Senior Probation Officer - Northumbria Stalking Interventions Programme (NSIP) in Newcastle upon Tyne

Overview: Senior Probation Officer (NSIP) – a management role within the National Probation Service. Responsible for leading and managing staff within the operational area, ensuring delivery of good practice, and supporting multi‑agency working across Northumbria.

Responsibilities:

• 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.
• Ensure staff can meet contractual requirements with HMPPS, CRC and local business plans.
• Use performance data proactively to maximise team performance and deliver organisational aims.
• Manage staff development, underperformance, attendance, health & safety, employee relations and diversity.
• Ensure risk management and public protection standards are met.
• Promote a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Manage financial resources and authorise expenditure within limits.
• Represent the NPS to partners and stakeholders.
• Facilitate communication between management and partners.
• Play an active part in corporate management as a member of the LDU/Operational Unit Management Team.
• Carry out safeguarding children duties and work within NPS and HMPPS values.

Behaviours & Competencies:

• Working Together
• Developing Self and Others
• Delivering at Pace
• Managing a Quality Service
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Leadership

Substantial experience with a proven record of good practice in offender risk assessment and management in a multi‑disciplinary setting. Understanding of the role of the Probation Service in the Criminal Justice System. Knowledge of factors influencing victim engagement. Experience of risk management and assessment. Evidence of practice evaluation and policy development perspective. Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Experience of flexible teamwork to achieve targets. Experience of effective administration and information systems. Achievements in managing change and improving quality and efficiency. Well‑developed IT skills, including performance report interpretation. Championing diversity and inclusiveness. Implementing health and safety policies.

Qualifications:

Probation Qualification Framework – Graduate Diploma / Honours Degree in Community Justice with Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice. Or a recognised qualification under the Secretary of State for Justice as per Offender Management Act 2007 (e.g. Diploma in Probation Studies, Diploma in Social Work with Probation Option, CQSW with Probation Option).

Working Arrangements:

The role offers hybrid working arrangements where business needs allow – working from the base location, MoJ sites, or home. The role is based in the UK and cannot be performed overseas.

Benefits:

• Annual leave: 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years. Pro‑rata for part‑time posts.
• Pension: Covered by the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) run through the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF).
• Training and development opportunities.
• Family‑friendly policies (reduced hours, job share).
• Flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts.
• Paid parental leave (paternity, adoption, maternity).
• Free annual sight tests for computer users.

Equal Opportunities:

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As a Disability‑Confident employer, the Ministry of Justice provides reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace.