Head of Business Assurance and Performance

Job Introduction

Do you have senior management experience, ideally in the criminal justice field?  Are you a team player, an inspirational leader and can you motivate all levels of staff to succeed in difficult circumstances? 

In this newly scoped role, our Head of Business Assurance and Performance will have accountability for leading the delivery of an efficient and effective function including overall functional responsibilities for set targets, providing Business Assurance to the Prison Director. This includes Business Planning; identifying, implementing and supporting the achievement of business objectives. You’ll be a key contributor to strategy and delivery alongside the Director, Deputy Director and Head of Female Prison.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), you will contribute and implement the Function’s objectives as defined in the establishment’s Business Plan and Roadmap. This function will include activities within the establishment Business Delivery & Planning, Audit & Assurance and interface with Finance, Health and Safety, Facilities Management and HR to monitor and support strategic priorities. 

HMP/YOI Peterborough is the country’s only purpose-built prison for both male and female prisoners (kept separate at all times), including a 12-place mother and baby unit. In Sodexo Justice, we aim to change lives for the better by operating safe, decent, and secure prisons. We rehabilitate those in our care and provide purposeful activity, employment, education, and rehabilitation services. We support offenders to lead law-abiding lives in their community on release

About the role

• Management of budgets and approver for procurement within the establishment where exceptional expenditure is required within area of authority in collaboration with the Head of Business Management
• To be the interface with the client on all contractual matters
• Strategic oversight and management of the establishment’s staffing resource including workforce planning activities in collaboration with the HR Business Partner
• Promotion of Justice Services policy in all activities and behaviours e.g. promote diversity, decency, safety and reducing re-offending agendas
• Manage Prisoners’ Complaints Process within the Function
• Ensure all litigation claims relevant to the area have been dealt with in accordance with policy
• Oversee the compilation and regular progress reporting of performance improvement programmes.
• Ensure defined work areas and associated activities comply with Health and Safety legislation. Ensure all risk assessments are undertaken, and staff are made aware of their personal responsibility towards Health and Safety compliance
• Contribute to the preparation of the establishment contingency and emergency plans and ensure implementation when required

Please see attached job description for further information regarding the role requirements 

• Role model senior leader - authentic leadership skills with a clear and demonstratable understanding of key people management tools and resources
• Proven track record in contracts and performance management
• Clear understanding of commercial Prison contracts, contract knowledge and contract and client management skills
• High level risk management skills
• Effective stakeholder relationship management – internal and external
• Proficient use of Microsoft Excel 
• Understanding of Project management methodologies 

• Competitive Salary + Performance-related bonus

• A flexible benefits fund of £1,300 to utilise a range of benefits, including Private Medical Insurance (PMI), dental, gym memberships, retail / hospitality discounts, etc.
• 20+ Sodexo benefits such as Sodexo retirement plan, private healthcare, discounts to over 1,900 brands to shop online, Gym discount to maintain a healthy lifestyle, a confidential 24/7 employee assistance programme providing independent support to overcome whenever life has its obstacles including emotional support, legal and financial advice. For further details regarding our Sodexo benefits please see attached. 

To be considered for an interview you must:

• have a disability defined by the Equality Act 2010
• provide evidence in your application that you meet the minimum criteria in the job description
• meet all of the qualifications, skills or experience defined as essential