At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape a new training department for probation staff in London.
- Company: Join the London Probation Service and make a real difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of workforce development and create impactful change.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in workforce development and organisational improvement.
The predicted salary is between 58952 - 61750 £ per year.
The London Probation Regional Training and Skills Development Department is seeking an outstanding Head of Department to set up, shape, lead, and deliver an ambitious programme of learning, coaching, and practice support for probation staff across the region. This is an exciting opportunity to set up a brand-new department in London offering a rare opportunity to build a function from the ground up. London is looking for someone who is passionate and who will thrive on the challenge of setting the vision, ways of working, and priorities from day one.
Accountable to London’s Regional Probation Director and reporting directly to the Head of Operations with the lead for Learning and Development, you will play a key role in strengthening practice and capability across London Probation. There is an expectation of regular travel across the region to support delivery and stakeholder engagement. This senior role will lead the implementation and embedding of this department, ensuring the agreed regional model is translated into effective, consistent and sustainable practice to improve quality and protect the public. The focus of the role is on turning an approved design into reality – overseeing delivery, assuring quality and impact, and ensuring the department meets its intended objectives.
As Head of Regional Training and Skills Development, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for a region-wide workforce development function. You will be responsible for establishing the department, leading delivery, and ensuring the learning and practice-support offer delivers measurable improvements in practice quality, consistency and probation practitioner-confidence. The role will be accountable to the Regional Probation Director and report to the Head of Operations with the lead for Learning and Development and will be part of the London Regional Leadership Team (RLT). Regular travel across the London Region is required.
Key Responsibilities- Lead the implementation and embedding of the Regional Training and Skills Development Department in line with the approved regional model.
- Provide clear leadership, governance and direction for a region-wide development offer, ensuring consistency while responding to local learning needs.
- Oversee delivery of a structured learning and development offer, integrating:
- classroom training and workshops
- structured coaching and mentoring programmes
- action learning and reflective practice
- practice-based support (including observation, co-working and feedback).
- talent-management, supporting staff to achieve their career development goals and fulfil their potential
- Manage phased rollout and expansion, initially prioritising Probation Services Officers (PSOs) and new administrators, with planned extension to Newly Qualified Officers (NQOs), Probation Officers (POs) and newly appointed Senior Probation Officers (SPOs).
- Provide senior oversight of quality assurance, evaluation and continuous improvement activities to ensure the department meets its objectives.
- Chair operational governance arrangements and maintain a live departmental risk register, escalating risks appropriately.
- Work collaboratively with PDUs, Learning & Development, Performance and Quality, and other regional teams to ensure focus on identified regional learning-needs.
- Represent the department in regional forums, inspections and assurance activity.
- Ensure delivery demonstrates value for money, sustainability and aligns with regional priorities and objectives.
You will be able to demonstrate:
- Significant leadership experience in workforce development, organisational improvement or complex operational delivery.
- A strong track record of implementing and leading established models or programmes, including putting governance, assurance and controls in place.
- Experience of leading complex change, mobilising new services and embedding them into operational environments.
- Strategic leadership capability, including aligning delivery with organisational priorities, inspection expectations and workforce risk.
- Credibility and confidence in engaging senior stakeholders and influencing at regional level.
- Experience of using data, assurance activity and feedback to monitor impact and drive improvement.
- Experience of project management, from planning and implementation through to completion and review.
- Experience within probation, criminal justice or related public services.
- Understanding of inspection and regulatory frameworks and their implications for workforce development.
- Experience of coaching, mentoring or professional practice development frameworks.
The following Success Profile behaviours are expected to be assessed at interview:
- Leadership
- Communicating and Influencing
- Managing a Quality Service
- Changing and Improving
- Delivering at Pace
- Working Together
This role is suited to a senior leader who excels at turning well-designed models into effective operational reality, delivering consistent impact at scale across a complex regional system.
Head of Regional Training and Skills Development Department (London Probation) employer: Ministry of Justice
The London Probation Service is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead the establishment of a new department focused on training and skills development for probation staff. With a commitment to employee growth, extensive training opportunities, and a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion, this role not only promises a competitive salary but also the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community. Located in London, employees benefit from a vibrant city environment, flexible working arrangements, and a range of family-friendly policies that enhance work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Regional Training and Skills Development Department (London Probation)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the probation and training sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Understand the challenges they face in probation services and think about how your skills can help tackle those issues. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role, but genuinely invested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable talking about your experience and how it aligns with the job description. The more you rehearse, the more confident you’ll feel when it’s time to shine in front of the interview panel.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. So, get your application in and let’s make this happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Regional Training and Skills Development Department (London Probation)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and statement of suitability to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Head of Regional Training and Skills Development.
Showcase Your Leadership Experience:Highlight your significant leadership experience in workforce development or organisational improvement. We’re looking for someone who can lead and inspire, so don’t hold back on sharing your achievements in these areas!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the heart of your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that we receive all your details correctly and helps us process your application smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the role and the London Probation Service. Understand their mission, values, and recent developments. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Department, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or projects, especially in workforce development or organisational improvement.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions around the Civil Service Success Profiles behaviours like 'Changing and Improving' and 'Working Together'. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your relevant experiences.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the department's vision, challenges they face, or how success is measured. This shows your enthusiasm and strategic thinking about the role.
