Custodial Head of Nursing

Forward Trust is a leading provider of substance misuse treatment services across custodial and community settings.

We support individuals to make lasting changes, offering evidence-based clinical and psychosocial interventions to reduce harm and promote recovery.

We are now seeking a highly skilled and motivated Head of Nursing (Custodial Services) to provide clinical and operational leadership across our services in Surrey Prisons and HMP Chelmsford.

As Head of Nursing, you will have direct clinical and management responsibility for the effective delivery of substance misuse services in custodial settings.

You will: Provide high standards of nursing care in line with clinical needs, evidence-based practice, and Forward Trust protocols.

Clinically supervise Band 7 Nurses and Non-Medical Prescribers (NMPs) within a custodial framework.

Act as the clinical lead, overseeing specialist substance misuse services and advising colleagues across multiple disciplines.

Support and participate in audit processes, ensuring services comply with professional, regulatory and legal requirements.

Provide specialist advice and training to nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals.

Lead and co-ordinate teams delivering psychosocial and clinical interventions, including titration, safe dispensing of medication (including controlled drugs), and clinical risk management in high-risk environments.

Educate, mentor and develop nursing teams and students, supporting skills growth and best practice.

Act as a role model, demonstrating exemplary leadership, professionalism, and commitment to continuous improvement.

Location: Surrey Prisons & HMP Chelmsford (hybrid: remote with regular on-site presence). This is a leadership role requiring flexibility, resilience, and a commitment to supporting service excellence across multiple sites.