Directorate Lead Psychologist- Psychology Services

at  Ministry of Justice

Salary
The national salary range is £74,243 - £89,091, London salary range is £76,773 - £93,707. Your salary will be dependent on your base location
Number of jobs available
3
Detail of reserve list
12 Months
Region
National
City/Town
National
Building/Site

NATIONAL

Grade
Other
Organisation Grade for HMPPS
Band 11
Post Type
Permanent
Working Pattern
Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working, Other
Role Type
Psychology
Job description
Applicants will need to be HCPC registered practitioner psychologists. They are also likely to be Chartered psychologists and be eligible for Associate Fellowship of the BPS. Whilst we encourage psychologists registered in all domains, the role requires clear evidence of delivering services within a forensic environment at a senior level.
Psychology Services Group (PSG) employs almost 900 psychologists across His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service in England. This is largely forensic psychologists and forensic psychologists in training. Due to expansions in our service and wider organisational change, we are looking to increase the cadre of our senior leaders at Directorate Psychologist level by a further 3 posts.

These post holders will be based in 3 of the Area Executive Director (AED) led regions within England, namely:

• South West & South Central
• North West
• South East & Eastern

Whilst the post holder will not need to be co-located in these regions, there is an expectation of in person attendance to ensure effective relationship management and support. A map showing the regions is attached.
Main responsibilities are included in the job description. This is a senior leadership and management role within PSG, responsible for providing a senior partnering function to the relevant AED and senior stakeholders across prison and probation as well as other partners including health and the third sector. The post holder will lead the team of psychologists based within that region, driving innovation against HMPPS objectives including reducing reoffending and public protection, supporting PSG wider development and providing expertise into different functions within HMPPS.
PSG is a national service, which provides psychological services into HMPPS across all areas of England as well as into HQ. Team size across different regions varies and wider responsibilities will exist for each post.
It is a diverse and challenging role, with each AED region and related responsibilities presenting different challenges and opportunities. Should you wish to discuss these posts in more detail, Dr Jo Bailey, Deputy Director and Head of Group, would be happy to discuss and can be contacted via ChiefPsychologist@justice.gov.uk.

SUMMARY

The role is to support the Executive Director (ED) and the DD PSG by providing leadership for PSG within that Directorate structure. This involves providing a range of services to operational and non-operational colleagues and management of the regional psychology teams across that Directorate. The post-holder is part of the ED Senior Management Team in addition to the PSG Executive Leadership Team.
Service delivery includes the assessment, intervention and management of those in both custody and community settings; advice/guidance and strategic overview to achieve best practice in areas across HMPPS settings within their span of control as well as wider influence regarding psychological practice, evidence and information. This will be completed in conjunction with colleagues and stakeholders and partner agencies throughout HMPPS including within Headquarters and into wider Government departments where required.
This is a senior leader within HMPPS with responsibilities to contribute across the system, to be proactive in identifying opportunities for improvement and should face outwards as well as inwards.
The job holder will manage the Directorate Psychology operation (delivering the service) and lead on key strategic themes on behalf of PSG. They are responsible for integrating the psychology function throughout their Directorate at all levels, combining psychological theory with local strategy and practice.
The jobholder will be non-operational, working within a Directorate Office with line management responsibilities of large geographically dispersed teams.

EXPERIENCE

They will have considerable experience of delivering psychological services directly, and through a managed team.
They will have experience of delivering consultancy at a Senior Management level and working across a broader Reducing Reoffending Agenda, with strong evidence of strategic thinking and influencing policy and practice.
Ensure professional standards are maintained within span of control, and take appropriate action where required
Demonstrate the Civil Service values of Leadership
Demonstrate the HMPPS Values
Demonstrate awareness of and key commitment to agendas and initiatives around Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

The post holder will be a Registered Practitioner Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council and eligible to use a protected title.
They will have been registered for over two years and be eligible for Associate Fellowship of the BPS.
They are likely to also be a Chartered Psychologist and Full member of the appropriate division of the British Psychological Society (BPS).
Manage own CPD and ensure compliance with HCPC standards.
Maintain HCPC registered status

QUALIFICATIONS

HCPC Registered Psychologist
They will have been registered for over two years and be eligible for Associate Fellowship of the BPS.
They are likely to also be a Chartered Psychologist and Full member of the appropriate division of the British Psychological Society (BPS).

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