Senior Probation Officer - Quality Manager

Overview This is a management role within the National Probation Service (NPS). The Senior Probation Officer supports the Head of Operational Function and leads a Local Delivery Unit or operational unit. Responsibilities Provide effective management and leadership to the team. Accountable for quality delivery, good practice and team performance improvement. Ensure cost‑effective deployment of resources, providing best value. Ensure staff meet NPS contract requirements with HMPPS, CRC and local business plans. Use performance data to maximise team performance, evaluate practice and deliver organisational aims. Manage staff development, underperformance, attendance, health & safety and diversity matters. Ensure offender managers manage risk appropriately and meet public protection standards. Contribute to public protection through multi‑agency arrangements and casework review. Promote a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. Manage financial resources, authorise expenditure within limits. Lead partnership work and represent NPS as appropriate. Facilitate communication between management team and internal/external partners. Participate in corporate management as a member of the UMT. Carry out safeguarding duties as required. Demonstrate pro‑social modelling and challenge anti‑social behaviour. Work within NPS and HMPPS aims and values. Behaviours Working Together Developing Self and Others Managing a Quality Service Communicating and Influencing Essential Experience Substantial experience as a Probation Officer or in a criminal justice agency, with proven practice in offender risk assessment and management. Understanding of the Probation Service role in the criminal justice system and multi‑disciplinary setting. Knowledge of factors influencing victim engagement. Experience in risk management, multi‑agency assessment procedures. Ability to evaluate practice and contribute to policy development. Work under pressure and meet demanding deadlines. Flexibility as a team member to achieve performance targets. Effective administration and information systems management. Experience in change management and improvement. Strong IT skills and performance reporting. Proactive championing of diversity and inclusiveness. Implementation of health and safety policies. English and, where required, Welsh speaking ability. Technical Requirements Probation Qualification Framework Graduate Diploma / Honours Degree in Community Justice, integrated with Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice. Alternatively, a recognised qualification as per Section 10 of the Offender Management Act 2007 (e.g., Diploma in Probation Studies, Diploma in Social Work with Probation Option, CQSW with Probation Option). Benefits Hybrid working arrangements where business needs allow. Standard full‑time hours: 37 h/week, excluding unpaid breaks. Annual leave: 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years, pro‑rated for part‑time. Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. Comprehensive training and development opportunities. Family‑friendly policies (reduced hours, job share). Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave. Free annual sight tests for computer‑screen users. Equality and Inclusion The post holder must demonstrate a commitment to equality and inclusion and to the management of sensitive/confidential information. Some out‑of‑hours working may be required. #J-18808-Ljbffr Ministry of Justice