His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service – Board Chair and Lead Non Executive Director

Thank you for considering applying for the important role of Non-Executive Board Member and Board Chair, at His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS).

HMPPS is an executive agency of the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and was established in 2007. We play a crucial role in society by carrying out sentences given by the courts, in custody and the community, and rehabilitating people in our care by addressing education, employment, accommodation, health and substance misuse needs.

We are currently seeking to appoint a new, non-executive Chair to lead the Board. Our Non-Executive Board Members contribute to and participate in the work and effective running of HMPPS’ Board by scrutinising and challenging how well the agency is achieving its objectives. As we navigate some significant challenges on system capacity, we are looking for someone with the knowledge and expertise to provide independent advice and constructive, effective challenge and support to our executive team.

We encourage applications from people from the widest possible range of backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from females, people with a disability and those from an ethnic minority background. If you believe you have the experience and qualities we are seeking, we very much look forward to hearing from you.

Amy Rees, Director General Chief Executive Officer, HMPPS

HMPPS is seeking to appoint a new Lead Non-Executive Director (NED) and Board Chair. We encourage applications from people from the widest possible range of backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from females, people with a disability and those from an ethnic minority background. Applicants who are unsuccessful for that role may considered for a merit list of potential future NED appointments.

All NEDs are appointed by the Department’s Permanent Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of State.

The HMPPS Agency Board (the Board) forms the collective strategic leadership of the Agency, bringing together HMPPS Leadership Team (Director Generals and Executive Directors) with senior Non-Executives. Its remit is advising and challenging on performance and delivery, including appropriate oversight of finance and risk.

The Board’s responsibilities are to:

• agree the vision and strategy of the Agency and aligning the values of the Agency with those of the Civil Service code (Integrity, Honesty, Objectivity and Impartiality)

• agree and monitor appropriate governance and internal controls; including processes to ensure sound financial management and good value for money

• agree and monitor processes to manage financial and performance risks

• support the Executive team to deliver operations.

Key Responsibilities

The primary duty of the Chair is to lead the Board in the successful performance of its functions, in line with the HMPPS Framework document. This will include:

• providing ongoing leadership, vision and direction to the Board and the wider organisation, ensuring that it has the maximum impact possible

• working effectively with the executive and non-executive members to ensure that the Board provides strong leadership

• management and leadership of the HMPPS non-executive team, including overseeing appointments, performance management, and priority setting

• establishing and maintaining strong relationships with important partners, including Ministers, the Permanent Secretary, MoJ Chief Operating Officer and other key influencers

• along with the Chief Executive, engaging with stakeholders and HMPPS staff to communicate the agency’s role and priorities

• providing advice, challenge, counsel and support for the Chief Executive and Executive Team in achieving HMPPS’ strategic objectives

• scrutinising the Executive and supporting the Accounting Officer in ensuring that the organisation uses its resources efficiently and effectively, delivering value for money for the taxpayer

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate the following essential criteria:

• Proven senior leadership and strategic decision making skills in a complex business environment in the private, public, or voluntary sectors

• A track record of setting and delivering strategic priorities and structural change programmes at scale within tight financial constraints

• Ability to bring external, private, or social, experience to bear in the government operating environment

• Sound judgement, analytical skills, and a high level of integrity

• Experience or knowledge of the areas of HMPPS operational delivery including a clear understanding of the key challenges faced by HMPPS , and  more  widely of the changing role of the public sector.

• Strong strategic communication skills, with an ability to advise and challenge on a wide range of matters, manage challenging, proactive messages

• Ability to build a positive working relationship with the Chief Executive and the wider Board to drive improvements in the organisation’s governance and performance

• Ability to access, build strategic working relations with and influence high level stakeholders and be an effective public ambassador for HMPPS