Head of Psychological Services

Serco Group plc; City of London; On-site; GBP 74,000; Full time

Job summary

A public services organization in London seeks a Head of Psychological Services to lead the development and management of psychological services in a prison environment. The successful candidate will ensure compliance with professional standards, provide strategic leadership, and support forensic psychologists in training. Essential qualifications include being chartered with the BPS and experience in a similar role. A competitive salary and benefits package is offered.

Benefits

Company car

Annual bonus

Private medical cover

Pension scheme

25 days annual leave

Training and development opportunities

Employee discount schemes

Charity volunteering day

Qualifications

• Chartered with the BPS and registered as a practitioner psychologist.
• Significant experience in a prison environment is preferred.
• Experience managing or leading a team.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for Psychological Services.
• Lead complex risk assessments for high-risk prisoners.
• Conduct research and present findings to inform practice.

Skills

SC Clearance and enhanced vetting

Chartered with the BPS

Registered Practitioner Psychologist with the HCPC

Significant post-qualification experience

Previous experience managing people or leading a team

Job description

Job Role

Head of Psychological Services – HMP Thameside, London

Location & Compensation

Permanent full‑time, 40 hours per week, Monday‑Friday with flexible working. Salary: £73,838 per annum plus company car, company bonus, private medical cover and London weighting.

Main Accountabilities

• Provide strategic leadership and development of Psychological Services, including line management of the department.
• Lead complex risk assessments and psychological input for high‑risk or vulnerable prisoners.
• Review cases, advise on parole directions, and act as professional witness in hearings and multi‑agency meetings.
• Contribute to rehabilitative culture strategies, safer custody initiatives, and young offender approaches.
• Offer expert consultancy to senior management and multidisciplinary teams on trauma‑informed practice and evidence‑based interventions.
• Deliver professional supervision for Forensic Psychologists in Training and support their progression toward chartered status.
• Conduct research, data analysis, and present findings to inform practice and policy.
• Ensure compliance with HCPC and BPS standards, maintain CPD, and uphold professional registration.
• Provide timely psychological reports and input across the prison regime.

Essential Qualifications

• SC Clearance and enhanced vetting.
• Chartered with the BPS.
• Registered Practitioner Psychologist with the HCPC.
• Significant post‑qualification experience, preferably within a prison environment.
• Previous experience managing people or leading a team.

Desirable Qualifications

• PCL‑r certification.
• Experience of Offending Behaviour Programmes.
• Experience supervising FPiTs.
• Registered with Applied Psychology Practice Supervisors (RAPPS) in BPS.
• Experience with assessments such as PCL‑r, WAIS, SARA, HCR20, SRA, RSVP.
• Experience writing parole reports.

What We Offer

• Company car and bonus.
• Private medical cover.
• Competitive salary with annual reviews.
• Up to 6% contributory pension scheme.
• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Extensive training and development opportunities.
• Wellbeing programmes and employee networks.
• Employee discount schemes.
• Charity volunteering day each year.

About Serco

Serco delivers essential public services worldwide in areas including justice and healthcare. foster a culture of innovation, diversity, and inclusion. Serco is an equal opportunity employer and a proud Disability Confident Leader. We comply with the ‘Ban the Box’ pledge and encourage applications from diverse candidates.

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