programme facilitator in Colchester

Are you passionate about rehabilitation? Could you help people make meaningful and sustained changes in their lives? If so, then a career as a Programme Facilitator in the Probation Service is for you. You will deliver a range of Accredited Programmes and Structured Interventions, providing groupwork and individual work to people subject to Community Orders or on licence after release from prison. The aim is to reduce reoffending, help people desist from crime, and support them to lead more fulfilling and pro-social lives. The majority of programmes are delivered in the evening; travel to different locations from your office base is required and travel expenses can be claimed.

Starting salary is £28,064 with unsocial hours payments for evenings and Saturdays. There is potential annual pay progression through a Competency Based Framework (CBF). New entrants join at the minimum of the pay band, with annual increases in line with Civil Service pay guidance where applicable.

Responsibilities

• Deliver a range of rehabilitation interventions aimed at changing attitudes, beliefs, and behaviour of people on probation with a full range of offence types and risk levels as determined by Courts and Probation Practitioners.
• Deliver interventions across a large regional area; travel to different locations will be required.
• Work with individuals and groups, including those who have perpetrated domestic abuse, sexual abuse and/or other offences; manage group dynamics and challenging behaviour to ensure sessions remain effective.
• Monitor progress, risk, and wellbeing; maintain accurate records and share insights with relevant teams.
• Provide workshops and briefings to probation staff and external stakeholders; support sentence management in collaboration with courts and criminal justice agencies.
• Use pro-social modelling to reinforce positive behaviours and contribute to a safe and constructive learning environment.
• Participate in training: extensive training is provided; complete a 6-month probationary period including assessments and training.
• Work flexible hours, including regular evenings and weekends; travel to multiple locations as required and claim travel expenses.

About the Role

• Deliver group and one-to-one sessions, creating a safe and structured environment that meets different learning styles and needs.
• Manage group dynamics, address challenging behaviour, and ensure sessions remain effective.
• Collaborate with Probation Practitioners and Domestic Abuse Safety Officers, and share information with the wider Probation Service.

Working Arrangements & Benefits

• Hybrid working where business needs allow; role based in MoJ/Probation environment with UK-based working only.
• Flexible working patterns, including part-time and job-sharing where feasible.
• General benefits include annual leave (25 days rising to 30 after five years), pension options, training opportunities, and access to employee networks to support diversity and inclusion.

Eligibility & Recruitment Process

• Right to work in the UK is required; Civil Service nationality rules apply.
• Security checks (DBS Enhanced) are required prior to taking up post.
• The recruitment process includes an application, sift (with Civil Service Behaviour and Experience questions), an interview with a facilitation exercise, and a presentation.
• You will be assessed against behaviours including Communicating and Influencing, Developing Self and Others, and Managing a Quality Service.

Notes

• New entrants join at the entry point salary for the advertised band; existing Civil Servants are remunerated on transfer/promotion rules.
• Addresses listed are indicative; appointments will be made in merit order and based on location preferences and availability; a locational reserve list may apply for 12 months.