At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals on probation to rebuild their lives and confidence through 1:1 sessions and group activities.
- Company: Join The Forward Trust, a leading charity empowering change and rehabilitation.
- Benefits: Flexible working, training opportunities, wellbeing days, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Diverse team culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping others turn their lives around and build a brighter future.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for supporting behaviour change.
The predicted salary is between 26000 - 26000 £ per year.
Make a real difference where it matters most. We are looking for passionate, people-focused individuals to join our Supporting People on Probation Team in Surrey as a Supporting People on Probation Navigator. This is a full-time role (35 hours per week), based across Surrey, working in Staines, Guildford, and Redhill, with occasional work alongside prison resettlement teams at HMP Highdown and HMP Coldingley. A full UK driving licence is desirable as travel between sites is essential.
This isn't about ticking boxes on a CV. You might come from probation, prisons, police, courts, social care, education, health, counselling, coaching, foster caring, or simply bring transferable life experience and a strong belief that people can change. What matters most is your ability to build trust, engage others, and believe that another life is possible.
What you'll be doing:
- Deliver 1:1 support sessions and group interventions
- Support emotional wellbeing, relationships, and social reintegration
- Work closely with Probation Practitioners on structured action plans linked to sentence requirements
- Support service users through real-world challenges, from GP appointments to community activities
- Help prepare individuals for release from prison and resettlement into the community
- Get involved in creative and practical interventions (music groups, allotments, sport, and more)
What we're looking for:
- Strong relationship-building and communication skills
- Passion for supporting behaviour change and rehabilitation
- Resilience, empathy, and a non-judgemental approach
- Confidence working within structured, accountable frameworks
- Ability to work collaboratively with professionals and service users
You will be part of a leading national charity delivering Commissioned Rehabilitative Services for HMPPS. Our Surrey team sits within a wider, vibrant network supporting people across the UK. If you want a role with purpose, challenge, and real impact, this is your chance to help people turn their lives around and build a future beyond their past.
About Us:
We are The Forward Trust, the social enterprise with charitable status that empowers people to break the often interlinked cycles of crime and addiction to move forward with their lives. For more than 25 years we have been working with people to build positive and productive lives, whatever their past. We believe that anyone is capable of lasting change. Our services have supported thousands of people to make positive changes and build productive lives with a job, family, friends and a sense of community. We are committed to our cause and the work we carry out as a charity.
Benefits:
- Flexible working
- Training and development opportunities
- BHSF Cashback Scheme (optional)
- Season Ticket Loan Scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Crisis Loan Scheme
- Electric Car Scheme
- 3 x Wellbeing Days (pro rata'd for part time employees)
- Access to Blue Light Card
- 25 days (rising to 30 with length of service) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays
- Contributory Pension Scheme - Employer matched contributions of up to 6% in the first two years service and up to 9% thereafter
- Death in Service Payment (2x annual salary)
- Critical Illness Insurance (subject to qualifying criteria)
Please note that we may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Diversity at Forward Trust:
The Forward Trust commits to providing opportunities to everyone. We want to ensure we have a diverse team with a range of lived and professional experiences. This includes those with Lived Experience of addiction, offending, or homelessness. Some of our roles may require a minimum period of sustained recovery (normally around 3 years). This is assessed on a case-by-case basis, and exceptions may be considered depending on the role and individual circumstances.
When we recruit, we welcome applications from everyone. This is inclusive of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion and/or belief, marriage and civil partnerships, pregnancy and maternity and socio-economic background. Where operationally possible, we will consider flexible working requests and make reasonable adjustments for all roles.
To find out more about Forward's commitment to being an inclusive employer and our current EDI strategy, please click here.
We want our recruitment process to be accessible to everyone. If you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know.
Employee Screening and Eligibility to Work:
Dependent on role you may be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service Check, details of which will be shared with you at interview. If successful in your application, you will be required to provide eligibility to work evidence in line with the Eligibility to Work in the UK requirements.
Our Commitment to Safeguarding:
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk. Forward Trust follow safer recruitment practices and support a culture of openness and accountability.
Supporting People on Probation Navigator - Staines employer: The Forward Trust
The Forward Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering individuals to break the cycles of crime and addiction, offering a supportive work culture that values diversity and personal growth. Employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, comprehensive training opportunities, and a generous leave policy, all while making a meaningful impact in the community. Join our passionate team in Staines and be part of a vibrant network committed to transforming lives and fostering resilience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supporting People on Probation Navigator - Staines
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to supporting people on probation. Think about your own experiences and how they relate to the role – it’s all about showing you understand the challenges and can make a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let them know why you care about helping people rebuild their lives. Authenticity goes a long way in making a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our mission at The Forward Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace Supporting People on Probation Navigator - Staines
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for supporting others and any relevant experiences that have shaped who you are.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. Mention specific examples of how you've built trust and supported behaviour change in the past – we love a good story!
Show Your Commitment:We’re looking for individuals who genuinely care about making a difference. In your application, express your dedication to helping people rebuild their lives and how you believe in the potential for change.
Check Your Details:Before hitting send, double-check your application for any typos or errors. A polished application shows us that you’re serious about the role. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Forward Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Supporting People on Probation Navigator. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and how your past experiences align with them. This will help you articulate your passion for supporting behaviour change and rehabilitation.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, highlight your ability to build trust and engage with others. Share specific examples from your past where you've successfully supported someone through a challenging situation. This will demonstrate your resilience and non-judgemental approach, which are crucial for this role.
✨Be Ready for Real-World Scenarios
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think about how you would support someone facing challenges like attending a GP appointment or reintegrating into the community. Prepare to discuss creative interventions you might use, such as music groups or sports activities.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the team and the organisation's approach to supporting people on probation. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.