5816 - Assistant Controller - HMP Forest Bank - #1718831

The Prison Contracts Group (PCG), within the Directorate of Contracted Operational Delivery (DoCOD), manages a large portfolio of operational contracts, including the Prisoner Escort Custody Service, Electronic Monitoring, Community Rehabilitation Services, Prisoner Education, and other operational contracts, with a total annual value of £564m for PMP contracts.

Since their introduction in 1992, Private Managed Prisons (PMPs) have evolved significantly. The first UK PMP was HMP Wolds in Yorkshire, operated by G4S, following short-term contracts issued by the Conservative Government. The first wholly private prisons, financed via Private Finance Initiatives (PFI) using Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), include HMP Altcourse, opened in December 1997 and operated by G4S. Currently, there are 15 privately operated prisons in England and Wales, managed by G4S Justice Services, Serco Custodial Services, and Sodexo Custodial Services, housing approximately 20% of the closed prison population in the region.

Private prisons are subject to the same scrutiny as public sector facilities, including oversight by HM Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP), Ofsted, and the Operational and System Assurance Group (OSAG).

Governors of private prisons are called ‘Directors’ and have their own staffing structures, working under their respective Chief Operating Officer (COO). Prison Custody Officers (PCOs) are trained and licensed to operate as fully qualified officers.

Each private prison has a designated Controller, who is the most senior representative of the Secretary of State and is responsible for ensuring contractual delivery, negotiating changes, fostering innovation, and maintaining high performance standards. The Deputy Controller oversees daily operations within the prison, monitors contractual compliance, and reports to the Controller and the Head of Group.

The Contract Assurance Specialist produces strategic reports, conducts research, and performs statistical analysis to support decision-making and ensure contract compliance. The Assistant Controller supports contract assurance activities, oversees performance reporting, and manages core contract tasks.

Working Arrangements & Further Information

The MoJ offers hybrid working arrangements, subject to business needs, allowing a blend of working from home, MoJ sites, and other locations within the UK. Specific arrangements are discussed with successful candidates.

Standard full-time hours are 37 per week, with flexible, part-time, and job-sharing options considered. Existing MoJ staff may be eligible for secondment or loan arrangements for up to two years, subject to approval.

Additional benefits include holiday entitlement, pension options, work-life balance initiatives, season ticket loans, training and development opportunities, security and diversity training, and compliance with civil service employment policies.

This role is open to UK nationals, Irish nationals, Commonwealth citizens with work rights, certain EU/EEA nationals, and others as specified. A reserve list may be maintained for up to 12 months.

Selection processes may include a sift based on the 'Working Together' behaviour, followed by interviews assessing key behaviours and strengths. Applicants are required to submit truthful and accurate information, with AI-generated content being scrutinized for originality.