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General Information

Salary
£55,631
Working Pattern
Full Time, Part Time/Job Share
Vacancy Approach
Cross Government
Location
Croydon
Region
London
Closing Date
22-Jul-2025
Business Unit
AGY - NOMS Agency
Post Type
Permanent
Civil Service Grade
SEO
Number of jobs available
1
Reserve List
12 Months
Job ID
7506

Descriptions & requirements

Job description
Overview of the job    

The Mental Health Casework Section (MHCS) is placed within the Public Protection Group of the Wales and Public Protection Directorate.

The main function of MHCS is to discharge the Justice
Secretary’s functions under the Mental Health Act 1983. This involves the transfer of prisoners to and from hospital, and the management of other restricted patients diverted for treatment at the point of sentence who are either detained in hospital or conditionally discharged to live in the community under supervision. MHCS takes decisions on recalls, community leave and transfers and provides advice and training to stakeholders including clinicians on the management of restricted patients.

The post holder is one of three identical posts in each of the three current casework teams in MHCS, and takes decisions made on behalf of the Secretary of State in respect of approx 2,500 restricted patients (mentally disordered offenders who present a risk of significant harm to the public). In addition to casework responsibilities, the post holder manages the casework team manager (who in turn manages the caseworkers) and supports the head of casework team to manage litigation arising from the team’s caseload, including responding to ‘letters before claim’. The post holder also deals with all Treat Official Correspondence.

The post holder helps to set the direction for the team, cascading information, guidance and support, and, as necessary, ensuring that the views of the team are represented at Senior Management Team meetings.

The post holder reports to the Head of Casework Team to whom he or she acts as deputy.

Summary    

The post holder is responsible to the Head of Casework Team (Band 9) for a caseload of 2,500+ restricted patients, and the performance of a team of 15 who take decisions on behalf of the Secretary of State.

The role involves:

•    Taking key casework decisions as detailed below – for example, whether a mentally disordered offender who has committed a violent offence should have unescorted leave in the community. These decisions require an analysis of clinical and legal reports, including the medical prognosis, and the ability to balance the rights of the patient to rehabilitation against the need to protect the public from harm, within the legal framework of the Mental Health Act 1983 and other legislation.
•    Helping to develop, direct and manage the Section’s engagement with internal and external organisations (including stakeholders).
•    Developing internal operational policy to ensure the efficient and smooth running of the Section.
•    Developing and delivering internal and external training concerning the distinct role of MHCS.

The post holder will manage their own work and that of the team to deliver casework to targets, and establish good working relationships with other agencies involved in the management of restricted patients. They use management information (such as casework outputs, data on backlogs and quality assurance assessments), to monitor and help manage the performance of the team to ensure that workload and resources are managed effectively, defensible decisions are taken agreed processes followed and quality maintained. They will support and enable their staff to manage and deliver change.

The work concerns dangerous mentally disordered offenders and much of the material handled is of a disturbing and sensitive nature. There will be face to face contact with patients and frequent difficult conversations with victims, patients, and the families of patients.

In order to undertake their role, the post holder will have an appreciation of the legislative framework, caselaw, Department of Health guidance and the facilities available for the management of restricted patients.

Responsibilities, Activities and Duties    

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

Management

Act as deputy to the Head of Casework Team, directly managing one casework team manager and overseeing a team of 12, to ensure that:

•    Quantative and qualitative performance targets are met.
•    Individual staff potential is recognised and developed through coaching.
•    Potential improvements in efficiency and cost- effectiveness are developed and assessed.
The post holder will cover for the Head of Team’s absence, receiving the appropriate payment for doing so.

Operational Policy

Work as a supportive and flexible member of the Section’s Senior Management Team:

•    Taking responsibility for the collective management of the Section.
•    Taking overall responsibility of a specific area of operations including the development and implementation of operational policy.
•    Acting as change manager in relation to the implementation of large cross-functional organisational change programmes.
•    Developing and delivering associated training both internally and externally.

Casework

Take responsibility for the management of approximately 2,500 restricted patients, including direct responsibility for decision making (through the effective use of PPUD (electronic case management database) and by the analysis and assessment of the clinical and other evidence available, ensuring that the risk to the public is identified and appropriately managed) in the following areas:

For Detained patients

•    The approval of applications for unescorted leave under section 17 of the Mental Health Act 1983.
•    The approval of applications for overnight leave (unescorted and escorted) under section 17 of the Mental Health Act 1983.
•    The approval of applications for the remission to prison of patients transferred to Hospital under sections 47-49 of the MHA 1983 and the initial assessment of potentially High Profile patients (in respect of serious offences, media interest and other special concern sentenced by the Courts to Hospital Orders or transferred from Prison).
•    Reviewing of First Tier Tribunal (FTT) Hearing Adjournments and Directions decisions.

For Conditionally Discharged patients

•    Approval of applications for changes of conditions of discharge.
•    Assessing and addressing issues of concern arising from CD Reports.
•    Monitoring the progress of patients voluntarily admitted to hospital following issues concerning their mental health.
•    Reviewing of FTT Hearing Adjournments and Directions decisions.

For All patients

•    Replying to all Treat Official correspondence relating to restricted patients under their management.
•    Responding to ‘letters before claim’.
•    Overseeing the operation of the Victim Liaison Scheme as it impacts upon cases within their Team.
•    Drafting replies to MPs’ letters to Ministers.
•    Drafting submissions to Ministers.
•    Liaising directly with First Tier (Mental Health) Tribunal judges concerning issues of concern raised within their Decisions.
•    Taking overall responsibility for the management of the MHCS Quality Assessment Framework for the Team.

Engagement

•    Liaising with clinicians, social supervisors, offender supervisors, the Police and any other personnel involved in the management of mentally disordered offenders challenging their decisions as necessary on behalf of the Secretary of State.
•    Having direct responsibility for liaison with other statutory and non-statutory agencies and organisations.
•    Building build effective working relationships, including hosting and presenting to external audiences at Section Open Days, visiting hospitals, prisons and other stakeholders in MHCS work.

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary. Significant adjustments may require re-examination under the Job Evaluation Scheme and shall be discussed in the first instance with the job holder.

Behaviours    

•    Seeing the Big Picture
•    Making Effective Decisions
•    Communicating and Influencing
•    Leadership
•    Managing a Quality Service
•    Changing and Improving

Additional Information

Working Arrangements & Further Information

The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.

For nationally advertised roles, the successful candidate(s) will be appointed to a MoJ office location, which may include their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. This will be discussed and agreed on the completion of pre-employment checks.

Some of MoJ’s terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made.

Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week excluding breaks which are unpaid. HMPPS welcomes part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the HMPPS’ Flexible Working policy.

If you are a current NPS employee, this vacancy may be available on a Loan basis for up to 2 years. Applications are invited from suitable qualified staff.

The Loan/Secondment is subject to the approval of the selected candidate's Business Unit, which should be obtained before confirmation of appointment.

Benefits

Annual Leave

-The holiday year runs from 1 March. If you work a non standard work pattern your leave entitlement may be expressed in either hours or days as appropriate. Leave entitlement is calculated on a pro-rata basis and you will be advised of your actual entitlement on appointment. If you were appointed internally and your leave was previously calculated in days, this will continue to be the case.

Bank, Public and Privilege Holidays

-You are entitled to 9 days (66 hours 36 minutes) in recognition of bank, public and privilege holidays.

Pension

-The Civil Service offers a choice of two pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.

Work Life Balance

HM Prison & Probation Service  (HMPPS) is keen to encourage alternative working arrangements. Work life balance provides greater opportunities for staff to work more flexibly wherever managers and establishments can accommodate requests to do so. HMPPS offers flexible working subject to completion of a satisfactory probationary period and NVQ

Season Ticket Advance

-After two months’ service, you’ll be eligible to apply for a season ticket advance to purchase a quarterly or longer-period season ticket for travel between home and your place of work

Childcare Vouchers

For any moves across the Civil Service may have implications on your ability to carry on claiming childcare vouchers

Training

HMPPS is committed to staff development and offers a range of training and development opportunities, including areas such as Equality and Diversity, Dealing with Challenging Behaviour, Suicide Prevention and Anti Bullying Programmes

-There are opportunities to access promotion programmes and HMPPS provides a variety of training appropriate to individual posts

-All staff receive security and diversity training and an individual induction programme into their new roles

Eligibility

-All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to taking up post

-All external candidates are subject to 6 months probation. Internal candidates are subject to probation if they have not already served a probationary period within HMPPS

-All staff are required to declare whether they are a member of a group or organisation which the HMPPS considers to be racist

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint in the following order

As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns.

You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the TBS Recruitment Enquiries Team.

For more information on applying for a role as a candidate with a disability or long-term condition, please watch our animated videos.

Diversity & Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

A Great Place to Work for Veterans

The "Making the Civil Service a Great Place to work for veterans" initiative includes a guaranteed interview scheme to those who meet the minimum criteria to provide eligible former members of the Armed Forces with opportunities to secure rewarding jobs. Allowing veterans to continue to serve their country, and to bring highly skilled individuals with a broad range of experience into the Civil Service in an environment, which recognises and values your previous service in the Armed Forces.
For further details about the initiative and eligibility requirements visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/making-the-civil-service-a-great-place-to-work-for-veterans

Redeployment Interview Scheme

Civil Service departments are expected to explore redeployment opportunities before making an individual redundant. The MoJ is committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'.

MoJ is able to offer an interview to eligible candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. Candidates will not be eligible for the Redeployment Interview Scheme if they are applying on promotion.

Civil Service Nationality Rules

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

  • UK nationals
  • nationals of the Republic of Ireland
  • nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
  • nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families
  • nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
  • individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
  • Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules

Reserve list

A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made for the same or similar roles.


Contact Information
 

MoJ:

If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk

Please quote the job reference

HMPPS

If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk

Please quote the job reference 7506

For any further queries on this role, please contact Angela.Munley@justice.gov.uk

Application form stage assessments

Behaviours
A sift based on the lead behaviour, Making Effective Decisions, may be held if a large number of applications are received. If a large number of applications remain after the initial sift, your application will be progressed to a full sift, where all behaviours will then be considered.
Behaviours Application Form Question Word Limit
250
Changing and Improving
Communicating and Influencing
Making Effective Decisions
Managing a Quality Service
Experience
We will assess your experience for this role via the following methods
CV or Work History
Evidence of Experience
CV or Work History

Interview stage assessments

Interview Dates
To Be Confirmed
Behaviours
Communicating and Influencing
Making Effective Decisions
Seeing the Big Picture
Leadership
Strengths
Strengths will be assessed but these are not shared in advance. To learn more about Strengths and how they are assessed please click here.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (Al)
You must ensure that any evidence submitted as part of your application, including your CV, statement of suitability and behaviour examples, are truthful and factually accurate. Please note that plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own.
Level of security checks required
Enhanced Baseline Standard (EBS)