Contract Assurance Specialist

HM Prison and Probation Service; Broomhill; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency in the UK is hiring a Contract Assurance Specialist to generate complex strategic reports and conduct in-depth research for decision-making. Essential responsibilities include developing quality assurance processes and ensuring compliance with contracts. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical skills and experience in report production. The role offers a salary of £36,151 and benefits such as pension contributions, flexible working options, and learning opportunities.

Benefits

Salary of £36,151

Pension scheme contributions

Access to learning and development programmes

Flexible working options

Annual leave and public holidays

Qualifications

• Experience in preparing complex reports and conducting research.
• Ability to perform statistical analysis for management information.
• Knowledge of quality assurance processes to ensure compliance.

Responsibilities

• Produce complex strategic reports for high-level management.
• Develop quality assurance procedures for data accuracy.
• Identify efficiency savings and ensure contract compliance.

Skills

Complex strategic reports

Statistical analysis

Quality assurance procedures

Job description

HMPPS Band 5 – Contract Assurance Specialist

The Prison Contracts Group (PCG) sits within the Directorate of Contracted Operational Delivery (DoCOD) which is responsible for the operational contract management of a large portfolio of contracts, including Prisoner Escort Custody Service, Electronic Monitoring, Community Rehabilitation Services, Prisoner Education and Operational Contracts for a variety of goods and services. PMP contracts alone have an annual value of £564m. PMPs were first introduced to the UK in 1992 when the Conservative Government issued short‑term contracts to security companies to operate a limited number of publicly owned prisons, the first being HMP Wolds in Yorkshire which was operated by G4S. The first wholly private prisons were often financed through the use of a Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) under private finance initiatives (PFI). These were often known as DCMF prisons as they were designed, constructed, managed and financed by the private sector, the first being HMP Altcourse which opened in December 1997 and was operated by G4S. There are currently 15 privately operated prisons in England and Wales operated by G4S Justice Services, Serco Custodial Services, Mitie Care & Custody and Sodexo Custodial Services. In total they currently accommodate approximately 20% of the closed prison population across England and Wales. (HMP Parc is managed under the Area Executive Director (AED) for Wales and not the PCG).

PMPs are subject to the same scrutiny from official bodies as those in the Public Sector, including HM Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP), Ofsted, and Operational and System Assurance Group (OSAG). Governors of private prisons are referred to as ‘Directors’. They each have their own staffing structure and they work to their respective Chief Operating Officer (COO). Prison Custody Officers (PCOs) are trained to the same level as Prison Officers and are licensed by Controllers to operate as a PCO once they are fully qualified. All privately managed prisons have a named Controller who, with their team, ensures the prison is operated in line with the agreed contract.

Key Responsibilities

The Contract Assurance Specialist (B5) is responsible for the production of complex strategic reports, including in‑depth research and statistical analysis for high‑level management information to support decision making. They develop and undertake quality assurance procedures to ensure data is captured correctly and efficiency savings are identified, therefore ensuring that contracts are compliant and work effectively.

Behaviours

• Changing and Improving
• Delivering at Pace
• Managing a Quality Service
• Working Together

This vacancy is using Success Profiles. Your behaviours and strengths will be assessed. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Eligibility – Nationality Requirements

• UK nationals
• National of the Republic of Ireland
• National of a Commonwealth country who have the right to work in the UK
• National of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre‑settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• National of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre‑settled status under the EUSS
• Individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals and certain family members of Turkish nationals who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. We run a Disability Confident Scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria and a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy.

Benefits

• Salary of £36,151
• HM Prison & Probation Service contributes £10,472 towards the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme (employer contribution 28.97%)
• Access to learning and development programmes
• A working environment that supports flexible working options to enhance work‑life balance
• A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity
• Annual leave and public holidays
• Season ticket advance

Recruitment Process and Further Information

For more information about the recruitment process, benefits and allowances and answers to general queries, please visit the Candidate Information Page: https://justicejobs.tal.net/vx/candidate/cms/About%20the%20MOJ

Security: Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard checks.