other multi-agency meetings to discuss MHCS patients who are of active interest to the Joint Extremism Unit, Counter Terrorism Police, and others.

•             Support information requests and flows on both strategic and tactical information, lead on litigation cases, ministerial correspondence and treat officials for this group of restricted patients.

•             Actively build and maintain good working relationships with both HMPPS colleagues and external partners at national, regional and local levels to facilitate timely sharing of information.

•             Review and evaluate the terrorist risk information sharing process and make recommendations for development of that process.

•             Work with related partners, including the National Security Division, National Prison Intelligence Co-ordination Centre and Counter Terrorism Police to develop joint agreement to ways of working.

•             Develop and refine MHCS’s ability to report accurately on this patient cohort working with MHCS CPS team as necessary. Compiling and analysing statistics and information to ensure that all work is recorded. Analyse performance data for this group of patients and highlight any issues to SMT and Head of Section.

•             Ensure case management systems have the ability to draw data into reports for this cohort in a meaningful way.

•             Become proficient in MHCS general casework practices and participate in the MHCS Out of Hours Rota.

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.

Behaviours    

•             Seeing the Big Picture

•             Changing and Improving

•             Making Effective Decisions

•             Communicating and Influencing

•             Leadership

•             Delivery at Pace

•             Managing a Quality Service

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
For further information relating to the role, please contact Jobshare.souter-nichol@justice.gov.uk

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 5714

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 5714

Application form stage assessments

Behaviours
Behaviours Application Form Question Word Limit
250
Changing and Improving
Communicating and Influencing
Making Effective Decisions
Managing a Quality Service
Experience
We will assess your experience for this role via the following methods
CV or Work History
Evidence of Experience
CV or Work History

Interview stage assessments

Interview Dates
Interviews will take place face to face within 1 Ruskin Square-Dingwall Road-Croydon-CR0 2WF. Dates to be confirmed.
Behaviours
Communicating and Influencing
Delivering at Pace
Leadership
Making Effective Decisions
Seeing the Big Picture
Strengths
Strengths will be assessed but these are not shared in advance. To learn more about Strengths and how they are assessed please click here.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (Al)
You must ensure that any evidence submitted as part of your application, including your CV, statement of suitability and behaviour examples, are truthful and factually accurate. Please note that plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own.
Level of security checks required
Security Clearance (SC)