The Liaison and Diversion Service (LADS) has an exciting opportunity for a Band 7 Team Manager to lead and support a multidisciplinary team across custody and court settings in Somerset, Monday to Friday. This post is offered on a fixed-term basis; applications from those seeking a secondment are strongly encouraged.
LADS identifies individuals with mental health needs, learning disabilities, substance misuse or other vulnerabilities at the earliest contact with the criminal justice system. The service supports individuals through the early stages of the pathway, enabling access to appropriate health and care services and, where appropriate, diversion from the criminal justice system.
Previous LADS experience is not essential, as training will be provided. We are particularly interested in candidates with strong management experience and leadership capability.
The post holder will be responsible for day-to-day management, leadership and delivery of the LADS team, ensuring services meet agreed objectives, quality standards and resources. The team operates 7 days a week, 8.00am-8.00pm, across custody suites and courts in Somerset.
This role is primarily based at Bridgwater Police Centre, working with partners including police, courts, probation, NHS and voluntary sector organisations.
Vetting clearance cannot be granted if the applicant has not met UK residency requirements:
Non-Police Personnel Vetting (NPPV) - three years
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Provide day-to-day operational leadership and management of the Liaison and Diversion Service team.
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Ensure the delivery of high-quality, safe and compassionate care within criminal justice settings.
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Maintain oversight of service performance, quality standards, risk management and data reporting requirements.
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Support, supervise and develop a multidisciplinary team, promoting effective team working and professional practice.
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Act as a key point of liaison with criminal justice agencies, health and social care partners and senior stakeholders.
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Ensure assessments, reports and onward referrals are completed in a timely and appropriate manner.
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Promote equality, diversity, safeguarding and anti-discriminatory practice across the service.
Please get in touch with Carrie Brandom to arrange an informal teams with any questions about the role.
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:
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Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
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NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
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Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
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A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential
Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.
We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.
The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.
Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.
The Team Manager will 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.
The LADS team is responsible for completing holistic mental health and vulnerability assessments for individuals who come into contact with the criminal justice system, identifying unmet needs and facilitating access to appropriate health and social care services. The service routinely shares relevant information with criminal justice partners, where consent has been obtained, to support informed decision-making by police and courts.
You will be responsible for managing a multidisciplinary team of Band 6 practitioners, including nurses and allied health professionals, who work across custody suites and courts within Somerset. This includes responsibility for recruitment, supervision, appraisal, professional development, rota management and workforce planning.
The post holder will ensure effective partnership working with police, courts, probation services, NHS services, local authorities and voluntary sector organisations. You will contribute to service development, policy implementation, clinical audit, quality improvement and performance management, ensuring compliance with national Liaison and Diversion Programme requirements.
You will have oversight of risk management processes, contribute to budget monitoring, and support the delivery of service improvements whilst maintaining a strong focus on patient safety, safeguarding and clinical governance. At times, you may work autonomously within criminal justice environments, supporting staff with complex cases and providing professional guidance and leadership.
This role requires a confident and compassionate leader with experience of managing teams within mental health or forensic services, and the ability to work effectively within fast-paced, multi-agency environments.
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RMN, DipSW, OT or similar mental health professional
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Commitment to Continuing Professional Development
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Approved Mental Health Practitioner
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Post registration education in leadership and/or management
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Post qualification experience working at band 6 or equivalent in community/Inpatient mental health services.
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Experience of appraising and managing others performance and work quality
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Experience at investigating and resolving complaints
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Experience at investigating untoward events and recognising lessons to be learnt
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Experience at deputising for Team Manager
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Required to travel independently.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.
