Senior Probation Officer (Ref: 20740)

Location: Manchester, UK; Minshull St, Manchester M1 3FS, UK; Bolton, UK; Stockport; Ashton-under-Lyne; Wigan, UKSalary: 46,746 - 48,760 per yearEmployment: Full timeCategory: Social CarePosted: 2026-08-03Valid to: 2026-08-25Apply: https://jobs.justice.gov.uk/careers/JobDetail/20740?entityId=20740Employer: HM Prison & Probation ServiceJob summaryPlease refer to Job DescriptionJob descriptionOverview of the jobThis is a management role within the National Probation Service (NPS). The Senior Probation Officer supports the Head of Operational Function to provide management and a leading role within a Local Delivery Unit (LDU) or other operational unit. SummaryThe job holder will be expected to manage and lead staff within the operational area to the required standard, and will offer support and cover to other teams/functions during periods of absence. In line with NPS policies and procedures, the job holder must at all times demonstrate a commitment to equality and inclusion and an understanding of their relevance to the work they do. The post holder must adhere to all policies in respect of the sensitive/confidential nature of the information handled whilst working in this position. If relevant to the role, some out of hours working may be required Responsibilities, Activities & DutiesSenior Probation Officers may be required to undertake any combination, or all, of the duties and responsibilities set out below.To provide effective management and leadership to the teamTo be accountable for the quality delivery of good practice and team performance improvement within policy and national standardsTo ensure that all team resources, including interventions, are deployed cost effectively and provide best value in terms of both budget control and realising the organisation’s strategic aimsTo ensure that staff can efficiently and effectively meet the requirements of the NPS’ contract with HMPPS, Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRC) and local business plans as requiredTo access, interpret, analyse and apply performance data pro-actively in order to maximise LDU/team performance, evaluate practice and deliver organisational aimsTo proactively manage staff development, issues of underperformance, attendance, health and safety, employee relations and diversity matters. Adopt a consistent, fair and objective standpoint when making decisions in relation to individual staff issuesTo ensure that offender managers manage risk appropriately, and meet all public protection standards and targetsTo contribute directly to public protection through multi-agency arrangements and individual casework review, discussion and feedbackTo promote a culture of innovation and continuous improvement to service deliveryTo manage financial resources for your area of responsibility as required by your Head of Operational Function and in line with HMPPS financial regulations and policies. To authorise expenditure within financial limitsIn accordance with the business plan, to provide a leading role and direction in work with partners and key stakeholders, and represent the NPS as appropriate to the roleTo facilitate effective communication between the LDU/Operational Unit management team and internal and external partnersTo play an active part in the corporate management of the NPS as necessary, as a member of the LDU/Operational Unit Management TeamTo undertake specific areas of responsibility as delegated by the Head of Operational Function.Demonstrate pro-social modelling skills by consistently reinforcing pro-social behaviour and attitudes and challenging anti-social behaviour and attitudesCarry out safeguarding children duties in accordance with the NPS statutory responsibilities and agency policiesTo work within the aims and values of NPS and HMPPSThe duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary. Significant adjustments may require re-examination under Job Evaluation and shall be discussed in the first instance with the Job Holder. BehavioursWorking TogetherDeveloping Self and OthersDelivering at PaceManaging a Quality ServiceMaking Effective DecisionsCommunicating and InfluencingLeadershipEssential ExperienceSubstantial experience with a proven record of good practice in a variety of settings (including offender risk assessment and management) as a Probation Officer or from working within another criminal justice agency or related work contextUnderstanding of the role of the Probation Service in the Criminal Justice System and in a multi-disciplinary setting.Knowledge and understanding of the factors which influence engagement with victimsExperience of risk management and assessment, understanding of multi-agency risk assessment and management proceduresEvidence of ability to evaluate practiceEvidence of ability to provide a practice perspective on policy developmentExperience of working under pressure and fulfilling demanding deadlinesExperience of working flexibly as a member of a team to achieve performance targetsExperience of contributing to the provision of effective administration and information systemsDemonstrable achievements in managing/supporting change and effecting improvements in quality and efficiencyAble to demonstrate well developed IT skills, including evidence of ability to interpret and apply performance reportsExperience of proactively championing diversity and inclusiveness both internally and externallyAbility to implement the services health and safety policies An ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through the medium of English or (where specified in Wales) Welsh Technical requirementsProbation Qualification Framework Graduate Diploma/ Honours Degree in Community Justice integrated with Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice.Or a qualification which was recognised at the time of qualification by the Secretary of State for Justice as per Section 10 of the Offender Management Act 2007.The following qualifications gained in England and Wales were previously recognised as providing such eligibility:Diploma in Probation Studies,Diploma in Social Work (with Probation Option)CQSW (with Probation Option)Person specificationPlease refer to Job DescriptionQualificationsProbation Officer QualificationBehavioursWe'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:LeadershipDeveloping Self and OthersWorking TogetherManaging a Quality ServiceBenefitsAccess to learning and developmentA working environment that supports a range of flexible working options to enhance your work life balanceA working culture which encourages inclusion and diversityA Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%Annual LeavePublic HolidaysSeason Ticket AdvanceFor more information about the recruitment process, benefits and allowances and answers to general queries, please click the below link which will direct you to our Candidate Information Page. Link: Things you need to knowArtificial intelligenceArtificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.Selection process detailsThis vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.SecuritySuccessful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.Nationality requirementsThis job is broadly open to the following groups:UK nationalsnationals of the Republic of Irelandnationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UKnationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil ServiceFurther information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)Working for the Civil ServiceThe Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.Diversity and InclusionThe Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).Apply and further informationThis vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.Contact point for applicantsJob contact : Name : SSCL Recruitment Enquiries TeamEmail : moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.ukTelephone : 0345 241 5358Recruitment teamEmail : moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.ukFurther informationAppointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles. If you feel a department has breached the requirement of the Recruitment Principles and would like to raise this, please contact SSCL (Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com) in the first instance. If the role has been advertised externally (outside of the Civil Service) and you are not satisfied with the response, you may bring your complaint to the Commission. For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their web pages: