Forensic Service Manager

Please note we are not able to offer visa sponsorship, and we are only recruiting for full-time positions (40 hours per week)

Diverse Services is seeking a dedicated and experienced Forensic Service Manager to join our team. This role is vital in ensuring the day-to-day excellence of our units, focusing on staff performance, service user welfare, and independent living support.

Job Summary You will be responsible for the day to day running of our West London service so that every service user is supported safely, risk is managed well and the public is protected. You will help each person make steady progress towards independent, offence-free lives.

This is a non-clinical role. Assessment, treatment and medication decisions sit with each service user's clinical team. You lead the support, supervision and day-to-day risk management that works alongside them.

In the longer term, you will help develop Diverse Services' forensic practice. In your first year you will contribute to the standards, systems and partnerships that let us open more forensic services across London, with confidence, working with the Head of Operations & Support Services. Thus becoming a Forensic Services Manager, where you will take the lead on each new forensic service as it opens.

• Salary: £40,000 - £45,000 per annum. (dependent on experience)
• Hours: 40 hours per week.
• Annual Leave: 20 days plus 8 Bank Holidays.
• Location: West London.

Key Responsibilities

The Forensic Manager oversees a wide range of operational duties, including

1. Leading the service

• Run the service (W12) day to day so it is safe, well staffed and well organised.
• Manage the rota, staffing levels and service budget. Cover gaps with our own staff and bank, not agency.
• Keep occupancy high. Work with our Referrals team to assess new referrals quickly and plan safe move-ins.
• Make sure every man we support has an up-to-date support plan and risk management plan that he has been supported to write.

1. Forensic risk and practice

• Lead risk management planning for every man we support, using structured approaches such as HCR-20 and relapse prevention plans.
• Spot early warning signs and act on them. Escalate concerns to the right professionals without delay.
• Make sure the service meets all licence, conditional discharge and MAPPA requirements that apply to the men we support.
• Support each man with recovery, medication, education, work and rebuilding relationships, so he can move on safely.
• Lead debriefs and reflective practice after incidents, and make sure lessons are learned.

1. Leading people

• Recruit, induct and develop a skilled staff team, using safer and values-based recruitment.
• Give every team member monthly recorded supervision and an annual appraisal that includes a progression conversation.
• Make sure all staff complete mandatory training plus forensic awareness, de-escalation and trauma-informed practice.
• Spot and grow future seniors and managers in your team.

1. Quality, safety and compliance

• Lead on safeguarding for the service and make referrals and notifications on time.
• Keep records accurate and current in our digital records system.
• Run regular audits of support plans, risk plans, medication support, incidents and the building.
• Prepare the service for the new supported housing licensing standards, due from 2027.
• Keep the service ready for commissioner reviews and local authority checks at all times.

1. Working with partners

• Build strong working relationships with forensic community teams, responsible clinicians, probation, police, local authorities and ICB commissioners.
• Attend and contribute to CPA, MAPPA, Section 117 and review meetings.
• Report on outcomes and quality to commissioners, and help with tender and referral evidence.

1. Growing our forensic services

• Help design new forensic services, including staffing plans, policies and pathways.
• Write and maintain the forensic practice standards that every Diverse forensic service will follow.
• Lead the opening of new forensic services as they are confirmed.
• Share market knowledge and referral trends with the Director to shape our growth.

Experience

We are looking for candidates with at least 2 years managing or deputy-managing a forensic, secure or complex mental health service (community, supported accommodation, hospital or prison).

• Proven Track Record: Significant experience in adult social care and successful experience managing staff and quality-assured services.
• Technical Knowledge: Working knowledge of risk management, MAPPA, care planning reviews and the Mental Health Act 1983 (including Section 37/41 conditional discharge and Section 117). Understands how a provider works with clinical risk assessments and formulations
• Key Skills: Strong IT skills, excellent written and verbal communication, and the ability to maintain partnerships with Local Authorities and clinical teams.
• Qualifications: A recognised Health, Housing, or Social Care qualification is desirable.
• Eligibility: Applicants must provide evidence of their right to work in the UK.

What we offer

• A funded route to the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care through the Diverse Academy, if you do not already hold it.
• Specialist forensic training, including understanding structured risk tools such as HCR-20 and using clinical formulations in everyday support.
• A visible role with regular contact with senior leadership and a real say in how we grow.
• An on-call allowance for your share of the management on-call rota.
• An Employee Assistance Programme for confidential support.
• 28 days' annual leave, including bank holidays.
• A workplace pension.

Note to Applicants: Please state clearly on your application how your skills and experience meet the selection criteria; failure to address each point may result in not being shortlisted.

Please note we are not able to offer visa sponsorship, and we are only recruiting for full-time positions (40 hours per week)

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £40,000.00-£45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Health & wellbeing programme

Application question(s):

• Do you have at least 2 years of experience working as a Forensic Manager in the Care Industry?

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person