Forensics Operations Manager

NHS; Preston; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider in Preston is seeking a Forensics Operations Manager to lead operational management across their forensic inpatient service. The role requires a graduate qualification in operational management or relevant experience, alongside knowledge of NHS administrative systems. Competitive salary offered between £47,810 to £54,710 per annum pro rata. Remote working options available.

Benefits

Free staff parking

Access to salary sacrifice schemes

Excellent support and Wellbeing services

Superb external training opportunities

Leadership skill development

Qualifications

• Graduate with relevant qualification e.g. operational management.
• Degree level or equivalent knowledge and experience.
• Previous experience at a senior level.

Responsibilities

• Establish effective systems for operational management.
• Support the Service Manager to meet local service requirements.
• Contribute to the development and monitoring of key areas of work.

Skills

Knowledge of administrative systems

Management experience

Knowledge of employment law

Education

Graduate with relevant qualification

Degree level or equivalent experience

Job description

Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust

Forensics Operations Manager

The closing date is 09 December 2025

Secure Mental Health Care for Lancashire and South Cumbria is provided at Guild Lodge, Whittingham. The service has steadily expanded from its inception in 1999 and currently has a range of inpatient and community services including 164 beds.

Guild Lodge consists of 3 main service lines (15 wards), which include:

• Men's service
• Women's service
• Acquired Brain Injury Service

Caring for adults within Medium and Low Security, and Step Down environments

Each of the services has their own model of care and provides bespoke training in addition to the comprehensive Trust Induction.

Main duties of the job

The post will be specifically responsible for establishing effective systems and processes to support the operational management and delivery of services on a day to day basis across the forensic inpatient service. To provide assurances to the Service Manager that arrangements are in place to meet local, corporate and operational service requirements, to be achieved by effective working with the senior management, clinical staff and Admin clerical staff.

The post will support, develop and implement systems to enable improved performance and assurance in service delivery across the forensic inpatient service.

The post will contribute to the development, implement and monitor improved systems for management of key areas of work, including estate and environment factors, physical and procedural security standards in line with efficient governance structures.

Guild Lodge hospital site is situated in beautiful rural area, yet close to motorway links from all directions of travel. The hospital site offers:

• Free staff parking

Our staff receive:

• Preceptorship and support for those new to the services
• Access to salary sacrifice schemes for cars, electronics etc.
• Excellent support and Wellbeing services
• Superb external training and development opportunities
• Opportunities to develop leadership skills across differing care environments

About us

LSCFT values diversity and inclusion, recognising that talent from varied backgrounds creates a flexible, creative, and effective workforce. We actively challenge discrimination and welcome applications from all, regardless of age, disability (including those with experience of accessing or caring for someone who has accessed mental health or learning disability services), ethnicity, gender, religion, belief, or sexual orientation.

Our aim is to reflect the communities we serve, so we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups. If you'd like to discuss your application, please ask.

We also welcome individuals with lived experience relevant to the role or service area, as your insight brings authenticity to our services.

LSCFT supports flexible working, we believe that a positive work/life balance benefits NHS employees through improved health and wellbeing. We would consider working patterns such as term time, part time, compressed hours and flexi-time.

Job responsibilities

For more details on this vacancy please review the attached job description and person specification.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Graduate with relevant qualification e.g. operational management, business studies or other relevant experience
• Degree level or equivalent knowledge and experience

Knowledge

• Knowledge of administrative systems and operational requirement of NHS services
• Knowledge of key policy initiatives e.g. controls assurance and experience of implementation
• Knowledge of RPSYCH standards for forensic inpatient environments

Experience

• Previous experience at a senior level
• Has had experienced of managing staff
• Knowledge of employment law would be an advantage

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.

Employer name

Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust

£47,810 to £54,710 a year per annum pro rata