Team Manager – Liaison and Diversion Service
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Fixed‑term, 12‑month contract. Band 7.
Job Summary
Lead and support a multidisciplinary team across custody and court settings in Somerset, Monday to Friday. This role is primarily based at Bridgwater Police Centre and involves working closely with police, courts, probation, NHS and voluntary sector partners.
Main Duties
* Provide day‑to‑day operational leadership and management of the Liaison and Diversion Service team.
* Ensure the delivery of high‑quality, safe and compassionate care within criminal justice settings.
* Maintain oversight of service performance, quality standards, risk management and data reporting.
* Support, supervise and develop a multidisciplinary team, promoting effective teamwork and professional practice.
* Act as key liaison with criminal justice agencies, health and social care partners and senior stakeholders.
* Ensure assessments, reports and onward referrals are completed in a timely and appropriate manner.
* Promote equality, diversity, safeguarding and anti‑discriminatory practice across the service.
Responsibilities
Lead the delivery of the Trust’s strategic objectives for the Liaison and Diversion Service, working alongside and reporting to the Operational Service Manager within the Specialist Forensic Community Team. Manage a multidisciplinary team of Band 6 practitioners, including nurses and allied health professionals, across custody suites and courts within Somerset. Provide recruitment, supervision, appraisal, professional development, rota management and workforce planning. Ensure effective partnership working with police, courts, probation services, NHS services, local authorities and voluntary sector organisations. Contribute to service development, policy implementation, clinical audit, quality improvement and performance management, ensuring compliance with national Liaison and Diversion Programme requirements. Oversee risk management processes, support budget monitoring and delivery of service improvements while maintaining a strong focus on patient safety, safeguarding and clinical governance.
Qualifications
* RMN, DipSW, OT or similar mental health professional.
* Commitment to Continuing Professional Development.
* Approved Mental Health Practitioner (desirable).
* Post‑registration education in leadership and/or management (desirable).
Experience
* Post‑qualification experience working at Band 6 or equivalent in community/inpatient mental health services.
* Experience of appraising and managing others’ performance and work quality.
* Experience investigating and resolving complaints (desirable).
* Experience investigating untoward events and recognising lessons to be learned (desirable).
* Experience deputising for a Team Manager (desirable).
Additional Criteria
* Required to travel independently.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
Post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service is required.
Professional Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration.
Application
Apply online. The closing date is 16 June 2026.
EEO
Equal Opportunities: The Trust is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.
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