IT Lead

HEO, 37 hours a week

Based: 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf.

Purpose  

This is a significant role in supporting the IT capacity of the Independent Monitoring Boards and Lay Observers. This is an exciting opportunity to develop and deliver the IT solutions on offer to the staff and membership of the organisations. This role requires initiative and innovative thought and will provide support to both members and staff by identifying issues and finding improvements to support the overall aim of monitoring prisons, the immigration detention estate and courts and escorts. It will also lead on making sure there is an accurate register of IT accounts and users. 

Members of the Independent Monitoring Boards (IMBs) are unpaid public appointees who provide statutory, independent scrutiny of the treatment and care of people in prisons and immigration detention. They are appointed by ministers and operate in prisons and young offender institutions (run by HM Prisons and Probation Service - MOJ), in immigration removal centres, various short-term holding facilities and on repatriation flights for those being removed from the UK (run by the Home Office).  

Lay Observers are also unpaid public appointees, whose responsibility it is to check on the welfare of individuals in court custody suites and while they are traveling in the care and custody of escort contractors. 

Responsibilities 

The postholder will be responsible for improving the IT solution used by staff to deliver business as usual and, in time the solutions available to members, with the support of senior staff. There is an expectation that the postholder will work independently and be able to weigh up different options to find the best solution.  

Duties will include: 

Delivering a replacement internal database that is used by the IMB and LO staff. Collating feedback from users within the organisation and working with developers to implement suggestions.Working with colleagues on proposals for future member IT solutions. Maintaining and developing existing databases in line with management needs, including working with 3rd party suppliers.  Ensuring that existing systems are working effectively and addressing issues where required.Managing the engagement with and embedding of Kahootz (collaborative working space) for members across Boards. Ensuring deliver of access rights to internal systems such as information websites and secure e-mail systems for members.Responding to queries from staff and public appointees on IT matters. Including on issues they might encounter when using internal systems. Line management of a Corporate Support Officer who will help provide support to the membership on IT issues. Working with MOJ digital colleagues where required to ensure compliance.Acting as the SPOC on behalf of the IMB and LOs for commercial processes and share this knowledge with the wider team.Maintaining an up-to-date register of IT solutions and assets including user information, usage rates etc.Ensuring equality, diversity and inclusion is considered during the application of all tasks and championed during interaction with the membership.Performing other job-related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours 

The ability to resolve issues in a timely manner or identify and engage the relevant person to help resolve the issue. (Essential)A technical aptitude and mindset to help identify potential improvements to the IT offering. (Essential)Experience of helping to develop new IT solutions (Essential)Project Management (Desirable)Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office with skills in Access and Excel, in particular Macros (Desirable)