Following Dame Carol Black’s Independent Review, the UK government published From Harm to Hope: A 10-Year Drug Plan in 2021, alongside the Prison White Paper. These initiatives committed the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) and HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) to introduce Health and Justice Partnership Coordinators (HJPC’s) in every probation region by 2024/25. This role addresses the complex health disparities and substance misuse needs of individuals in contact with the criminal justice system, who face significantly higher mortality rates than the general population.

In Greater Manchester (GM), the Health and Justice Partnership Coordinator plays a vital role in developing integrated care pathways for people on probation or leaving prison. The postholder will work with strategic partners to reduce premature deaths and support the implementation of the regional suicide prevention plan. Candidates should have strong knowledge of both health and justice systems, and an understanding of GM’s devolved structures to effectively address health inequalities by not only recognising but actively addressed through collaborative, place-based solutions

The postholder will work across agencies to strengthen continuity of care, particularly through the use of Community Sentence Treatment Requirements (CSTRs), which offer a health-led alternative to custody. Key responsibilities include developing effective information-sharing systems, managing commissioning opportunities, and ensuring that health-focused release planning is embedded in probation practice. A good understanding of substance misuse, mental health, and resettlement pathways is essential to improving outcomes and reducing reoffending.

Working as a health and justice partnership coordinator is a unique and rewarding role with a focus on innovation and operational delivery. The role will be governed within the Community Integration team under the Health and Justice Partnership manager. The role will work regionally across GM and be based within a community probation office with the expectation that post holders will travel as and when required, including regular visits into selected prisons and community settings.

The role demands a strong commitment to equality, inclusion, and confidentiality, with a clear focus on dismantling barriers to care. By addressing the root causes of health and social disadvantage, this role directly supports the government’s goal to reduce reoffending and create safer, healthier communities

This is a 12-month fixed term position, with the possibility of extension and permanency. We would also be open to secondment from another agency.