Probation Officers in Burnley

The Senior Probation Officer supports the Head of Operational Function to provide management and a leading role within a Local Delivery Unit (LDU) or other operational unit. The post holder will manage and lead staff within the operational area to the required standard, offering support and cover to other teams/functions during periods of absence. The role requires a commitment to equality and inclusion, strict adherence to confidentiality, and may involve out‑of‑hours work.

Responsibilities, Activities & Duties

• Provide effective management and leadership to the team.
• Accountable for the quality delivery of good practice and team performance improvement within policy and national standards.
• Ensure that all team resources, including interventions, are deployed cost effectively and provide best value in terms of budget control and strategic aims.
• Ensure staff can effectively meet the requirements of the NPS contract with HMPPS, CRC and local business plans.
• Access, interpret, analyse and apply performance data proactively to maximise LDU/team performance and deliver organisational aims.
• Proactively manage staff development, issues of underperformance, attendance, health and safety, employee relations and diversity matters.
• Ensure offender managers manage risk appropriately, meeting public protection standards and targets.
• Contribute directly to public protection through multi‑agency arrangements and casework review, discussion and feedback.
• Promote a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in service delivery.
• Manage financial resources for the area of responsibility, authorise expenditure within limits, and comply with HMPPS financial regulations.
• Represent the NPS in partnership work and provide direction in line with the business plan.
• Facilitate effective communication between the LDU/Operational Unit management team and internal and external partners.
• Participate in the corporate management of the NPS as a member of the LDU/Operational Unit Management Team.
• Undertake specific duties as delegated by the Head of Operational Function.
• Demonstrate pro‑social modelling skills, reinforcing pro‑social behaviour and challenging anti‑social attitudes.
• Carry out safeguarding duties for children in accordance with statutory responsibilities and agency policies.
• Work within the aims and values of NPS and HMPPS.

Essential Experience & Qualifications

• Substantial experience with a proven record of good practice in offender risk assessment and management, or related criminal justice roles.
• Understanding of the Probation Service within the Criminal Justice System and in a multi‑disciplinary setting.
• Knowledge of factors influencing engagement with victims.
• Experience of risk management and assessment, including multi‑agency procedures.
• Evidence of ability to evaluate practice and contribute to policy development.
• Experience working under pressure and meeting demanding deadlines.
• Experience working flexibly as part of a team to achieve performance targets.
• Experience providing effective administration and information system support.
• Demonstrable achievements in change management and quality improvement.
• Well‑developed IT skills, with ability to interpret and apply performance reports.
• Experience championing diversity and inclusiveness.
• Ability to implement health and safety policies.
• Proficiency in spoken English (and Welsh where specified).
• Eligible to hold a Probation Qualification Framework Graduate Diploma or Honours Degree in Community Justice integrated with Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice, or an earlier recognised qualification (e.g., Diploma in Probation Studies, Diploma in Social Work with Probation Option, CQSW).

Key Behaviours

• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together
• Developing Self and Others
• Leadership