Visits Team Leader - The Forward Trust : Job Details

Visits Team Leader

Location: East Riding of Yorkshire

Salary: £27,992 per annum

We are looking for a Visits Team Leader. This is an exciting new opportunity to join our new Prison - HMP Millsike.

We are The Forward Trust, the social enterprise with charitable status that empowers people to break the often interlinked cycles of crime and addiction to move forward with their lives. For more than 25 years we have been working with people to build positive and productive lives, whatever their past. We believe that anyone is capable of lasting change. Our services have supported thousands of people to make positive changes and build productive lives with a job, family, friends and a sense of community.

HMP Millsike, the UK's newest, and first 'green' prison, is due to open in early 2025, run by Mitie Care and Custody on behalf of the Ministry of Justice. The Forward Trust is a strategic partner to Mitie Care and Custody, providing our Connections Services across the prison and supporting a restorative and rehabilitative culture that enables prisoners to unlock their potential

What you will be doing?

Within the restrictions of prisons, where the connection to the outside world is often limited, the importance of building and promoting family ties emerges as a key, yet it is an undervalued aspect in the rehabilitation process. For many prisoners, these connections represent more than just links to their former lives; they are vital parts in their rehabilitation journey.

Statistics that speaks volumes

Maintaining strong family relationships for prisoners as a major contributor to desistance is widely accepted. Individuals who receive regular family visits in prison have a 39% lower likelihood of reoffending. This figure is not just a mere number; it's a testament to the transformative power of family ties. It underscores a fundamental truth in the rehabilitation process

45% of prisoners lose contact with their family whilst in prison

54% of offenders have children under 18 when they enter custody

The Forward Trust's Connections Team at HMP Millsike is responsible for delivering core services, including:

• Connections Visits
• Family and Relationship Services
• Desistance and Well-Being Services

The Prison Visits Team Leader is an exciting and dynamic role that can really make a difference. It requires energy, empathy, positivity and commitment and is a role which will bring real job satisfaction. The Team Leader manages and coordinates the day-to-day operations of the Visits Centre, ensuring smooth service delivery, coordinating staff and volunteers, and liaising with prison staff and external agencies. They create a safe, welcoming environment for visitors, promoting dignity and respect and helping to establish The Forward Trust culture of connections and support. This role collaborates closely with Mitie staff to foster a positive and purposeful atmosphere, significantly contributing to the One Millsike focus of rehabilitation. The Team Leader also manages Visits Reception Workers and Visits Play Facilitators and supports the management and coordination of Prison Custody Officers (PCOs) during visits.

The Prison Visits Centre Team Leader plays a crucial role in positively impacting visitors and prisoners by:

Creating a Welcoming Environment: Ensuring the Visits Centre is safe, supportive, and respectful, making visitors feel valued and comfortable.

Coordinating Services: Managing staff to provide efficient and effective services, such as family and relationship support. Working with the Connections family and Relationships manager to organise and deliver family dine in and to promote and deliver wellbeing days both in the visits centre and the community.

• Promoting Positivity: Working with Mitie staff to foster a positive atmosphere, which can help reduce the stress and anxiety often associated with prison visits.
• Ensuring Smooth Operations: Overseeing the day-to-day management of the Visits Centre to ensure everything runs smoothly, which enhances the overall visitor experience.
• Overall, the role significantly contributes to a more positive and supportive experience for visitors, helping to establish and maintain strong family connections and support the wellbeing of both visitors and prisoners.

What we are looking for?

As a Visits Team Leader you will possess the following skills:

• Proven experience in management (resource /project), preferably within a custodial or community service environment.
• Strong leadership capabilities and experience in staff management
• Experience of working within prison visits centre or similar environment
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and integrity
• Skilled in forming diverse partnerships, alliances, and relationships. Excellent stakeholder management.
• Previous experience of developing and implementing service improvements.
• Skilled in communication, presenting, data, written and verbal 'story telling’
• Demonstrable experience in the successful and effective management of people and performance (including supervising staff to enhance their skills and enable them to work effectively), with evidence-based, tangible outcomes.
• Working knowledge of using Microsoft office packages.
• Experience of contractual service delivery in Criminal Justice settings, ideally of The Dynamic Framework, Privately Managed Prisons and / or Public Sector Prisons
• Experience of mobilising services to a high standard

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for the Forward Trust, please click apply to be redirected to their website to complete your application.