Receptionist in Bolton

This administrative role is based within the Probation Service (PS) Directorate in HMPPS. The role supports business‑specific and transactional office activities, including reception duties and a range of administrative support services. The appointment may involve working with multiple teams/functions and providing cover during periods of absence. Core hours may include evenings and weekends as needed by the business.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the first point of contact for the Probation Service, greeting visitors, logging arrivals and departures, issuing visitor passes and security fobs.
• Use tact and diplomacy to defuse potentially violent situations, recognise safeguarding or risk issues, and take appropriate remedial action, including contacting the Probation Practitioner and updating Delius.
• Answer enquiries relating to the Probation Service and local support services, and refer technical queries to the appropriate manager.
• Manage building logistics, including mail items, PPE and stationery orders, meeting room bookings, and event registration.
• Process bus fare or travel warrants for people on probation and handle day‑to‑day petty cash.
• Maintain Health and Safety and security aspects of the building, act as key holder, operate the building’s physical security, test fire and panic alarms, monitor CCTV and assist with evacuation procedures.
• Where trained, act as Fire Warden or First Aider.
• Log building faults and incidents, maintain a maintenance log, and decide on urgency of repairs within guidelines.
• Support case administration for people on probation, including processing and updating files, using computer software, producing documentation and correspondence, accessing databases, and scanning and archiving sensitive data.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in ICT and Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• High‑level administrative experience, preferably in a criminal‑justice or similar environment.
• Capability to work in high‑pressure or stressful settings.
• Experience in customer relations and large‑scale change projects or programmes.
• Background in information management or assurance work.
• Understanding of continuous improvement principles; ability to assess processes and recommend improvements (preferred).
• Educational requirement: GCSE A–C (or equivalent) in Maths and English, or a proven track record in a commensurate role.
• IT qualifications such as ECDL, CLAIT or equivalent are advantageous.
• Completion of a practitioner level on Continuous Improvement (or Six Sigma) and/or introductory UK GDPR accreditation is desirable.

Benefits and Working Arrangements

• Hybrid working arrangements where business needs allow; work based primarily within the UK.
• Annual leave: 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years of service; pro‑rata calculation for part‑time and job‑share posts.
• Participation in the Local Government Pension Scheme run through the Greater Manchester Pension Fund.
• Access to a range of National Probation Service training and development opportunities.
• Family‑friendly policies, including reduced hours, job share, and flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits and retail vouchers.
• Comprehensive maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
• Free annual eye‑test for employees who use computer screens.

Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

This role is subject to the Civil Service EEO and Equality policies. The Probation Service promotes diversity and anti‑discriminatory practice. All candidates are subject to current Civil Service recruitment principles, security and identity checks prior to appointment. The Ministry of Justice is a Disability Confident employer.