Job summary
We are seeking a highly capable and resilient Head of Healthcare to lead the delivery of healthcare services within a secure custodial environment. You will be joining HMP Thorn Cross, a Category D / Open male prison near Warrington. HMP Thorn Cross is set in attractive, well‑maintained grounds with lots of opportunities for both staff and patients.
This is a senior operational management role, requiring a confident registered clinician with significant experience in budget management, governance and staff leadership.
You will be responsible for the overall operational performance of the healthcare service within the prison, ensuring the delivery of safe, effective and patient‑centred care in a complex and challenging environment. This role demands a strong leader who can balance clinical credibility with robust management and financial oversight.
Salary
This is a full‑time role offering a salary between £58,000 – £65,000 per annum, £4,000 car allowance and a 10% discretionary bonus.
How will we support you?
Bespoke induction, including our Introducing Health in Justice training course.
Regional and national career development opportunities.
Our bespoke Learning Management System to address your learning needs.
Candidates are required to have a legal right to work in the UK due to the nature of the role; offers of employment will be subject to additional vetting and security checks.
Main duties of the job
As our new Head of Healthcare, your responsibilities will include:
* Provide strong operational leadership across all healthcare services (primary care, mental health and substance misuse) within the prison, ensuring consistent, high‑quality care delivery
* Take full responsibility for budget management, including planning, monitoring and delivering services within financial constraints while ensuring value for money
* Lead and embed a culture of clinical governance, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, policies and best practice
* Oversee risk management, quality assurance and continuous service improvement initiatives
* Manage, support and develop a multidisciplinary workforce, including performance management, workforce planning and staff wellbeing
* Act as a key liaison with prison leadership, commissioners and external stakeholders to ensure integrated and effective service delivery
* Maintain the strategic direction of the service and deliver on agreed contractual requirements and targets from NHS England
* Lead, develop and motivate your team to deliver the best service possible
* Work closely with senior management within the prison, as well as the finance business partner and regional manager
About us
This is a critical leadership role where you will directly influence the quality, safety and effectiveness of healthcare services for a vulnerable population, while ensuring strong operational control, financial discipline and governance standards.
Qualifications and Experience
* Qualified and registered clinician (e.g. Nurse or Paramedic) with substantial post‑registration experience
* Proven experience in a senior operational management role within healthcare, ideally in a secure, custodial or similarly complex environment
* Strong and demonstrable budget management and financial oversight experience
* In‑depth understanding of clinical governance, risk management and regulatory compliance
* Confident and credible leader with experience managing large, multidisciplinary teams
* Resilient, adaptable and able to work effectively within a challenging and highly regulated environment
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and, as such, a Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required to verify any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details
Employer name
Practice Plus Group
Address
HMP Thorn Cross
Arley Rd
Appleton Thorn
Warrington
WA4 4RL
Employer's website
https://practiceplusgroup.com/our-jobs/join-our-team/
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