Job description - Policy Officer 
 
About the role 
 
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) is looking for someone to join the Secretariat team as a 
Policy Officer on a full-time basis on a permanent contract. 
 
The post holder will play a key role in the Policy Team, assisting the Chief Inspector in his 
engagement with policy makers and Parliament. The post holder will also have opportunities to work 
with HMIPs’ key stakeholders and be given the responsibility and autonomy to lead on significant 
pieces of work. This is an exciting role for someone who would like to develop their skills and 
knowledge in policy and parliamentary work and gain exposure to human rights issues and inspection 
methodologies. 
 
The Policy Officer is managed by the Head of Policy, and the two posts make up the policy team at 
HMIP, which is part of the wider Secretariat team. The work of the Secretariat overall is managed by 
the Head of Secretariat.  
 
The policy team carries out a range of functions, including: monitoring policy and parliamentary 
developments; identifying and responding to consultations and parliamentary inquiries; preparing 
briefings for inspectors providing evidence; advising on human rights; assisting to develop 
Expectations; stakeholder engagement; and assisting the Chief Inspector and Deputy Inspector to 
safeguard HMIP’s independence and remit.  
The team works with staff across HMIP and closely with the Chief Inspector, Deputy Chief Inspector, 
Head of Secretariat and the Communications and Publications team.  
Our current working arrangements require attendance in our Canary Wharf office in London for three 
days per week, with the possibility of being in more depending on business needs. This role may 
involve occasional travel within the UK.  
 
Responsibilities  
 
Duties will include the following: 
 
•  Monitoring and tracking policy and legislation to ensure the Chief Inspector and other HMIP 
colleagues are briefed on relevant developments; 
•  Providing policy support to the Chief Inspector, Deputy Chief Inspector, Head of Policy and 
other inspectorate staff, including supporting and drafting briefing papers, consultation 
responses and ad hoc requests; 
•  Assisting the Head of Policy to maintain stakeholder relationships and engagement, including 
attending meetings with stakeholders on behalf of HMIP;  
•  Briefing the Chief Inspector and other HMIP staff ahead of appearances before parliamentary 
committees;  

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•  Supporting and providing policy advice for project work across the inspectorate, such as 
Expectation and methodology reviews and thematic inspections; 
•  Providing support and policy advice to one or more policy fora;  
•  Coordinating HMIP’s response to sanctions cases, including maintaining records, drafting 
relevant correspondence, liaising with other scrutiny bodies and providing support to the lead 
sanctions inspector and Deputy Chief Inspector;  
•  Helping to develop the inspectorate’s activity in relation to notable positive practice and  
•  Supporting the work of the Secretariat as necessary. 
 
Knowledge, Experience and Skills 
 
Essential skills and knowledge: 
 
•  Demonstrable interest in detention related issues and the welfare of those detained; 
•  Experience of analysing government policy, drafting policy submissions and/or contributing to 
policy debates; 
•  Strong research skills; 
•  Experience of preparing reports, presentations and other written materials; 
•  Excellent drafting skills and attention to detail, including the ability to draft in plain English for a 
range of audiences; 
•  Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work with people 
from a range of backgrounds; 
•  Excellent organisational skills, including the ability to prioritise work to meet deadlines; and 
•  Proficiency in use of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Powerpoint. 
 
Desirable: 
 
•  A degree in a relevant field (such as social sciences, politics, law); 
•  Understanding of legislative processes; 
•  Understanding of safeguarding; 
•  Experience of working with parliamentary committees;  
•  Understanding of new technology such as AI and its potential in policy-making; and 
•  Understanding of detention related issues, criminal justice and/or human rights. 
 

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