Head of Service Liaison and Diversion

We’re recruiting for a head of service to lead the award-winning health and justice services provided by Berkshire Healthcare across the Thames Valley and Hampshire and Isle of Wight. Liaison and Diversion (L&D) services identify and support people who have mental health, learning disability, substance misuse or other vulnerabilities when they first come into contact with the criminal justice system as suspects, defendants or offenders. RECONNECT is a care after custody service that seeks to improve the continuity of care of vulnerable people leaving prison or an immigration removal centre (IRC).

You will contribute to the delivery of Liaison and Diversion and RECONNECT services across both areas, leading a non-medically-led multi-professional team.

The Liaison and Diversion service is an all age and all vulnerability service operating from police custody and crown court. RECONNECT is an adult all vulnerability service working with prisoners as they approach release. Both services have agreed performance standards in line with regulatory frameworks of health and social care. This role will drive forward strategic objectives to further develop health and justice services, with the aim of delivering beacon services which are locally and nationally recognised as such.

If you have any questions on the role or would like an informal discussion prior to applying, please contact Bernadine.Blease@berkshire.nhs.uk

• Day to day operational responsibility for service delivery across the Thames Valley and Hampshire/ IOW regions and the management of the contracted services on behalf of BHFT
• To develop and raise the profile and awareness of the value of services within Hampshire/IOW and Thames Valley Police, Thames Valley and Hampshire/IOW Courts, Thames Valley and Hampshire Probation/YOT’s, NHSE, Local NHS Trusts, clinical commissioning groups, the Local Authorities and other stakeholders both internally and externally.
• Oversight of existing pathways (adult, youth, women, veterans, crown court, prison) and development of new projects which contribute to the aim of liaison and diversion services
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders with a vested interest in health and justice service outcomes.
• The clinical and governance lead for health and justice service
• Management of the overall service budget.

The “must haves” for you to be considered for this role:

• Demonstrable experience of effective partnership working with other organisations at a senior level
• Registered Professional qualification and management Qualification
• Have experience of working in a senior leadership role.
• A passion for and understanding of health and justice services and how they can contribute to better health and wellbeing outcomes for vulnerable people
• Dynamic and proactive, and excited to take on a new challenge.

Berkshire Healthcare has a record of achievement and success that places us as one of the best performing Trusts in the country. We are rated ‘Outstanding’ by the CQC, we have a history of strong financial performance, and we have a highly skilled and engaged workforce. We aspire to be an outstanding organisation for everyone: our people, our patients, their families, and their carers.

For our people who work here that means we want Berkshire Healthcare to be a great place to work where everyone can thrive and grow.

We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics. Reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled applicants where required.

The Trust is also committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We follow safe recruitment practices to protect children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust is committed to improving the health of its staff, patients and the wider community by providing a smoke free environment. A smoke free policy is in operation and smoking is not permitted on any of the Trust’s sites.

The Trust may close any vacancy prior to the advertised closing date due to the high level of responses we receive for some of our vacancies.

Please see attached job description for more information about this role and working at Berkshire HealthcareNHS Foundation Trust.