Job summary
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Forensic Operational Service Manager to lead the delivery of high-quality forensic services within a complex and fast-paced environment.
This is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing operational performance, service delivery, quality standards, workforce management, and continuous improvement initiatives. The successful candidate will ensure that forensic services are delivered efficiently, safely, and in compliance with all relevant regulatory, legal, and accreditation requirements.
Working closely with senior leaders, operational teams, and external stakeholders, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and developing forensic services to meet current and future demands.
Main duties of the job
Lead the day-to-day operational management of forensic services.Ensure delivery of services in line with agreed performance targets and quality standards.
Monitor and improve operational performance through the use of KPIs, audits, and service reviews.
Manage budgets, resources, workforce planning, and staffing requirements.
Lead, motivate, and develop multidisciplinary teams to achieve excellence in service delivery.
Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, regulatory frameworks, accreditation standards, and organisational policies.
Identify, manage, and mitigate operational risks.
Develop and implement service improvement and transformation initiatives.
Build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including criminal justice partners, healthcare providers, law enforcement agencies, and regulatory bodies.
Produce operational reports and provide assurance to senior management regarding service performance and quality.
About us
Valuing you. Recognising your dedication. At EPUT, we look after you.
- Receive supervision and support to help you fulfil your potential.
- Join an inclusive EPUT community and connect with others through engagement events and equality or champion networks.
- If you need help, we provide mental health and wellbeing services, occupational health advice and counselling.
Benefits
- 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years' service.
- Excellent pension of up to 14.5% of your pensionable pay.
- Staff discounts include Blue Light Card, NHS discount offers, and staff benefits.
- £8K relocation package if you move to Essex to join us
- Season ticket loans are interest-free to cover the cost of travelling to and from work via tram, rail, or bus.
Work that wraps around your needs
- Job share: Applications for job shares are welcomed.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The postholder holds full operational accountability for:
service performance
workforce deployment and planning
financial management
patient flow and bed management
compliance with regulatory and contractual standards
delivery of key performance indicators
operational governance and risk management
This role is distinct from the Matron role. The Matron provides professional nursing leadership, clinical standards oversight, and assurance of nursing practice and competency frameworks. The Service Manager and Matron work in partnership, but the Service Manager retains overall operational responsibility for the service.
Person Specification
Education/Qualification
Essential
- Master's degree or equivalent experience
- Professional qualification in mental health (RMN, Social Work, OT, Psychology)
Desirable
- Evidence of specialised forensic mental health training
- Formal management or leadership qualification
- Training in quality improvement, governance or risk management
Knowledge
Essential
- In depth understanding of forensic pathways, secure networks and Provider Collaboratives
- Expert knowledge of procedural, physical and relational security
- Strong understanding of MHA, MCA, MAPPA, safeguarding and secure care legislation
- Knowledge of NHS operational performance frameworks (activity, flow, finance, workforce)
- Knowledge of CQC standards, thematic findings and regulatory expectations
- Understanding of clinical audit, QI methodology and governance systems
Desirable
- Knowledge of employment law, contracting and compliance
Experience
Essential
- Extensive operational management experience in forensic mental health services
- Experience managing inpatient mental health services
- Demonstrable success delivering high quality services to required performance levels
- Experience holding operational accountability for performance, workforce, finance and compliance
- Experience working alongside senior nursing leaders (e.g., Matrons) while retaining operational responsibility
- Experience leading services through organisational or operational change
- Experience working within a forensic MDT environment
Desirable
- Evidence of innovation and service development
Skills
Essential
- Strategic thinking and planning
- Strong analytical and problem solving skills
- Ability to lead operational performance across multi site services
- Ability to work collaboratively with senior leaders, including Matrons and clinical leads
- Ability to work independently, manage pressure and prioritise effectively
- Personal resilience and ability to contain anxiety of others
Desirable
- Project management skills
- Entrepreneurial approach to service development
Leadership & Team Management
Essential
- Excellent leadership, motivation and influencing skills
- Ability to make informed decisions using evidence, judgement and stakeholder input
- Experience managing large multidisciplinary teams and complex structures
- Ability to lead workforce planning, deployment and performance management
Communication & Interpersonal Skills
Essential
- Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills
- Ability to build positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders
- Ability to empower and support staff in challenging environments
- Ability to communicate complex information clearly to diverse audiences
Desirable
- Experience presenting to large audiences
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
Employer name
Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Robin Pinto Unit
Calnwood Road
Luton
LU4 0FB
United Kingdom
Employer's website
This listing was aggregated from publicly-available sources. The employer holds an A-rated sponsor licence at the time of this listing, but sponsorship of this specific role is not guaranteed — the employer's offer and UK Visas and Immigration are the final authority. Details may have changed since our last update — verify with the employer via the Apply link.