Director General, Prisons

About the role

The Director General for Prisons (DG Prisons) provides strategic and operational leadership for the public sector prison estate in England and Wales. Reporting to the DG CEO of HMPPS, the role is responsible for the safe, secure and decent custody of tens of thousands of people across 105 public prisons, private facilities and the Youth Custody Service.

Key responsibilities

• Lead delivery of safe, lawful custody and maintain the highest standards of security, safety and order across all prisons.
• Oversee risk management, incident response and the management of high‑risk prisoner cohorts to protect the public.
• Provide operational command during crises, ensuring resilience to major incidents, disorder, escape risks and estate failures.
• Drive performance, assurance and continuous improvement across regional establishments.
• Ensure gender‑informed provision and safe conditions for the women’s prison estate.
• Develop staff capability, safety, education, work and rehabilitative programmes.
• Collaborate with prison supply and estate teams to maintain and improve prison infrastructure.

Required profile

• Extensive senior leadership experience in large, complex public sector organisations.
• Proven ability to manage high‑risk operational environments and public protection responsibilities.
• Strong strategic thinking with a track record of delivering organisational change.
• Excellent stakeholder management, including interaction with ministers, senior officials and external partners.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape national prison policy and reform.
• Leadership role within a high‑impact public service.
• Competitive public‑sector remuneration and benefits.