Head of Professional Development

Reporting to the HR Director and managing a team of around 500 staff across over 60 locations in England and Wales, the high profile role of Head of Professional Development and Capability is responsible for the following distinct areas within the HMPPS HR Directorate (HRD) during a time of significant workforce reform within the department: Career Support and Development With a total HMPPS workforce of over 40,000 staff, effective career and talent management together with informed succession planning is a pivotal part of both maintaining operational stability and driving innovative approaches to deliver reform and improvement. Professionalising the workforce This is an opportunity to make a definitive impact on offender management in England and Wales by continuing the work of Prison Safety and Reform by focusing on developing the professionalisation of operational roles. The post holder will lead the implementation of workforce reforms in HMPPS supported by the most suitable assessments and qualifications required for roles. The post holder will also lead on the long term impact of professionalisation and the changing socio-economic workforce trends and how HMPPS needs to adapt to these changes. Entry and Development Programmes Access routes into HMPPS are another key focus of the recent White Paper. The post holder will drive future access routes, development of suitable programmes and the onward career management of alumni of these programmes. Apprenticeships with the Civil Services target of more than 30,000 apprenticeship starts by 2020, HMPPS are a fundamental part of delivering the MoJ apprenticeship strategy and the post holder will have a leading role in this. They will utilise both workforce data and trend analysis to develop and implement the best apprenticeship options for HMPPS. This strategy will be a varied apprenticeship offer across all levels for new and existing staff, covering professions and workplace skills with a focus on improved social mobility and social inclusion. Learning and Development (L&D) Operational L&D in HMPPS reaches over 35,000 members of staff per year with a catalogue of over 300 courses including entry level training for Prison and Probation Officers. The post holder will work with a budget of £20 million to ensure that organisational needs analysis, product development, delivery, evaluation and QA cycles support business need whilst driving innovation and new ways of learning; including immersive techniques and greater use of digital technology.