Activity Hubs Service Manager

Job overview

We are looking for a talented, passionate and ambitious Service Manager to join Penrose’s Criminal Justice division and lead on the mobilisation and delivery of an exciting new project for a fixed period of 9 months covering maternity leave, with the possibility of extension.

The HMPPS/CFO Activity Hubs are being launched in April 2021, with Penrose as a key delivery partner of the London service, working with Reed in Partnership. The Hubs are being specifically designed to support those furthest from the job market and most difficult to engage towards employability through the delivery of alternative, innovative interventions in a welcoming, non-judgmental environment.

As the Service Manager you will lead a team of skilled Support Workers, Facilitators and a Deputy Manager based across the 2 Hubs based in Croydon and Lewisham, holding them accountable for delivering high-quality support whilst ensuring they are equipped with the skills and support to thrive. You will maintain a culture of learning and development through supervisions, appraisals and continuing professional development processes. You will ensure a coaching approach to line management is implemented throughout your team and adopted by frontline staff when supporting service users.

Working with the Head of Services and Senior Management Team, you will support the implementation of the new service, identifying potential issues and proposing solutions. You will lead your staff team through their induction ensuring they receive all necessary training and support, and that communication in clear and consistent.

Experience of contract performance reporting will be essential to the role. You will be responsible for contract compliance, supporting your team to ensure they meet or exceed contract performance targets and achieve positive outcomes for their service users. You will be responsible for reporting our performance to our commissioners and executive team in a clear and timely fashion and taking swift action to address any areas of underperformance. You may also be required to contribute to reports to Penrose’s Board of Trustees.

Knowledge of the Criminal Justice System, excellent communication skills and being able to develop strong working relationships with your teams, commissioners and other key stakeholders will be vital to the role. You will have an interest in both policy and business development, and will work with the Head of Services to identify and secure new sources of income. Some understanding of budgeting and financial reporting will be helpful as you ensure your service is delivered within budget.

You will have a passion for working with people with experience of the criminal justice system and/or with other marginalised groups, and a belief that everyone can turn their life around regardless of past or present circumstances. You will have some previous management experience, an ability to motivate and inspire, and a keen eye for detail.

If you would like to have an informal discussion about the role, please contact Angela Henry, Head of Community Services on 07891 690 550 or at  angela.henry@socialinterestgroup.org.uk