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- Tasks: Lead and manage operational functions within the National Probation Service.
- Company: Join the National Probation Service, dedicated to community safety and rehabilitation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, a generous pension, and annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Must have a relevant degree and probation qualifications.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and involvement in strategic partnerships.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Head of Operational Function (Head of Service) London Probation Service: PDU Ealing and Hillingdon, PDU Redbridge and Waltham Forest (Ref: 7520)
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This position is based at NPS ILFORD HIGH ROAD ILFORD, IG1 1QQ, NPS LEELAND HOUSE EALING, W13 9HH, NPS PROBATION OFFICE ACTON, W3 6BG
Job Summary
Please refer to Job Description
Job Description
Overview of the job
Heads of Operational Functions are deployed to a variety of roles so as to provide leadership of staff and operations.
Summary
To provide management and leadership within the National Probation Service(NPS) with responsibility for resources and the operational and strategic direction and management of the Service within a Local Delivery Unit (LDU) or any other operational unit and/or functional area of activity.
To represent the Deputy Director with external agencies/Stakeholders and staff as appropriate.
In line with NPS policies and procedures, the job holder must at all times demonstrate a commitment to equality and inclusion and an understanding of their relevance to the work they do.The post holder must adhere to all policies in respect of the sensitive/confidential nature of the information handled whilst working in this position.
May be required to participate in out of hours senior management on call rota.
Responsibilities, Activities & Duties
Heads of Operational Function may be required to undertake any combination, or all, of the duties and responsibilities set out below.
- Lead, innovate and develop local strategies in line with the national strategic framework
- Effectively lead cluster operational delivery and contribute corporately to national operational delivery and priorities
- Lead the NPS in local strategic partnerships and ensure appropriate representation within wider partnership frameworks
- Represent the NPS at national partnerships and development meetings in line with delegated functional lead and decision making responsibilities.
- Manage devolved budgets in accordance with the financial procedures outlined in the budget delegation
- Manage competing demands within (geographical) area of responsibility
- Responsible for the various functions across the division; including line management of middle managers.
- Manage resources effectively.
- Oversee the Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) locally in conjunction with other responsible authorities including the chairing of MAPPA level 3 meetings
- To make decisions and provide advice on the management of offenders where senior management authorisation or involvement is necessary e.g. authorising the recall of offenders to prison
- Oversight of the management of complaints within the Operational Function and direct involvement in complaint resolution where necessary
- Undertake all Human Resources (HR) related policies and practices including overseeing local recruitment, Attendance Management, Disciplinary Investigations, Performance Management and Staff Appraisals, chair grievance and other hearings.
- Work effectively with your respective Divisional Senior Leadership Team and take lead responsibility nationally for specific projects/portfolios
- Deputise for the Deputy Director as required in the LDU / operational unit functional area of activity
- Work with MOJ/NOMS Communications on a range of products
- Implement NOMS equality strategy
- Responsible for ensuring the defined work areas and associated activities comply with Health and Safety legislation. Ensure all risk assessments are undertaken and staff are made aware of their personal responsibility towards Health and Safety compliance
- Carry out agency responsibilities for victims.
- Carry out safeguarding children duties in accordance with the NPS statutory responsibilities and agency policies
- Discharge estates responsibilities for Head of Operational Function
- Demonstrate pro-social modelling skills by consistently reinforcing pro-social behaviour and attitudes and challenging anti-social behaviour and attitudes.
- Work within the aims and values of NPS and NOMS
The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post at present and are not exhaustive. The job holder is expected to accept reasonable alteration sand additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary. Significant adjustments may require re-examination under job evaluation and shall be discussed in the first instance with the job holder.
Technical 1
To be eligible for this role, you must confirm you meet the mandatory qualification requirements outlined below and you must also upload a scanned copy of your qualifications. Applicants that do not provide the mandatory qualification evidence, will not progress to interview stage.
Probation Qualification Framework Graduate Diploma/ Honours Degree in Community Justice integrated with Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice.
Or a Qualification Which Was Recognised At The Time Of Qualification By The Secretary Of State For Justice As Per Section 10 Of The Offender Management Act 2007.The Following Qualifications Gained In England And Wales Were Previously Recognised As Providing Such Eligibility:
Diploma in Probation Studies, Diploma in Social Work (with Probation Option) CQSW (with Probation Option)
Or a Qualification Which Was Recognised At The Time Of Qualification By The Secretary Of State For Justice As Per Section 10 Of The Offender Management Act 2007.The Following Qualifications Gained In England And Wales Were Previously Recognised As Providing Such Eligibility:
Diploma in Probation Studies, Diploma in Social Work (with Probation Option) CQSW (with Probation Option)
Person specification
Qualifications
Probation Qualification Framework Graduate Diploma/ Honours Degree in Community Justice integrated with Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice. Or a qualification which was recognised at the time of qualification by the Secretary of State for Justice as per Section 10 of the Offender Management Act 2007.
The following qualifications gained in England and Wales were previously recognised as providing such eligibility: Diploma in Probation Studies, Diploma in Social Work (with Probation Option) CQSW (with Probation Option)
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Changing and Improving
- Communicating and Influencing
- Delivering at Pace
- Leadership
- Making Effective Decisions
- Working Together
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Please refer to Job Description
- Access to learning and development
- A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options to enhance your work life balance
- A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
- Annual Leave
- Public Holidays
- Season Ticket Advance
For more information about the recruitment process, benefits and allowances and answers to general queries, please click the below link which will direct you to our Candidate Information Page.
Link:
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on th
Head of Operational Function (Head of Service) London Probation Service: PDU Ealing and Hilling[...] (London) employer: HM Prison and Probation Service
Contact Detail:
HM Prison and Probation Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operational Function (Head of Service) London Probation Service: PDU Ealing and Hilling[...] (London)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the National Probation Service's strategic framework and local delivery units. Understanding their operational goals will help you align your leadership style and strategies with their expectations.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the London Probation Service. Engaging in conversations can provide insights into the organisational culture and specific challenges they face, which can be beneficial during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing budgets and resources effectively. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully navigated competing demands in previous roles, as this is crucial for the Head of Operational Function position.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your commitment to equality and inclusion by researching current initiatives within the NPS. Being able to speak knowledgeably about these topics will show that you are aligned with their values and mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operational Function (Head of Service) London Probation Service: PDU Ealing and Hilling[...] (London)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Head of Operational Function position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the specific duties outlined in the job description.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure that you clearly state your qualifications, especially those related to the Probation Qualification Framework. Include any relevant degrees or diplomas and provide scanned copies as required, as failure to do so may hinder your application.
Demonstrate Leadership Skills: In your application, emphasise your leadership experience and ability to manage teams effectively. Use specific examples from your past roles to illustrate how you've successfully led operational functions or projects.
Show Commitment to Equality and Inclusion: Given the importance of equality and inclusion in this role, include examples of how you have promoted these values in your previous positions. This will demonstrate your alignment with the National Probation Service's policies and ethos.
How to prepare for a job interview at HM Prison and Probation Service
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure you have a deep understanding of the Head of Operational Function role. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, especially around leadership, resource management, and strategic direction. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with the job requirements.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As this position requires strong leadership, prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully led teams or projects. Highlight your ability to innovate and develop strategies that align with organisational goals, as well as your experience in managing competing demands.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role, especially when representing the NPS at various levels. Be ready to discuss how you've influenced stakeholders and collaborated with external agencies in previous positions. Practice clear and concise responses to demonstrate your communication prowess.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect to be assessed on specific behaviours such as 'Changing and Improving' and 'Working Together'. Prepare scenarios that showcase your adaptability, decision-making skills, and ability to work collaboratively. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
