Approved Premises Area Manager (APAM) - South East & Eastern in Basildon

This is a management role reporting to the Head of Public Protection, responsible for managing a cluster of Approved Premises (AP) within a Division. To provide management and leadership within the National Probation Service (NPS) with responsibility for resources, the strategic direction and operational management of a cluster of Approved Premises. To offer support and cover to other AP Clusters during periods of absence. To participate in the out of hours Senior Management on call rota. To represent the Deputy Director or Head of Public Protection for Approved Premises with external stakeholders and other staff. 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 job holder must adhere to all policies in respect of the sensitive/confidential nature of the information handled whilst working in this position.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate leadership and innovation in the implementation of strategy and operational delivery.
• Deliver performance and quality targets.
• Manage the devolved budget for the AP Cluster and manage resources effectively.
• Demonstrate ability to meet competing demands across geographical areas.
• Demonstrate ability to manage middle managers and other staff and employee relations across the AP Cluster in line with HMPPS policies.
• Ensure AP staff contribute to and support risk management plans, including engagement with MAPPA.
• Provide advice and make decisions on the management of high-risk offenders, ensuring appropriate placements within the AP estate.
• Play an active part in the corporate management of the NPS as necessary.
• Take lead responsibility for specific projects or portfolios.
• Provide a leading role and direction in work with partners and key stakeholders.
• Implement HMPPS equality strategy.
• Manage and participate in divisional out-of-hours on-call rota.
• Accountable for health and safety for the AP Cluster.
• Accountable for estates responsibilities for the AP Cluster.
• Carry out safeguarding children and safeguarding adult duties in accordance with NPS statutory responsibilities and agency policies.
• Ensure the interests and concerns of the local community are met with an appropriate response.
• Respond effectively to operational risks to the AP and organisational risks to the wider NPS presented by a potential or actual significant incident.
• Model pro-social behaviour and challenge anti-social behaviour.
• Work within the aims and values of NPS and HMPPS.

Behaviours

• Leadership
• Developing Self and Others
• Working Together
• Making Effective Decisions
• Delivering at Pace
• Managing a Quality Service

Experience

• Experience of management of staff, supervision, resource deployment, appraisals and motivating.
• Experience of monitoring performance against predetermined targets.
• Experience of commissioning and procurement processes or contract management.
• Experience of Health, Safety and Equalities management.
• Working with key local agencies and stakeholders to develop strong relationships.
• Preparing high-level written reports.
• Evaluating practice.

Technical requirements

• Probation Qualification Framework Graduate Diploma/Honours Degree in Community Justice integrated with Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice, or a recognised qualification at the time of qualification by the Secretary of State for Justice under the Offender Management Act 2007. Accepted qualifications include Diploma in Probation Studies, Diploma in Social Work (with Probation Option) and CQSW (with Probation Option).
• IT skills, including evidence of ability to interpret and apply performance reports.

Hours of Work (Unsocial Hours) Allowances

• 37 hours per week. Additional payments are made for out-of-hours work.

Benefits

• Annual leave of 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years’ service (pro-rata for part-time posts).
• Appropriate public holidays. Leave for part-time and job-share posts is calculated on a pro-rata basis.
• National Probation Service is covered by the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) run through the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF). All candidates on offer are auto-enrolled.
• Extensive training and development opportunities are offered by the Ministry of Justice.
• Employee networks support inclusion for minority ethnic origin, disabilities, caring responsibilities, women and LGBTQ+ staff.
• Family friendly policies include flexible hours, job sharing, voluntary benefits and childcare support schemes.
• Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave are available.
• Frequent eye tests for screen users.