Alternatives to Custody Practice Lead

West Mercia Police; Hereford; Hybrid; GBP 44,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave

Pension scheme

Employee assistance

Private healthcare

Gym discounts

Blue light card discounts

Cycle to work

Job summary

West Mercia Youth Justice Service is seeking an Alternatives to Custody Practice Lead to oversee delivery of ATC services across West Mercia. You will lead, motivate staff, and work with partners to ensure high-quality custody alternatives for children and victims.

The role is hybrid (home & office) with 3 days in the office and a fixed-term contract for 12 months. Location can be Worcester, Hereford, Shrewsbury or Telford.

Qualifications

• Lead delivery of Alternatives to Custody services across West Mercia.
• Engage with staff, partners and stakeholders to deliver high quality services.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee delivery of Alternatives to Custody services across West Mercia.
• Provide operational direction, practice leadership and oversight of bail, remand and ISS services.
• Coordinate multi-disciplinary teams across Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford & Worcester.

Job description

Alternatives to Custody Practice Lead

Number of vacancies

1

Location

Hereford, Shrewsbury, Telford, Worcester

Grade

G

Salary

£43,668 - £49,716

Working pattern

Weekdays

Part/Full Time

Full Time

Hours per Week

37

Type of Contract

Fixed Term

Document Attachment

Job Advert

West Mercia Youth Justice Service operates across Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and Worcestershire, covering a youth population of approximately 112,800 (10 to 17 year olds). The service is hosted by the Office of the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner on behalf of the four local authorities and is currently the only youth justice service in such a hosting arrangement nationally. Services are delivered from multi-disciplinary teams aligned to the four local authority areas.

The main purpose of the role is to lead and oversee the delivery of the WMYJS Alternatives to Custody services across West Mercia, engage with and motivate staff, partners and other stakeholders to deliver high quality alternatives to custody services for children, young people and the victims of youth crime and provide operational direction, practice leadership and oversight of children and young people receiving Alternatives to Custody support including bail and remand and ISS services.

• The role is a hybrid (mix of home & office working with 3 days in the office)

• Fixed term contract for 12 months.
• The role can be based at any of the four Youth Justice offices located in Worcester, Hereford, Shrewsbury or Telford.

The closing date for this post is 12 noon on Monday 9th November 2026.

Why work for us?

• 28 days Annual leave (increasing to 33 after 5 years' service) + bank holidays
• Generous pension scheme
• Health and well being support through an Employee Assistance Programme, Occupational Health services and Staff Networks.
• Police Mutual, affordable private healthcare and other savings.
• Gym membership discounts.
• Discounts on Electric Vehicles and Cycle to work scheme.
• Register for a Blue light card - over 15,000 discounts from large national retailers.

To read more about the added benefits and rewards of working for West Mercia Youth Justice Service please go to the West Mercia Police .

• We embrace diversity and welcome applications from everyone.
• We are also happy to talk flexible working where it is suitable for the role.

Internal applicants who are in need of redeployment will be offered positions ahead of other candidates, subject to them passing a selection process

We know that people from underrepresented backgrounds may hesitate to apply unless they meet every single requirement. We don't want that to be a barrier for suitable candidates. We're committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where everyone can thrive.

*Photo ID will be required at interview so please follow this if you do not have a photo driving licence or passport (can be expired)