HM Prison and Probation Service
Senior Probation Officer Returner Scheme - West Midlands (Ref 16570)
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Senior Probation Officer Returner Scheme – West Midlands (England)
About the Role
Senior Probation Officer Returner Scheme
This is a rolling campaign. Applicants cannot reapply within a six-month period.
The scheme is open to former, qualified senior probation officers who have left the Civil Service within the last five years and would like to return to their former role in the Probation Service.
Are you a former qualified senior probation officer who has completed your probationary period and training? We invite you to consider returning to the Probation Service, playing a key role in keeping the public safe and rehabilitating individuals on probation.
The scheme offers a fast-track return—meaning you won’t need to complete a lengthy application process, attend interviews, or repeat entry-level training. Success depends on meeting eligibility criteria and business need, secured against location availability and previous employment history.
Successful candidates will be required to:
- Pass pre-employment checks, including enhanced DBS, security vetting (Enhanced Level 2), and an Occupational Health Review.
- Undergo Non-Police Personnel Vetting (NPPV) Level 2 once in the role (standard for those with gaps in service over 28 days).
- Complete an individualised training needs assessment to update or confirm skills alongside existing competencies.
Eligibility Criteria
This scheme applies to former Civil Service employees who meet the following Civil Service Exception 5 terms:
- Former civil servants who were previously appointed on merit via fair and open competition may return within five years of leaving.
- Appointments are permanent or fixed-term, and candidates can return to a role of the same or lower grade than their last position.
- Notice: Former civil servants do not have an automatic right to return—reinstatement depends on Cabinet Office discretion.
- Exception 5 applies only for returning within five years of leaving the last Civil Service post.
Who Can Apply?
Senior Probation Officers who:
- Were qualified and actively working in the Probation Service upon leaving (through resignation or retirement).
- Completed the probationary period and training.
- Left the Civil Service within the last five years.
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Working Arrangements & Contracts
When applying, you’ll choose a designated probation region. Once eligibility is confirmed, you’ll discuss your work base commuting to you (preferably within 60 minutes.
Available options:
- Full or part-time roles, under permanent or temporary contracts (up to two years).
- Temporary contracts available for three, six, or nine months, extendable subject to need.
- Flexible working arrangements upon request.
Temporary Contract Terms
- Disables permanent tenure.
- Includes Civils Service benefits (except pensions at full entitlement).
- 25 days’ annual leave (pro-rated).
- Civil Service pension (automatic enrolment—can opt out).
Compensation & Benefits
Full-time salary:
- £44,100 base + £4,250 London allowance for bases in London, Watford, or Staines.
- Higher entry-level salaries may be considered based on circumstances.
Full Benefit Package
Explore HM Prison and Probation Service benefits: 👉 Why work for HM Prison and Probation Service?
Key benefits include: ✔ Civil Service pension scheme (employer pension contribution: 28.97%) ✔ Holidays (public holidays included) ✔ Working hours flexibility ✔ Multi-agency support network ✔ Access to ViSOR database security vetting
Person Specification
Qualifications
No listed qualifications required—experience and previous training certifications apply that align with senior probation standards.
Key Technical Skills (Assessed via Selection Process)
(Refer to full Job Description)
Candidate Information & Application Notes
Eligibility Restrictions
- Not applicable: Returners who left more than five years ago. For these, visit Original vacancies: Current prison/probation roles.
- Alumni Network: register for updates (Senior Probation Officer-focused) here. 👉 Register to Join the Probation Alumni Network
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Pre-application & Pre-employment Process
- Recruitment via Success Profiles (SPS), focusing on your experience and technical skills/norms.
- Validated conduct standards apply—participation in AI applications requires candid declaration of personal expression.
- Security checks are mandatory, including:
- Enhanced DBS vetting
- Security vetting to Enhanced Level 2
- Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) requirements for UK government work.
Security-Worthy Information
- UK nationals and eligible foreigners can apply (full details here).
- Non-Civil Service candidates may face scrutiny per Judicial Commission’s recruitment principles per Exception 5.
Participation in Inclusion Initiatives
- Part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans programme.
Selection Process
Applications go through Success Profiles (SPS) for judging on:
- Experience (job-specific alignment to grade demands).
- Technical skills/norms required.
Assessment: Will cover experience verification and assessment against skills.
The next stage post-pass ensures fair transition back via applicable local probation expertise.
- No full feedback given except when interviews assessments are invoked. 🔗 More: MOJ Candidate Information Page.
Support & Contact
For queries:
- Recruitment Enquiries Team
- 📧 moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk
- ✆ Call: +44 (0) 845 241 5358.
For recruitment policy complaints:
- Raise via SSCL first (moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com).
- External disputes handled by Civil Service Commission web guidelines.
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