14720 - UK National Preventive Mechanism - Head of NPM Secretariat
| Posting date: | 12 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £58,511 to £70,725 per year |
| Additional salary information: | The national salary is £58,511 - £65,329. London salary is £63,343 - £70,725. Your salary will be dependent on your base location |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 09 March 2026 |
| Location: | UK |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 2 days per week |
| Company: | Ministry of Justice |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 14720 |
Summary
THE NATIONAL PREVENTIVE MECHANISM
The UK National Preventive Mechanism (UKNPM) was established in 2009 following the UK’s ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT). It comprises 21 statutory bodies that independently monitor places of detention to prevent torture and ill-treatment.
The UK’s National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) was established in March 2009 after the UK ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT) in December 2003. It is made up of 21 statutory bodies that independently monitor places of detention.
The NPM was set up to ensure regular visits to places of detention in order to prevent torture and other ill-treatment, as required by OPCAT. OPCAT recognises that people in detention are particularly vulnerable and requires States to set up a national level body that can support efforts to prevent their ill treatment. The NPM must have, as a minimum, the powers to:
• regularly examine the treatment of persons deprived of their liberty in all places of detention under the UK’s jurisdiction and control;
• make recommendations to relevant authorities with the aim of improving the treatment and conditions of persons deprived of their liberty;
• submit proposals and observations on existing or draft legislation
The NPM publishes an annual report of its work which is presented to Parliament by the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice. For further information on the role and work of the NPM, please visit National Preventive Mechanism – National Preventive Mechanism.
This is a senior leadership role requiring collaboration with NPM members, government officials, and international bodies. The post holder will lead delivery of the NPM business plan, manage governance processes, and influence detention policy and practice across the UK.
About The Role
The National Preventive Mechanism is looking for an exceptional candidate to fill the role of Head of the UKNPM Secretariat. This is a key post working in collaboration with 21 NPM-member organisations, their heads and senior staff to provide policy, research and secretarial support to the NPM. This role will manage a large network of relationships and work closely and collaboratively with NPM members and the Chair. They are responsible for driving and managing the work of the NPM, liaising closely with all members to develop consensus on joint priorities and work across the NPM. They will lead on the development of NPM objectives and the development and delivery of an NPM business plan. They will also lead the production of the NPM annual report.
The role involves facilitating collaborative working, balancing competing demands, juggling priorities, and defining clear objectives between different organisations and senior stakeholders. The post holder will draw on the different views and experiences from across the NPM, supporting its 21 member bodies to work together in pursuit of common objectives and influence detention policy and practice in line with international obligations.
The post-holder will liaise on behalf of the NPM with government, international bodies and a wide range of high-level external stakeholders and provide advice and support to its constituent members. This post involves some liaison with relevant international human rights bodies such as the UN treaty body the Subcommittee on the Prevention of Torture (SPT) and the Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT).
The UK National Preventive Mechanism (UKNPM) was established in 2009 following the UK’s ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT). It comprises 21 statutory bodies that independently monitor places of detention to prevent torture and ill-treatment.
The UK’s National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) was established in March 2009 after the UK ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT) in December 2003. It is made up of 21 statutory bodies that independently monitor places of detention.
The NPM was set up to ensure regular visits to places of detention in order to prevent torture and other ill-treatment, as required by OPCAT. OPCAT recognises that people in detention are particularly vulnerable and requires States to set up a national level body that can support efforts to prevent their ill treatment. The NPM must have, as a minimum, the powers to:
• regularly examine the treatment of persons deprived of their liberty in all places of detention under the UK’s jurisdiction and control;
• make recommendations to relevant authorities with the aim of improving the treatment and conditions of persons deprived of their liberty;
• submit proposals and observations on existing or draft legislation
The NPM publishes an annual report of its work which is presented to Parliament by the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice. For further information on the role and work of the NPM, please visit National Preventive Mechanism – National Preventive Mechanism.
This is a senior leadership role requiring collaboration with NPM members, government officials, and international bodies. The post holder will lead delivery of the NPM business plan, manage governance processes, and influence detention policy and practice across the UK.
About The Role
The National Preventive Mechanism is looking for an exceptional candidate to fill the role of Head of the UKNPM Secretariat. This is a key post working in collaboration with 21 NPM-member organisations, their heads and senior staff to provide policy, research and secretarial support to the NPM. This role will manage a large network of relationships and work closely and collaboratively with NPM members and the Chair. They are responsible for driving and managing the work of the NPM, liaising closely with all members to develop consensus on joint priorities and work across the NPM. They will lead on the development of NPM objectives and the development and delivery of an NPM business plan. They will also lead the production of the NPM annual report.
The role involves facilitating collaborative working, balancing competing demands, juggling priorities, and defining clear objectives between different organisations and senior stakeholders. The post holder will draw on the different views and experiences from across the NPM, supporting its 21 member bodies to work together in pursuit of common objectives and influence detention policy and practice in line with international obligations.
The post-holder will liaise on behalf of the NPM with government, international bodies and a wide range of high-level external stakeholders and provide advice and support to its constituent members. This post involves some liaison with relevant international human rights bodies such as the UN treaty body the Subcommittee on the Prevention of Torture (SPT) and the Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT).