Desistance Service Manager - HMP Millsike

This is a brand-new role and a first for Forward Trust.

As Desistance Service Manager at HMP Millsike, you’ll lead delivery of our new 6-week flagship More Than My Past (MTMP) programme, a cornerstone of our ambitious Connections Services and whole-prison desistance approach.

You’ll manage a residential houseblock, oversee a rich programme of wellbeing and resettlement interventions, and play a visible, influential role in shaping culture across the establishment.

Why this role is different

• You’ll be launching, implementing, and evaluating a brand-new flagship programme
• You’ll lead the More Than My Past Houseblock, embedding ethos, regime, and purpose
• You’ll influence practice and culture well beyond your team, across the whole prison
• You’ll be trusted to lead, innovate, and assertively uphold Forward Trust values

This role is ideal for a confident, experienced manager who enjoys challenge, complexity, and making things happen.

We’re keen to meet people with relevant experience, passion, and transferable skills, including those who bring diverse professional backgrounds.

What you’ll bring

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has experience delivering programmes, ideally within a custodial setting
• Is confident managing people, programmes, and multiple stakeholders
• Can lead implementation, quality assurance, and programme evaluation
• Is visible, credible, and able to influence across disciplines
• Brings energy, drive, and a passion for desistance that is obvious and infectious

You’ll enjoy leading from the front and ensuring the Forward Trust culture thrives across the whole establishment.

Working pattern

• Full-time, permanent, based at HMP Millsike (35 Hours)
• Primarily Monday–Friday, with one weekend in four
• Flexibility required, the regime runs 7 days per week, including evenings
• You understand the importance of being visible on the houseblock, including evenings and weekends, to support staff, residents, and activities

HMP Millsike is in a rural location; therefore, access to a car is preferred.