At a Glance
- Tasks: Supervise community projects and support individuals on probation in making positive changes.
- Company: Join the Ministry of Justice and be part of a transformative team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual pay progression, and weekend pay boosts.
- Other info: Dynamic role with varied tasks and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Full UK Manual Driving Licence and a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 26475 - 31650 £ per year.
Employer: Ministry of Justice
Location: Widnes, Cheshire
Pay: £26,475 to £31,650 per year
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full time
Disability Confident: No
Closing Date: 12/06/2026
About this job:
Please note: The working pattern will include a weekend day. Candidates must hold a full UK Manual Driving Licence when applying for this role, this is a mandatory technical requirement in order to carry out this role. We cannot accept candidates who hold an automatic Driving Licence only.
A career in community payback gives you the power to make a positive impact on the lives of People on Probation as well as your community. People come from all walks of life to form one team in the Probation Service. It's all about supporting People on Probation on their journey and making your community a better place. Whether that's building benches or cleaning the streets, you're there because you genuinely want to help. If this sounds like you, apply now.
If you are successful in the recruitment process to join the Probation Service, your starting salary will be £26,475 (Pro-rata).
On a typical day, you’ll spend up to 7 hours supervising a group at a Community Payback unpaid work placement. Post holders may be required to undertake weekend working as part of their normal pattern of working. Community Payback projects run 7 days a week therefore you will work frequent weekends, and you may be asked to cover some evenings. You will be paid a higher rate of 50% for weekend days you do work.
In this role, the pace of our work means that rest breaks don’t always happen in the standard way. When this happens, we make sure your wellbeing is looked after. Your wellbeing really matters to us, so we want to be open about this from the outset. If you’re someone who enjoys a varied, active role where no two days are the same, this is a great environment to make a real difference while being fully supported.
The Probation Service offers the opportunity for annual pay progression through a Competency Based Framework (CBF), which if eligible, will see your pay increase. CBF is designed to enable you to move up through the pay band range as your competence grows. New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band. Probation Service also increase their pay band ranges annually in line with Civil Service Pay guidance, which will also apply an increase to band pay ranges where applicable.
Overview of the job:
This is an operational role directly supervising work groups of offenders serving a community sentence. This may include driving service vehicles to transport people or equipment. The post holder will be responsible for all work site supervision tasks and will work with service users to ensure that all tasks are carried out to the best of their ability. This will include working alongside people to demonstrate good practice as necessary.
Right to work in the UK:
You must have the right to work in the UK and Civil Service. Skilled Worker visa changes from 22 July 2025: In accordance with current immigration rules, this role is not eligible for a new Skilled Worker visa. From 22 July 2025, the Government introduced changes to the eligibility criteria for Skilled Worker visas. As a result: HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) cannot consider sponsoring you to work as a community payback supervisor unless you have held a Skilled Worker visa prior to the 22 July 2025 changes. If you have held a Skilled Worker visa continuously, please raise this during your pre-employment checks and your eligibility will be assessed in accordance with the immigration rules and transitional provisions in place. If you apply to be a community payback supervisor and you have not held a Skilled Worker visa prior to 22 July 2025, you will need to consider your options for obtaining and/or maintaining your right to work in the UK in light of these changes. If your application is successful, you will need to ensure that you have and maintain the legal right to live and work in the Civil Service and in the United Kingdom. HMPPS will continue to comply with UK Immigration Rules applied in the UK and Civil Service.
17632 - Community Payback Supervisor - Widnes employer: Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
The Ministry of Justice is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community as a Community Payback Supervisor in Widnes. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing and professional growth, you will benefit from annual pay progression and a supportive work culture that values your contributions. Join a diverse team dedicated to transforming lives and enhancing community welfare, all while enjoying competitive pay and additional benefits for weekend work.
Contact Details:
Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 17632 - Community Payback Supervisor - Widnes
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the community and the role! Research what community payback involves and how it impacts lives. This will help you connect with interviewers and show your genuine interest in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your driving skills! Since a full UK Manual Driving Licence is a must, make sure you're comfortable behind the wheel. It’s not just about passing the test; being confident in driving service vehicles can set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your teamwork spirit! Highlight any experience you have working in teams or supporting others. The role is all about collaboration, so demonstrating your ability to work well with diverse groups will be key.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application, so don’t hesitate to submit it directly on our platform. It’s the best way to ensure we get your details and consider you for this impactful role.
We think you need these skills to ace 17632 - Community Payback Supervisor - Widnes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let us see your genuine enthusiasm for making a positive impact in the community. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to supporting people on probation and improving their lives.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, especially those that relate to supervising work groups and working in varied environments. We want to understand your qualifications quickly!
Highlight Relevant Skills:Make sure to emphasise any skills that are directly related to the role, like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. If you have experience driving service vehicles or managing projects, don’t forget to mention it!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right place and is considered promptly. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
✨Know Your Role
Make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Community Payback Supervisor. Familiarise yourself with the tasks involved, such as supervising work groups and ensuring safety on site. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in making a positive impact.
✨Highlight Your People Skills
This role is all about supporting people on probation, so be ready to discuss your experience in working with diverse groups. Share examples of how you've motivated or guided others, especially in challenging situations. This will demonstrate your ability to connect and lead effectively.
✨Show Your Commitment to Wellbeing
The job description emphasises the importance of wellbeing. Be prepared to talk about how you prioritise your own wellbeing and that of others. Discuss any relevant experiences where you’ve ensured a supportive environment, which aligns with the values of the Probation Service.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle unexpected situations. Think of scenarios where you had to adapt quickly or manage a crisis. Practising these responses will help you feel more at ease during the interview.
