HM Prison and Probation Service
Senior Probation Officer - Cheshire (Ref: 19566)
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Senior Probation Officer - Cheshire (Ref: 19566)
Senior Probation Officer
Location: NPS Jupiter House, Chester, CH1 4QS
Job Overview
This is a management role within the National Probation Service (NPS). The Senior Probation Officer supports the Head of Operational Function to provide management and leadership within a Local Delivery Unit (LDU) or other operational unit.
Summary of Role
The job holder will be expected to:
- Manage and lead staff within the operational area to meet required standards.
- Offer support and cover to other teams/functions during periods of absence.
- Demonstrate a commitment to equality, inclusion, and adherence to sensitive/confidential policy standards.
- Operate within a multi-agency setting, ensuring compliance with public protection standards and targets.
- Some out-of-hours work may be required when relevant.
Key Responsibilities & Duties
Senior Probation Officers may be required to undertake any combination—or all—of the following:
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Provide effective management and leadership to the team while ensuring quality service delivery and continuous improvement.
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Drive cost-effective resource deployment, optimising budget and strategic objectives.
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Ensure compliance with NPS’ contract requirements (HMPPS, CRC, and local business plans).
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Analyse performance data to improve team/unit output, practice, and strategic outcomes.
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Oversee staff development, including handling underperformance, attendance, health & safety, and employee relations with fairness and consistency.
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Ensure risk management compliance and public protection standards are met.
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Contribute to public protection via multi-agency collaboration, case reviews, and individual feedback.
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Foster a culture of innovation and sustained improvement in service delivery.
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Manage financial resources for the area, adhering to HMPPS policies and delegation from the Head of Operational Function.
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Lead partnerships with key stakeholders and senior management, representing the NPS where appropriate.
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Facilitate effective communication between the LDU/Operational Unit management team and internal/external partners.
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Actively participate as part of the LDU/Operational Unit Management Team.
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Undertake additional responsibilities as prescribed by the Head of Operational Function.
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Additional Legal & Safety Requirements
- Demonstrate pro-social modelling skills by reinforcing positive behaviours and challenging anti-social actions.
- Uphold safeguarding duties for children in accordance with statutory NPS obligations.
- Operate within NPS/HMPPS values and compliance frameworks.
⚠ All duties are subject to reasonable changes, subject to job evaluation.
Essential Behaviours
The role relies on the following reflective behaviours:
- Working Together
- Developing Self and Others
- Delivering at Pace
- Managing a Quality Service
- Making Effective Decisions
- Communicating and Influencing
- Leadership
Experience & Qualifications
✅ Essential Experience
- Substantial proven experience in offender risk assessment/management or similar fields (including Criminal Justice Agency roles).
- Knowledge of the probation system within a multi-disciplinary setting and its role in community-based rehabilitation.
- Experience with victim engagement strategies and understanding of victim-focused care.
- Familiarity with risk management protocols and multiagency collaboration.
- Track record of practice evaluation and policy-related insights.
- Ability to operate under pressure, meet deadlines, and work flexibly to achieve targets.
- Experience operating administration and IT systems efficiently.
- Demonstrated ability to manage change, enhance quality, and improve efficiency.
- Strong IT proficiency, including use of performance reports and data interpretation.
- Commitment to championing diversity and inclusivity in both internal/external work.
- Implementation of health and safety policies.
✈ Language Requirement: English (or Welsh, if applicable in Wales) for all spoken aspects of the role.
📜 Required Qualifications
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
- Probation Qualification Framework
- Graduate Diploma in Community Justice + Level 5 Diploma in Probation.
- OR Honours Degree in Community Justice with integrated probation training.
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- Previously Recognised Qualifications (Retooled by Section 10 of the Offender Management Act 2007):
- England & Wales:
- Diploma in Probation Studies
- Diploma in Social Work (with a Probation Option)
- CQSW (Certificate in Qualification for Social Work, with Probation Specialty)
- England & Wales:
Benefits & Opportunities
✔ Learning &Development support within the Civil Service ✔ Flexible working options to boost work-life balance ✔ Dedicated commitment to diversity and inclusion ✔ Civil Service pension (28.97% employer contribution) ✔ Generous leave entitlements, including:
- Annual leave
- Public holidays
- Season Ticket Advance
Selection Process Highlights
This vacancy uses Success Profiles, assessing:
- Behaviours
- Strengths
- Experience
- Technical Skills
🔹 Interview feedback is only provided to candidates who proceed to an interview.
🔹 Security checks required: Criminal record check required; baseline Personnel Security Standard checks for government access.
🔹 Candidate Support: Portal for Guides & Further Enquiries
Eligibility
- UK nationals
- Republic of Ireland/CWCI Rights holders
- Commonwealth nationals with UK rights
- EU/EFTA Family members (EUSS compliant)
- Turkish nationals entitled to Civil Service work (Full [eligibility details](https://jobs.justice.gov.uk/careers seks.))
Contact & Next Steps
For any recruitment inquiries:
- E-mail: moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk
- Phone: 0345 241 5358
‼ Important: The advert will close permanently once published. Ensure your details are saved.
Diversity & Inclusion Notice The Government comply with Equal Opportunities fundamentals. The advert is supported under its "Disability Confident" and "Veteran Visitor" schemes. For accessibility, contact the Civil Service Commission (item).
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