Operational Support Manager

Working at the direction of the Head of Operational Function, the post holder will be deployed to a variety of roles to provide strategic support across the National Probation Service’s Local Delivery Unit. The role involves managing sensitive and confidential information, and may require participation in an out‑of‑hours on‑call rota.

Responsibilities

• Cluster operational lead on caseload segmentation issues such as Child Sexual Exploitation, Guns and Gangs, Integrated Offender Management etc.
• Operational support to the Head of Cluster within relevant Probation Instruction criteria and rules such as Recall, High Risk of Serious Harm Case Transfers, etc.
• Providing support to the Head of Cluster within the relevant Probation Instruction criteria and rules such as grievance, discipline, capability, complaints, etc.
• Responsible for the professional development of cluster staff.
• Responsible for developing and deploying the Cluster Training Needs Analysis.
• Ensure effective cluster employee recruitment and induction.
• Act as cluster lead for performance & quality.
• Act as cluster lead for audits and inspections.
• Operational support to the Head of Cluster in completing reviews and delivery of action plans such as Domestic Homicides, Serious Further Reviews, Serious Case Reviews, etc.
• Responsible for the management of the Business Manager and the administrative support functions within the cluster.
• Under the guidance of the Head of LDU Cluster represent the NPS in local strategic partnerships and ensure appropriate representation within wider partnership frameworks in line with statutory responsibilities and operational policy.
• Participate in the Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) locally in conjunction with other responsible authorities including chairing MAPPA level 3 meetings.
• In the absence of the Head of LDU Cluster to make decisions and provide advice on the management of offenders where senior management authorisation or involvement is necessary e.g. authorising the recall of offenders to prison.
• Operational support to the Head of cluster in the management of complaints within the cluster and direct involvement in complaint resolution where necessary.
• Under the guidance of the Head of LDU Cluster to take the lead on specific divisional or cluster projects/portfolios including Equality and Diversity, Reward and Recognition, etc.
• Operational support to the Head of cluster in cluster compliance with Health and Safety legislation.
• Senior Management responsibility for estates, buildings and maintenance activities within the cluster.
• Demonstrate pro‑social modelling skills by consistently reinforcing pro‑social behaviour and attitudes and challenging anti‑social behaviour and attitudes.
• Carry out safeguarding children and safeguarding adult duties in accordance with the NPS statutory responsibilities and agency policies.
• Work within the aims and values of NPS and HMPPS.
• Lead on the implementation and delivery of CAS3 in the East Midlands.
• Be accountable to senior managers on the performance of the East Midlands CAS3 scheme.
• Identify and manage key risks and issues.
• Operate as the East Midlands HPT Single Point of Contact for internal and external East Midlands stakeholders.
• Be responsible for all East Midlands HPT reporting systems including the CAS3 digital solution.
• Provide good quality reports to senior managers and other key stakeholders including the Central HPT.
• Work collaboratively with Contract Management Team colleagues to manage performance and relationships with CAS3 service providers.
• Provide advice to senior managers and oversight of complex cases including high risk of harm cases and sexual offenders.
• Liaise with regional HPT and Performance and Quality colleagues to maintain and produce regular data and reports.
• Line management of Band 5 HPT managers and other staff as required.
• Work collaboratively with other colleagues to manage complex relationships including Local Housing Authorities and other key stakeholders.
• Report to senior managers.
• Operate financial accounts.

Essential Experience

• Significant experience at middle manager level, including the management of staff.
• Experience of monitoring performance in area of responsibility against predetermined targets, setting local targets and effecting necessary improvements.
• Experience of budgetary control including procurement.
• Experience of managing relationships including working with key local agencies and stakeholders.
• Evidence of preparing high level written reports to a good standard.

Technical Requirements

• Probation Qualification Framework Graduate Diploma or Honours Degree in Community Justice integrated with Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice or a qualification that was recognised at the time of qualification by the Secretary of State for Justice as per Section 10 of the Offender Management Act 2007. Examples: Diploma in Probation Studies, Diploma in Social Work with Probation Option, CQSW with Probation Option.
• Knowledge of the wider criminal justice system.

Benefits

• Annual leave: 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years’ service, plus public holidays. Leave is pro‑rated for part‑time and job‑share posts.
• Pension: Covered by the Local Government Pension Scheme via the Greater Manchester Pension Fund.
• Training: Extensive range of training and development opportunities.
• Family‑friendly policies: opportunities to work reduced hours or job share and other flexible benefits.
• Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
• Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

Equal Opportunity

As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to providing opportunities to all candidates and are an equal opportunities employer.