Inspector of Custodial Services

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This is a high profile statutory leadership role as the Inspector of Custodial Services, an office established under the Inspector of Custodial Services Act 2012, reporting to the NSW Parliament and driving oversight across custodial settings to promote transparency through inspections. Based in Sydney CBD, it requires strategic governance, financial stewardship and strong stakeholder engagement, including leading the Official Visitor program and advising Parliament. You should bring significant executive leadership in public sector or related fields, a track record of impartial review and risk assessment, and the ability to translate complex issues into practical reform. Apply with a resume and a cover letter addressing the criteria; Applications close Sunday 23 August 2026 at 11:59pm AEST. For questions contact David Baber.

Inspector of Custodial Services

• Sydney CBD Location
• Total Remuneration Payable $334,375
• Statutory Term Appointment up to 5 years

About the role

The Inspector of Custodial Services is an independent statutory office holder established under the Inspector of Custodial Services Act 2012. Reporting directly to the NSW Parliament, the Inspector provides independent oversight of custodial environments across the state, promoting transparency, accountability and improved outcomes for adults and young people in custody.

This is a unique executive leadership opportunity to influence system-wide improvement across custodial services, drive evidence-based reform, and strengthen public confidence through rigorous inspection, review and reporting activities.

As the Inspector of Custodial Services, you will:

• Lead inspections and thematic reviews of adult and juvenile custodial centres, providing independent advice and recommendations directly to Parliament.
• Oversee the Official Visitor programs across NSW, supporting approximately 100 Official Visitors through training, guidance, and strategic coordination.
• Provide strategic leadership to the Office of the Inspector, ensuring sound governance, financial management, and compliance with statutory obligations.
• Engage with Parliament, government agencies, and community stakeholders to promote transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in custodial environments.
• Identify and address systemic and cultural issues within custodial settings, advocating for reforms that enhance safety, equity, rehabilitation, and service efficiency.

To learn more about the role please click HERE

About You

We are seeking an accomplished and highly credible executive leader who can provide independent oversight while fostering constructive relationships across government, Parliament and the broader community.

You will bring:

• Significant executive leadership experience gained within the public, regulatory, integrity, oversight, legal, justice, human services or related sectors.
• A strong understanding of governance, accountability frameworks and the operation of complex public sector environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead independent review, inspection, investigative, assurance or oversight functions with professionalism, impartiality and integrity.
• Exceptional strategic thinking and judgement, including the ability to assess complex and sensitive issues, identify systemic risks and develop practical recommendations for reform.
• Outstanding stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with proven capability to influence senior decision-makers and build credibility across diverse audiences.
• Experience leading organisational performance, people, financial management and governance functions within a complex environment.
• A commitment to promoting transparency, human rights, safety and improved outcomes for people in custodial or other government service settings.

• A deep understanding of complex justice, regulatory, integrity, oversight or human services systems, public sector governance, and whole-of-government reform principles.
• Experience working within, regulating, reviewing or providing oversight of complex justice, human services, regulatory or government systems.

Apply Now

Click apply, attach an up-to-date résumé (maximum 3 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining how you meet what we are looking for.

Applications Close: Sunday 23 August 2026 at 11:59pm (AEST)

Got a question?

For more information about the role or if you’ve got a question about the recruitment process, please email David Baber on [email protected]

Inclusion and Diversity lies at the heart of how we recruit

Committed to hiring great people with a wide variety of skills, experience and backgrounds. This includes people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people identifying as LGBTIQ+, culturally and linguistically diverse people, carers and other diversity groups.

Thank you for your interest in this role.