At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative partnerships and commissioning strategies to improve probation services.
- Company: Join the HM Prison & Probation Service, making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration across various sectors.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of social change, helping to reduce reoffending and protect the public.
- Qualifications: Experience in commissioning services and strong leadership skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 51203 - 56111 £ per year.
Location: London Borough of Southwark, UK
Salary: 51,203 - 56,111 per year
Employment: Full time
Category: Social Care
Posted: 2026-07-23
Valid to: 2026-08-22
Apply: here
Employer: HM Prison & Probation Service
Job summary
The purpose of the Commissioning and Partnerships team is to work closely with operational and contract managers within the region, commercial colleagues, policy leads, external partners/commissioners, providers and service users to identify service needs, review existing services, build partnerships, develop knowledge and build expertise within the business, design new services, source providers and then monitor the effectiveness of commissioned services to promote innovative and strategic solutions and deliver quality, value for money services that meet People on Probation's needs, increase performance on sentence delivery, reduce reoffending and help to protect the public.
The Commissioning and Partnerships Manager will contribute to creating and setting strategy. They will lead the development, management and implementation of commissioning across the full range of services or need areas, managing activities across the full commissioning cycle to deliver the regional priorities working closely with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
Responsibilities, Activities & Duties
- Demonstrating leadership and innovation, assisting the Head of Community Integration and Senior Commissioning and Partnership Manager in providing guidance and direction for the implementation of the regional commissioning strategy and input to national strategies.
- Production and implementation of service/need specific commissioning plans across the full range of services as part of short, medium and long-term regional commissioning strategy.
- Managing service needs for specific commissioning plans to align with regional, national and wider community safety and criminal justice priorities.
- Implementing commissioning plans across the full range of services which meet the diverse needs of People on Probation, are financially robust, offer value-for-money, incorporate innovative approaches and build on best practice.
- Assisting the HoCI with the management of the devolved commissioning budget for the region and managing resources effectively for commissioning projects.
- Leading and managing teams to deliver the agreed commissioning strategy, priorities and objectives for the region. This will include recruitment, induction and training of staff.
- Taking lead role and being accountable for supporting PDU (Probation Delivery Unit) Heads and other operational leads to deliver their commissioning, national framework and partnerships responsibilities across the full range of services.
- Lead on and work with regional and national Performance and Quality leads and other specialist research teams to demonstrate a clear evidence base to inform review of services, recommendations, planning and delivery of new services.
- Responsible for leading and managing the development of a portfolio of evidence-based service specifications and the development, writing and implementation of any new service specifications required.
- Be the regional lead on the work with MoJ Commercial, Sourcing and Procurement to develop strategies for the commissioning of specific services.
- Be the regional lead working with MOJ Commercial in bid evaluation and moderation.
- Lead on the mobilisation of regional and national commissioned and co-commissioned non-CRS contracts where required.
- Responsible for establishing and leading cross-regional and multi-agency project groups to support development of services including at a national level.
- Responsible for proactively identifying, following up and negotiating opportunities for joint-working or co-commissioning services.
- Responsible for ensuring all Commissioning and Partnerships activity includes and conforms to equalities regulations, policies and processes.
- To evaluate bids for services commissioned by other regional bodies such as OPCCs (Office for Police and Crime Commissioner) and Local Authorities as requested.
- Lead on identifying, developing and supporting partner organisations with their on-boarding onto the Dynamic Framework.
- Work with Regional leads and PDU colleagues to develop the engagement of People on Probation to ensure that commissioned services align to the EPOP (Engaging People on Probation) agenda.
- Inputting into inspections, working with OSAG and HMIP inspectors and implementing action plans.
- Assist in the Contract Management of non-CRS commissioned and co-commissioned contracts where required.
- Work with Commissioning and Partnerships Managers nationally to ensure alignment of commissioned services on a pan-regional basis and that best value and practice are achieved.
The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.
Experience
- Experience of commissioning and/or recommissioning services, including assessing need, reviewing services and developing service specifications.
- Significant experience of undertaking research and formulating options, along with problem-solving abilities.
- Experience of procurement and grants within the public sector context.
- Significant experience of developing successful partnerships and integrated working arrangements.
- Experience of influencing and negotiating at a senior level.
- Experience of working in a community safety, criminal justice, social care, housing or health care setting.
- Experience of managing resources to a budget.
- Experience of project management.
- Excellent oral and written communications skills.
Desirable
- Experience of working within probation and offender services.
- Experience of managing staff.
- Experience of using a Dynamic Purchasing System.
- Experience of leading and participating in collaborative commissioning processes.
Benefits
- Access to learning and development
- A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options to enhance your work-life balance
- A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
- Annual Leave
- Public Holidays
- Season Ticket Advance
For more information about the recruitment process, benefits and allowances and answers to general queries, please click the below link which will direct you to our Candidate Information Page.
Commissioning & Partnerships Manager - London Probation Service (Ref: 20230) employer: United Kingdom Government
The College of Policing is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional development. With flexible working options and a strong commitment to diversity, staff are encouraged to thrive while contributing to the vital mission of enhancing policing standards across the UK. This role not only provides the opportunity to lead a team of experts but also to engage with various stakeholders, ensuring a meaningful impact on public safety and officer training.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commissioning & Partnerships Manager - London Probation Service (Ref: 20230)
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We think you need these skills to ace Commissioning & Partnerships Manager - London Probation Service (Ref: 20230)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to United Kingdom Government:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to United Kingdom Government! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at United Kingdom Government
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
