Head of Listen to Families

Healthcare, Justice, & Lived Experience | Based at HMP Wandsworth 2 days per week, with remaining days on site based on service needs | Full-time |

I am recruiting on behalf of my client, a respected organisation at the intersection of healthcare, justice, and family advocacy, for a Project Lead to drive a groundbreaking initiative that puts the voices of families at the heart of prison healthcare transformation.

For too long, families and carers have been sidelined in the prison healthcare systemdespite their invaluable knowledge, experience, and insight. When families are heard and included, outcomes improve for prisoners, families, the NHS, and the wider criminal justice system.

Thats where Listen to Families London comes in. This pioneering project, commissioned by NHS London, is transforming how prison healthcare services engage with families and carers. Over the past two years, the project has gathered the experiences of over 1,500 people, ensuring their voices directly influence better healthcare provision within prisons.

This is a unique opportunity for an inspiring leader to take this vital project into its next phaseensuring that families and carers are not only heard but truly listened to, driving meaningful and lasting improvements across the system.

You will lead a dynamic programme that operates on a quarterly cycle of listening, feedback, and actioncollaborating closely with families, NHS teams, prison services, and policymakers. Central to your role is working alongside the Family Team, a group with lived experience of supporting loved ones in prison, ensuring their voices remain integral at every stage.

Were seeking a strategic, passionate, and courageous advocate who can bring people together and drive systemic change. Youll need:

• Experience leading service user involvement or public voice programmes.

• Strong understanding of the criminal justice system, prison healthcare, or both.

• The ability to engage sensitively and authentically with families from a range of backgrounds, understanding their struggles and aspirations.

• Confidence to engage at a senior level, influencing NHS and prison service decision-makers, and constructively challenging the system where needed.

We particularly welcome applications from individuals with lived experiencewhether you have supported a loved one in prison or been in prison yourself.

This is more than just a jobits a rare opportunity to challenge, influence, and transform the way prison healthcare services work, ensuring they are more inclusive, just, and compassionate. If you are passionate about amplifying the voices of families and creating lasting change, wed love to hear from you.

My client offers a range of employee benefits including:

• Generous holiday entitlement

• Contributory pension scheme

• Cycle-to-work scheme

• Corporate eye care scheme

• Access to confidential advice, information, and counselling services

• Thorough induction and ongoing development opportunities

You will be part of a supportive and passionate team, with access to regular training to develop your skills in advocacy, interventions, and system change.