Performance & Quality Officer in Peterlee

This is a permanent position for a Performance & Quality Officer within the North East Probation Service Performance Team. The successful candidate will work closely with the Performance Manager, P&Q Officers and Performance Analysts to support the provision of high quality management information and analysis, and in supporting PDUs in maintaining and enhancing performance.

Responsibilities

• Work alongside LDU clusters to support them in achieving agreed performance, ensuring delivery in accordance with national service delivery indicators and specifications.
• Develop and deliver a quality improvement programme for the Division and identify local performance and quality issues, linking opportunities to HMPPS priorities.
• Run improvement initiatives to address opportunities for performance improvement and share best practice with other PQOs.
• Provide guidance for delivery of effective practices across LDU clusters and implement systems for reviewing and assessing effective practice.
• Support performance management of LDU clusters, identify opportunities for improvement and analyse trends.
• Support the implementation of performance plans within LDU clusters and monitor their effectiveness.
• Contribute to a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, implementing best practice initiatives internally.
• Monitor compliance with quality systems, develop team and partnership working relationships, write reports for management on contract performance and provide cost analysis where required.
• Plan and organise support for the manager with the provision of information for SLA review meetings and make recommendations for improvement.
• Use communication effectively to provide information, feedback and advice, influencing and persuading where necessary.
• Manage own resources and professional development, using information to support decision makers and developing and utilising data to identify trends and recommend action.
• Manage diversity and quality, support a culture that promotes equality and value diversity, and consult the Equalities and Diversity Unit as appropriate.
• Ensure an effective approach to project and process evaluation, maintaining a programme of complementary projects and enabling others to carry out project management roles.

Qualifications and Experience

• Experience of performance management, including problem solving skills using analytical, evaluative and outcome‑focused techniques.
• Operational experience of working in a probation setting.
• Experience of quality systems and implementing quality improvement initiatives.
• NVQ Level 4 or equivalent in a relevant subject (or appropriate practical experience).

Technical Requirements

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, Access, Outlook and PowerPoint (or equivalent).
• Ability to maintain information and administrative systems, including databases.

Working Arrangements

• Hybrid working arrangements where business need allows, with the role required to be based within the UK.
• Standard full‑time hours are 37 hours per week excluding unpaid breaks.
• Part‑time, flexible and job‑sharing working patterns are possible where they meet the demands of the role and business needs.

Benefits

• Annual leave of 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years of service, plus public holidays.
• Covered by the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) via the Greater Manchester Pension Fund.
• Access to extensive training and development opportunities.
• Opportunities to join employee‑run networks for minority ethnic origin, disabilities, caring responsibilities, women and LGBTQ+ staff.
• Family‑friendly policies including reduced hours or job sharing, and flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits and retail vouchers.
• Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave, free annual sight tests for employees using computer screens.