North West Approved Premises Manager - PIPE Approved Premises in Bury

Summary

The job holder is a management role within the National Probation Service (NPS). The job holder will manage an Approved Premises (AP) and lead the practice of AP staff within the designated site, ensuring effective management of risk posed by resident offenders. They will supervise AP staff to ensure compliance with NPS strategy for the use of AP, and will create and maintain a safe environment for staff, residents, the public and the premises. They will offer support and cover to other teams/functions during periods of absence.

In line with NPS policies and procedures, the job holder must at all times demonstrate a commitment to equality and inclusion and understand their relevance to the work they do. The post holder must adhere to policies regarding the sensitive/confidential nature of information handled in this position. The AP Manager will be expected to participate in an out-of-hours standby duty rota.

Responsibilities, Activities & Duties

The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:

• To provide effective management and leadership to the team
• To be accountable for the quality delivery of good practice and team performance improvement within policy and national standards
• To ensure that all team resources are deployed efficiently and effectively
• To ensure that staff can meet the requirements of the NPS contract with HMPPS, Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRC) and local business plans as required
• To access, interpret, analyse and apply performance data pro-actively to improve function/team performance, evaluate practice and deliver organisational aims
• To manage staff development, address underperformance, attendance, health and safety, employee relations and diversity matters; adopting a consistent, fair and objective approach
• To ensure AP staff manage risk appropriately and meet public protection standards and targets
• To contribute to public protection through multi-agency arrangements and individual casework review, discussion and feedback
• To ensure AP staff manage self-harm, wellbeing and social care needs of residents and carry out First Aid as necessary in case of injury or self-harm
• To promote a culture of innovation and continuous improvement to service delivery
• To manage financial resources as delegated by the AP Area Manager
• To provide leadership and direction in work with partners and key stakeholders and represent the NPS as appropriate
• To facilitate effective communication between the AP management team and internal and external partners
• To respond to concerns of neighbours and the local community
• To undertake standby duties and participate in the out-of-hours rota
• To ensure the effective functioning of contracts for staffing, facilities and estates as delegated by the AP Area Manager
• As a member of the AP Management Team, to play an active part in the corporate management of the NPS
• Carry out safeguarding duties for children and adults in accordance with NPS responsibilities and agency policies
• To undertake specific areas of responsibility as delegated by the Area Manager and other duties as appropriate
• Demonstrate pro-social modelling and reinforce pro-social behaviour while challenging anti-social behaviour; work within the aims and values of NPS and HMPPS

The duties described are not exhaustive. The job holder should expect reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level as necessary. Significant adjustments may require re-examination under the Job Evaluation scheme and will be discussed with the Job Holder.

An ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through the medium of English or Welsh (where specified in Wales).

Behaviours

• Developing Self and Others
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace
• Managing a Quality Service
• Experience with offender risk assessment and management as a Probation Officer or within another criminal justice context
• Experience of risk management and assessment
• Ability to implement health and safety policies
• Experience of working flexibly as a team member to achieve targets and contribute to administration and information systems
• Proven ability to manage and support change and improve quality and efficiency
• Experience of championing diversity and inclusiveness
• Evidence of evaluating practice and informing policy development
• Ability to interpret and apply performance reports

Technical requirements

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

Hours of Work (Unsocial Hours) Allowances

37 hours per week. Additional payments may be made for out-of-hours work.

Additional Information

The current vacancies are based at 1 x FTE Bradshaw House PIPE Approved Premises. The role is AP based with no option for hybrid working. All appointable candidates from this campaign will be held on a merit list for 12 months.

Working Arrangements & Further Information

The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working. Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate and are subject to regular review. For nationally advertised roles, the successful candidate will be appointed to a MoJ office location which may include a nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. Pre-employment checks will apply.

Standard full-time working hours are 37 hours per week excluding unpaid breaks. MoJ welcomes part-time, flexible and job-sharing patterns, considered in accordance with the HMPPS Flexible Working policy.

The MoJ offers a range of benefits including annual leave of 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years, plus public holidays. Leave for part-time posts is pro-rata.

Pension

The National Probation Service is covered by the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) via GMPF. Please visit www.gmpf.org.uk for details. Current Civil Servants who are members of PCSPS will be opted out and auto enrolled into LGPS.

Training

The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers extensive training opportunities.

Networks

Employee networks provide advice and support and enable views from minority groups to be expressed to senior management. Networks include minority ethnic origin, disabilities, caring responsibilities, women, and LGBT staff. All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to taking up post.

Support

• A range of Family Friendly policies including reduced hours or job share
• Flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits and discounts
• Childcare support options and Tax Free Childcare information available on GOV.UK
• Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave
• Free annual sight tests for computer users

We recruit on merit in line with Civil Service recruitment principles. If you feel recruitment has breached principles, you may raise a formal complaint with the Civil Service Commission. As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ offers interview adjustments for disabled candidates who meet minimum criteria.

You can request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process via the application form. For more information on applying as a candidate with a disability or long-term condition, watch our animated videos. The Civil Service veterans initiative offers a guaranteed interview for eligible former Armed Forces members. Details at the gov.uk veterans page.

Redeployment & Nationality Rules

Civil Service departments should explore redeployment opportunities before redundancies. MoJ offers redeployment interviews for eligible candidates. This may exclude applicants applying for promotion.

Civil Service Nationality Rules specify eligible groups, including UK nationals, Irish nationals, Commonwealth nationals with right to work, EUSS status holders, and others. A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months for same or similar roles.

Assessment

We will assess your experience via Statement of Suitability and specific licence requirements. The Role includes detailed eligibility checks and language requirements.

Statement of Suitability

Guidance is provided for the Statement of Suitability, emphasizing leadership in an Approved Premises setting, understanding of the PIPE model and psychologically informed practice, risk management, and partnerships with probation colleagues, mental health services, and community partners.

Evidence of Experience and Statement of Suitability are part of the interview process. Interview stage assessments are scheduled; interviews expected in September 2026.