Probation Officer

Job Overview

The Senior Probation Officer supports the Head of Operational Function and plays a leading role within a Local Delivery Unit (LDU) or other operational unit. The role involves managing and leading staff, ensuring high standards of service delivery, supporting partner agencies, and contributing to the safety and well‑being of the public and offenders.

• Provide effective management and leadership to the probation team.
• Accountable for the quality of service delivery, team performance and continuous improvement in line with policy and national standards.
• Ensure all team resources are deployed cost effectively and add value to budget control.
• Ensure staff meet NPS contract requirements with HMPPS, CRCs and local business plans.
• Analyse and apply performance data proactively to maximise LDU/team performance.
• Manage staff development, performance, attendance, health and safety, employee relations and diversity matters.
• Allocate decisions fairly and consistently on individual staff issues.
• Ensure offender managers assess and manage risk in accordance with public protection standards and targets.
• Contribute directly to public protection through multi‑agency arrangements and individual case reviews.
• Promote a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in service delivery.
• Manage financial resources for the area, authorise expenditure within limits and follow HMPPS financial regulations.
• Represent the NPS in partnership with key stakeholders and contribute to corporate management as a member of the LDU Management Team.
• Conduct safeguarding duties for children and other statutory responsibilities.
• Model pro‑social behaviour, challenge anti‑social attitudes and maintain a supportive, inclusive working environment.

• Substantial experience as a Probation Officer or equivalent role within criminal justice.
• Proven record of good practice in offender risk assessment and management.
• Knowledge of the probation service, multi‑disciplinary settings and victim engagement.
• Experience of risk management, multi‑agency assessment procedures and public protection targets.
• Ability to evaluate practice and influence policy development.
• Experience working under pressure, meeting deadlines and delivering on performance targets.
• Strong IT skills, including interpretation of performance reports.
• Demonstrable achievements in change management, quality improvement and diversity inclusiveness.
• Compliance with the probation qualification framework:
  Graduate Diploma or Honours Degree in Community Justice integrated with a Level5 Diploma in Probation Practice, or an equivalent recognised qualification.
• Eligible for a Level3 DBS standard security check.

• Hybrid working arrangements are supported when business needs allow; role must be based in the UK.
• Standard full‑time hours: 37hours per week (excluding unpaid breaks).
• Part‑time, flexible and job‑sharing options are considered in line with the HMPPS Flexible Working policy.

• Annual leave: 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years of service (plus public holidays).
• National Probation Service participation in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) via the Greater Manchester Pension Fund.
• Extensive training and development opportunities through the Ministry of Justice.
• Employee‑run networks that support diversity, disability, caring responsibilities, gender and LGBT+ inclusion.
• Access to family‑friendly policies, voluntary benefits, and government childcare support schemes.
• Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave; free annual sight tests for employees using computer screens.