Liaison & Diversion Practitioner
The closing date is 26 August 2026

Job summary
We're looking for a qualified Mental Health Nurse, Learning Disabilities Nurse, Occupational Therapist, Health Visitor, Public Health Nurse or Social Worker to join our Liaison and Diversion team. You will have a keen interest in Liaison and Diversion and a passion about supporting our service users as they make their way through police custody, court and prison.

We are a dynamic, people-centred team who are looking for some who is passionate about health outcomes for those making their way through the criminal justice system.

With a reputation for excellence, our service is committed to improving the health of our clients, identifying care pathways, and reducing reoffending.

Recognised with a number of awards, including a Thames Valley/Hampshire Constabulary Police Commendation, Berkshire Healthcare 'Team of the Year' and runner-up for the Howard League for Penal Reform 'Liaison and Diversion Service of the Year'.

We value our employees and put people first. We achieved an 'Outstanding' rating overall in our latest CQC inspection, which found that: 'Managers across Berkshire Healthcare promoted a positive culture that supported and valued staff, creating a sense of common purpose based on shared values.'

Main duties of the job

• Triage, screen and assess needs within the following settings: police stations, custody suites, prison, community settings & magistrates' courts and provide assessments, advice & identify robust care pathways, for individuals where a potential vulnerability has been identified.
• To provide the police, court & prison with written & verbal information pertaining to the individual in a timely fashion to inform disposal
• To work closely & build links with all referring agencies within the custody suite, court, probation & prison acting as a single point of contact for health
• To work autonomously, with the ability to organise & manage own time according to delegated workload.

Working pattern& service operating hours : The wider Hampshire Liaison and Diversion service operates in police custody from 7am-8pm, 7 days a week. The court service operates from 9am-5pm,Monday to Friday.

This Isle of Wight post will work 9am-5pm, including every other weekend, & will be based at Newport police custody suite.

The role may also involve supporting colleagues remotely across Hampshire when required. Occasional travel across Hampshire & the Isle of Wight maybe expected, including for training, team meetings & during the induction period; some sites are not accessible by public transport. Any request for a specific working pattern can be considered in line with our flexible working policy.

Work base: You will be based within Newport police custody suite

About us
Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a specialist mental health and community health services trust. Rated 'outstanding' by the CQC, we're committed to providing the best possible care to people across Berkshire. As an employer, we're committed to offering an inclusive and compassionate environment where our people share in a sense of belonging and are supported to flourish.

Our values at Berkshire Healthcare are:

• Caring for and about you is our top priority
• Committed to providing good quality, safe services
• Working Together with you to develop innovative solutions

Your wellbeing is important to us. Some of the benefits of working for us include:

• Flexible working options to support work-life balance
• 27 days' annual leave rising with service + opportunity to buy and sell
• Generous NHS pension scheme
• Excellent learning and career development opportunities
• 'Cycle to Work' and car leasing scheme including electric vehicles
• Access to a range of wellbeing tools and services
• Discounts at hundreds of popular retailers and restaurants
• Staff networks for race, diversity, disabilities, the environment and armed forces community to support equality
• Generous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave
• Free parking across Trust sites

Details
Date posted: 04 August 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 6
Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year
per annum
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 371-MHS1112-A
Job locations: Liaison & Diversion Service - Hants & IOW, Newport Police Station, High St, Newport PO30 1SZ
Newport
PO30 1SZ
United Kingdom

Job responsibilities
Please see attached job description for more information about this role and working at Berkshire Health care NHS Foundation Trust.

Liaison and Diversion (L&D) services identify people who have vulnerabilities when they first come into contact with the criminal justice system as suspects, defendants or offenders.

L&D services aim to improve overall health outcomes for people and to support people in the reduction of re-offending through assessing, proactive onward referrals and informing decision makers. It also aims to identify vulnerabilities in people earlier on which reduces the likelihood that people will reach a crisis-point and helps to ensure the right support can be put in place from the start.

The successful applicant will work in the police custody suites and occasionally the courts; working with people within the criminal justice system where vulnerabilities are suspected and further assessment is indicated to inform disposal of the case and to identify care pathways for appropriate onward referral/support.

Due to the nature of the service, there is an additional requirement to secure police/prison vetting for this role. For the purposes of vetting, the candidate will require at least three-years residency in the UK. Vetting is a thorough investigation of an individuals background, character, and suitability to work in the police force or prison. It includes checks on criminal records, financial history, employment history, personal relationships, and lifestyle choices.

The must haves for this role:

• 1. A professional qualification at degree level or equivalent in either Mental Health Nursing, Learning Disabilities Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Health Visitor, Public Health or Social Work along with the relevant registration.
• 2. Significant experience post registration, with equivalent experience in a mental health/learning disability community, acute setting or criminal justice environment.
• 3. Able to assess and manage risk, formulate mitigation plans taking into account health and criminal justice outcomes
• 4. Ability to teach/supervise more junior staff within the team
• 5. Driving licence holder with access to your own vehicle who is prepared to travel to multiple sites across Thames Valley /Hampshire as required.

If you recognise yourself in these requirements, we recommend that you apply today!

We are happy to answer any questions that you may have. Please don't hesitate to call: Clinical and Operational Lead, Laura Pring, on 0300 123 5066 (Hampshire )or laura.pring@berkshire.nhs.uk who'll be delighted to help. You can find out more about the service on our website.

We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics. Reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled applicants where required.

Person Specification
Education/Qualifications/Training
Essential

• A professional qualification at diploma, postgraduate or degree level in either Mental Health Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, Learning Disability Nurse or Health Visitor status with the necessary experience
• Hold current registration with pertinent body (NMC, SW, HCPC, BPS)

Desirable

• Evidence of post registration training and development
• Mentorship qualification or equivalent teaching qualification.

Previous Experience
Essential

• Ability to work and communicate across multiple agencies and professions.
• Ability to work autonomously, with the ability to organise and manage own time according to delegated workload.
• Knowledge of the Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to think creatively and problem solve
• Ability to work as part a team

Desirable

• Significant experience at Band 5 or equivalent in a community setting.
• Training / presentation skills
• Ability to teach junior staff and students

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Essential

• An ability to work under pressure
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing situations
• Ability to work effectively with service users and carers in a collaborative manner
• Understanding of the theories underpinning the concept of recovery and the wider determinants of health
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system

Additional Requirements
Essential

• Professional in approach, manner and appearance.
• Demonstrable skills in written and spoken English, adequate to enable the post holder to carry out the role effectively
• Car owner / driver

Continuous Professional Development
Essential

• Knowledge and experience of modern mental health services; social inclusion, recovery, service user involvement, carer support

Desirable

• Further evidence of professional development and training

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer details
Employer name: Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust
Address: Liaison & Diversion Service - Hants & IOW, Newport Police Station, High St, Newport PO30 1SZ, Newport, PO30 1SZ, United Kingdom
Employer's website: Apply through our website

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Clinical and Operational Lead, Laura Pring, laura.pring@berkshire.nhs.uk, 03001235066