At a Glance
- Tasks: Supervise community projects, helping people on probation make a positive impact.
- Company: Join the Ministry of Justice and be part of a meaningful mission.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual leave, pension scheme, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working patterns available, with opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Full UK manual driving licence and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Salary: £28,064 - £33,549
Working Pattern: Full Time
Location: Mansfield, Nottingham
Region: East Midlands
Closing Date: 02-Oct-2026
Business Unit: Community Payback
Post Type: Permanent
Civil Service Grade: Other
Number of jobs available: 4
Reserve List: 12 Months
Job ID: 22408
Job Description:
Please note: Candidates must hold a full UK Manual Driving Licence when applying for this role, this is a mandatory technical requirement in order to carry out this role. We cannot accept candidates who hold an automatic Driving Licence only.
The working pattern for this position will be 9.25 hours per day, 4 days per week and candidates will be required to work at least one weekend day as part of their working pattern. A career in community payback gives you the power to make a positive impact on the lives of People on Probation as well as your community. People come from all walks of life to form one team in the Probation Service. It's all about supporting People on Probation on their journey and making your community a better place. Whether that's building benches or cleaning the streets, you're there because you genuinely want to help. If this sounds like you, apply now.
If you are successful in the recruitment process to join the Probation Service, your starting salary will be £28,064.
On a typical day, you’ll spend up to 7 hours supervising a group at a Community Payback unpaid work placement. Post holders may be required to undertake weekend working as part of their normal pattern of working.
The Community Payback supervisor role is accommodated to people on probation who work or have caring responsibilities. Community Payback projects run 7 days a week therefore you will: work frequent weekends, and you may be asked to cover some evenings. You will be paid a higher rate of 50% for weekend days you do work. In this role, the pace of our work means that rest breaks don’t always happen in the standard way. When this happens, we make sure your wellbeing is looked after. Your wellbeing really matters to us, so we want to be open about this from the outset. If you’re someone who enjoys a varied, active role where no two days are the same, this is a great environment to make a real difference while being fully supported.
The Probation Service offers the opportunity for annual pay progression through a Competency Based Framework (CBF), which if eligible, will see your pay increase. CBF is designed to enable you to move up through the pay band range as your competence grows. New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band. Probation Service also increase their pay band ranges annually in line with Civil Service Pay guidance, which will also apply an increase to band pay ranges where applicable.
Overview of the Job:
This is an operational role directly supervising work groups of offenders serving a community sentence. This may include driving service vehicles to transport people or equipment. The post holder will be responsible for all work site supervision tasks and will work with service users to ensure that all tasks are carried out to the best of their ability. This will include working alongside people to demonstrate good practice as necessary.
About the Role:
Community Payback Supervisors will work with a diverse mix of individuals, so it’s important that you’re empathetic, a good communicator and happy to take the lead. It’s all about supporting offenders on their journey and making your community a better place. Whether that’s building benches or cleaning the streets, you’re there because you genuinely want to help people. As a Community Payback supervisor, you’ll be at the heart of this work, leading small teams to complete their unpaid work hours. You’ll supervise and motivate them to complete a range of manual tasks to pay back for the harm they’ve caused. These tasks could include clearing overgrowth to make public spaces safer, restoring community facilities such as sports halls and playgrounds, planting trees or laying flowerbeds, and litter picking and graffiti removal.
About You:
To thrive in this role, you'll need:
- Excellent people and communication skills
- The confidence to lead, motivate and supervise groups
- A full UK manual driving licence to drive Community Payback minibuses, transport equipment and travel to project sites
- Practical skills or a trade (preferred)
This is a hands-on role where you'll help people on probation make a positive contribution to their local communities while developing skills and work habits that support rehabilitation. You may draw on experience from any setting, including employment, the Armed Forces, voluntary work, education, community projects, construction, maintenance, landscaping or other relevant activities.
Benefits:
- Annual Leave: 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years’ service, plus public holidays.
- Pension: Covered by the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Training: Extensive range of training and development opportunities.
- Family Friendly policies: Opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
For further information on the summary, responsibilities, activities, duties of the role and the Civil Service Success Profile Criteria which will be used in the assessment process, please refer to the full Job Description Attachment.
22408 - Community Payback Supervisor - Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire employer: Ministry of Justice
The Ministry of Justice is an exceptional employer, dedicated to transforming lives through education and vocational training. With a strong emphasis on supportive relationships and personal development, employees benefit from a collaborative work culture that prioritises safety and security while offering opportunities for professional growth and meaningful impact in the community. Working in this role not only allows you to make a difference but also provides a unique chance to contribute to the rehabilitation and resettlement of individuals in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 22408 - Community Payback Supervisor - Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Ministry of Justice, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Ministry of Justice and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
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Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace 22408 - Community Payback Supervisor - Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Ministry of Justice and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Ministry of Justice, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Ministry of Justice.
