David Hurst

Promoted to Band 6 Therapeutic Programme Manager. This new position was to oversee the six Therapeutic Communities programme delivery. This included the management of a team of four administrators. Key responsibility was to ensure that the flow of prisoners in and out of the prison was seamless. I was required to manage KPT and KPI data, produce specific reports and contribute to the strategic leadership team meetings to update on pressures within the processing of potential therapy candidates, concerns around performance and matters of risk and operational considerations. Additionally, the role required overview of several internal events which promoted the role of HMP Grendon such as social days and the annual university open day.

Promoted to Band 5 in HMP Springhill in the role of Activities Manager. This role involved managing a team of five administrators. The function of the role was to oversee the release of up to 150 prisoners daily to participate in work placements in the community as part of their rehabilitation prior to release from prison. The role required me to engage with external employers, education provider's and ensure that all stakeholders were risk briefed and supported were necessary. Regular communication was necessary to ensure that risk was managed within strict MoJ guidelines including daily briefings to operational staff and updating senior management on operational pressures. Safety compliance was a significant part of the role and required the production of regular reports.

Returned to the MoJ as a Band 4 Group Therapy Facilitator at HMP Grendon. This role required me to engage daily with up to 40 prisoners preparing to enter therapy. I had a specific group of eight men, whom I worked alongside to build their trust in the therapy process and to support their resilience to successfully participate in therapy. I was managing conflict within groups to ensure compliance with the TC manual. The role required me to attend and deliver daily briefings and feedback on TC matters. This role was embedded with a team and required strong teamwork and positive communication. I was also required to encourage pro-social attitudes by providing constructive feedback to prisoners and contributing towards high level reports such as parole board and risk managements boards.

Led strategic and operational changes, reporting to the CEO and Board of Trustees. Responsible for a team of 12 operational managers and 75 other staff. Developed new business opportunities and built key stakeholder relationships. Designed and delivered a supported accommodation project to provide homeless accommodation for 40 men and women for Westminster City Council. Participated in the planning and delivery of the UK’s first social impact bond for at-risk youth (Northampton County Council). Implemented the Personal Transitions Service (PTS) across the UK as a new initiative based on a strength-based model of support for at risk young adults. Created a new safeguarding policy aligned with the Care Act 2014.

Managed five council contracts across multiple regions with over £400k of financial impact. Managed and delivered KPIs, financial targets, and performance strategies. Led safeguarding investigations and compliance efforts. Piloted innovative practices such as trauma-informed care and therapeutic interventions. Designed a cost-effective performance audit system. Engaged with local council leaders to identify cost savings to improve homeless services. Sat on the Oxford City safeguarding board. Introduced the first new Housing First model of support for at risk teenagers in Northampton. Changed the culture of the organisation to adopt a strength-based approach to supporting people.

• Custodial Manager, HMP Grendon (Therapeutic Unit) Jan 2012 – Jun 2015 Established the UK’s first therapeutic unit for learning-disabled prisoners. Won Prison Officer of the Year for groundbreaking work with high-risk inmates. Reduced violent incidents through a culture change program.
• Principal Officer, HMYOI Aylesbury 2007 – 2012 Implemented key reforms based on Chief Inspector recommendations. Built employment pathways to improve post-release success. Featured in a high-profile prison documentary.
• Officer to Senior Officer, HMP Bullingdon 1998 – 2007 Improved access to mental health services for prisoners. Launched the first prison barbershop, offering vocational training. Nominated for a Butler Trust Award for victim support work. Led a restorative justice project with probation services.

Specialised in logistics, tactical communication, and security. Served 6 yrs in Germany as a logistics specialist responsible for aircraft collision recovery. Employed in Berlin to deliver security support and mission observations. Recruit trainer in survival and conflict environments. Served in VIP security at Strike Command Headquarters. Involved in the Balkan conflict and the first Iraq war.