HM Prison and Probation Service
Senior Probation officer - Wirral (Ref: 19596)
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Senior Probation Officer – Management Role
Location: NPS, 40 Europa Boulevard, Birkenhead, CH41 4PE
About the Role
This is a management role within the National Probation Service (NPS). The Senior Probation Officer will support the Head of Operational Function to provide leadership and management within a Local Delivery Unit (LDU) or other operational unit.
The role holder will:
- Manage and lead teams to maintain high standards
- Offer operational support and cover
- Uphold equality, diversity, and inclusion policies
- Maintain confidentiality in line with NPS ethical guidelines
- Potentially work out-of-hours as required
Key Responsibilities
The Senior Probation Officer will oversee a range of responsibilities, including:
Leadership & Operations
- Deliver effective management and leadership to teams
- Ensure quality delivery of interventions and meet policy standards
- Deploy resources cost-effectively, align operations with NPS’ strategic aims, and fulfil HMPPS/CRC contracts
- Monitor performance data to evaluate practice and improve service
Staff & Team Management
- Proactively manage staff development, underperformance, attendance, health and safety, and employee relations
- Foster a fair, safe, and diverse work environment
- Support offender managers in risk assessment and public safety compliance
Strategic Contributions
- Champion innovation and continuous improvement in service delivery
- Act as a stakeholder liaison for NPS representation in partnerships
- Assist with corporate NPS management in alignment with business goals
- Complete delegated tasks from the Head of Operational Function
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Legal & Operational Compliance
- Model pro-social behaviour and uphold safeguarding duties
- Comply with NPS and HMPPS values, laws, and agency policies
The above list is indicative, as additional duties may be assigned.
Required Behaviours
The role assesses candidates against core competencies including:
- Working Together
- Developing Self and Others
- Delivering at Pace
- Making Effective Decisions
- Communicating and Influencing
- Leadership
Essential Experience
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Prolonged experience in offender risk management (within probation services, criminal justice, or allied professions)
- Deep understanding of NPS’ role in the Criminal Justice System and multi-agency collaboration
- Knowledge of victim engagement, multi-agency risk management, and performance evaluation
- Ability to operate under pressure, meet deadlines, and drive efficiency improvements
- Experience with administrative systems and IT skills in analysing performance reports
- Proven track record in diversity and inclusion advocacy
- Safeguarding awareness and alignment with NPS protocols
Technical Requirements
Essential Qualifications
- Probation Qualification Framework Graduate Diploma (or equivalent in Community Justice), integrated with Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice
- OR one of the following pre-2007 eligible qualifications:
- Diploma in Probation Studies
- Diploma in Social Work (with Probation Option)
- CQSW (with Probation Option)
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Professional Protocols
Health and safety compliance is mandatory. Fluency in English (or Welsh, if based in Wales) for spoken tasks must be evidenced.
Selection Process
The vacancy is assessed under Success Profiles, evaluating:
- Expectations-based behaviours:
- Making Effective Decisions
- Working Together
- Developing Self and Others
- Leadership
- Technical skills (in alignment with listed qualifications)
- (Details refer to the Candidate Information Page)
Singer Security Checks Required
- Criminal records check
- Baseline personnel vetting (for access to govt assets)
Benefits
- Civil Service pension (28.97% employer contribution)
- Flexible working options
- Diverse, inclusive culture
- Annual leave, public holidays, and Season Ticket Advance (STA) scheme
- Discounted membership to Justice Jobs
- Participation in the Great Place to Work for Veterans
Diversity & Inclusion
The NPS aligns with Civil Service diversity goals (e.g., Civil Service People Plan and Disability Confident Scheme).
Nationality & Eligibility
Open to:
- UK nationals
- Republic of Ireland/EU nationals (or dependants with EU Settlement Scheme status)
- Commonwealth citizens (with UK work rights)
- Prospective immigrants meeting settlement residency criteria
Additional details here.
Contacts
- Recruitment Enquiries:
moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk - Telephone: 0345 241 5358
For NPS values and compliance, please review the Civil Service Code and Recruitment Principles.
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