The Department of Home Affairs is seeking to recruit a new Prison Governor and Head of Probation to lead the future development of the Island's offender management strategy.
Alison Gomme, the current head of the Prison and Probation Service, is set to retire at the end of March 2015 after a distinguished 34-year career.
Her successor will play a prominent role in delivering the Department's flagship Criminal Justice Strategy, which sets out a clear direction of travel for the criminal justice system in line with Government's national priorities.
The job includes responsibility for the management of the Isle of Man Prison and 140 members of staff across the combined Prison and Probation Service. There is also a requirement to deliver a high standard of public service within the Government's current budgetary constraints.
Applications are being sought from qualified professionals who have experience of leading significant organisational and cultural change, sound financial management skills and the ability to motivate and develop a multi-disciplinary team.
Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson MHK said:
'Alison Gomme has made an outstanding contribution to the Island's the Prison and Probation Service during her time in the post. The Department is looking for an exceptional candidate to continue that positive work.'
Michael Coleman MLC, Member of the Department of Home Affairs with responsibility for the Prison and Probation Service, commented:
'Strong leadership will be essential to drive forward what is a diverse and complex organisation. The years ahead will be particularly challenging as we continue to place a greater focus on prevention, rehabilitation and alternative forms of justice, so that custody is reserved for more serious and persistent offenders.'
Chief Executive Officer Mark Kelly added:
'The Department of Home Affairs is committed to protecting vulnerable people and the Prison and Probation Service has a fundamental part to play in that. We are seeking to recruit a highly motivated individual to lead the further modernisation of the criminal justice system and achieve meaningful results for offenders, victims and the general public. This is an important role that contributes to the Isle of Man's reputation as one of the safest places to live in the British Isles.'
Applications should be made online via: https://www.jobtrain.co.uk/iomgovjobs/displayjob.aspx?jobid=1025 and the deadline for submissions is Tuesday 18 November. Further information about the post may be obtained from the recruitment manager on +44 1624 694305.
The successful candidate will replace Alison Gomme who was appointed as the Isle of Man's Prison Governor in 2008 after serving in a wide range of establishments in the UK.
One of Mrs Gomme's first duties in the Island was to oversee the transfer of the entire prison population from the old Victoria Road site to the new facility in Jurby.
In April 2010, she took on additional responsibility for the strategic leadership of the Isle of Man Probation Service, following the creation of a merged Prison and Probation Service.
Having worked in prisons for more than 34 years, including 6½ years in the Isle of Man, Mrs Gomme is looking forward to spending more time with her family and pursuing her creative interests.