Prisoner Casework Specialist Caseworker; PPCS

Overview

The Prisoner Casework team sits within the Public Protection Casework Section (PPCS) in the Public Protection Group (PPG) of His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS). The remit of Prisoner Casework involves drafting high quality replies to a broad range of correspondence (Ministerial, CEO and Treat Official) regarding prisoner‑specific issues. The team also reviews appeals to governor adjudications from prisoners and the penalties awarded.

In addition, Prisoner Casework facilitates investigations by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman in relation to escalated complaints from prisoners. The team may also respond to requests for prisoner information from other governmental departments under the Data Protection Act. The team handles over 4000 cases each year.

• A broad range of general correspondence (Ministerial, CEO and Treat Official) in respect of determinate and indeterminate sentence prisoners.
• Reviewing governor adjudications and the penalties awarded in respect of determinate and indeterminate sentence prisoners.
• Investigating and responding to queries from the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman and the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, ensuring that recommendations are implemented within the specified timescale.
• Responding under the Data Protection Act to requests for information from other governmental departments, such as the Home Office and the Department for Work and Pensions.
• Responding to correspondence from Inside Times, including drafting responses for publication.

The job holder will report directly to the Team Leader (Band 5), who in turn reports to the Deputy Head of Prisoner Casework (Band 7). The job holder's responsibilities involve managing a correspondence caseload on a day‑to‑day basis. The job holder is expected to have or develop strong generic casework skills and a good understanding of how establishments function. Given that they often need to draw upon the support and input of policy colleagues across HMPPS HQ, they need to develop an excellent knowledge of the work of HMPPS HQ and policy groups and be able to network effectively.

• Providing urgent, concise and accurate briefing for Ministers, Private Office, Press Office and other senior officials.
• Providing draft responses for Ministers, the CEO and other senior officials.
• Preparing a first draft of submissions, advice and draft letters on incidents, contentious issues and Ministerial enquiries.
• Monitoring the review of adjudication appeals from prisoners in respect of determinate and indeterminate sentence prisoners ensuring thorough reviews have been carried out in accordance with the PSI.
• Overseeing the acceptance of PPO's recommendations and drafting the response to the PPO, referring to the Band 5 where appropriate.
• Producing responses to Treat Official cases.
• Producing a first draft of articles for Inside Times.
• Reviewing and monitoring the own caseload, identifying pressure points and finding ways to manage the pressures to ensure business targets are met.
• Initial involvement with complex and high‑profile cases flagging up to senior managers where the Press Office and Private Office need to be informed of any cases that are likely to attract media attention.
• Providing Private Office, via their line manager, with urgent advice on sensitive or critical cases.
• Instructing colleagues as to the acceptance or rejection of Ministerial and CEO correspondence within 24 hours of receipt.
• Managing the team inbox to ensure that all correspondence is correctly allocated in a timely fashion.
• Building and sustaining effective working relationships with policy holders and other agencies including the PPO, Police, Government Legal Department, Legal Advisors and prisons, etc.

• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace
• Working Together
• Managing a Quality Service

The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non‑contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this…