At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage a team to support rehabilitation and public safety.
- Company: Join HM Prison & Probation Service, making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Probation Officer with relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 46746 - 48760 £ per year.
Location: Centenary House, 19 Palace St, Norwich NR3 1RT, UK
Salary: 46,746 - 48,760 per year
Employment: Full time
Category: Social Work
Posted: 2026-08-03
Valid to: 2026-08-19
Employer: HM Prison & Probation Service
Job summary
The job holder will be expected to manage and lead staff within the operational area to the required standard, and will offer support and cover to other teams/functions during periods of absence. In line with NPS policies and procedures, the job holder must at all times demonstrate a commitment to equality and inclusion and an understanding of their relevance to the work they do. The post holder must adhere to all policies in respect of the sensitive/confidential nature of the information handled whilst working in this position. If relevant to the role, some out of hours working may be required.
Responsibilities, Activities & Duties
- To provide effective management and leadership to the team
- To be accountable for the quality delivery of good practice and team performance improvement within policy and national standards
- To ensure that all team resources, including interventions, are deployed cost effectively and provide best value in terms of both budget control and realising the organisation's strategic aims
- To ensure that staff can efficiently and effectively meet the requirements of the NPS' contract with HMPPS, Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRC) and local business plans as required
- To access, interpret, analyse and apply performance data pro-actively in order to maximise LDU/team performance, evaluate practice and deliver organisational aims
- To proactively manage staff development, issues of underperformance, attendance, health and safety, employee relations and diversity matters. Adopt a consistent, fair and objective standpoint when making decisions in relation to individual staff issues
- To ensure that offender managers manage risk appropriately, and meet all public protection standards and targets
- To contribute directly to public protection through multi-agency arrangements and individual casework review, discussion and feedback
- To promote a culture of innovation and continuous improvement to service delivery
- To manage financial resources for your area of responsibility as required by your Head of Operational Function and in line with HMPPS financial regulations and policies. To authorise expenditure within financial limits
- In accordance with the business plan, to provide a leading role and direction in work with partners and key stakeholders, and represent the NPS as appropriate to the role
- To facilitate effective communication between the LDU/Operational Unit management team and internal and external partners
- To play an active part in the corporate management of the NPS as necessary, as a member of the LDU/Operational Unit Management Team
- To undertake specific areas of responsibility as delegated by the Head of Operational Function.
- Demonstrate pro-social modelling skills by consistently reinforcing pro-social behaviour and attitudes and challenging anti-social behaviour and attitudes
- Carry out safeguarding children duties in accordance with the NPS statutory responsibilities and agency policies
- To work within the aims and values of NPS and HMPPS
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. Significant adjustments may require re-examination under Job Evaluation and shall be discussed in the first instance with the Job Holder.
Person specification
You must hold a Probation Officer qualification or be a qualified Probation Officer. In addition, successful candidates must hold the following:
- PQF Honours Degree/Graduate Diploma and Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice; or
- Diploma in Probation Studies; or
- Diploma in Social Work (Probation option); or
- CQSW (Probation option).
Knowledge and understanding of the work of the Criminal Justice System and the Probation Service.
A working knowledge of relevant legislation and National Standards.
Knowledge of Evidence Based Practice and risk/needs assessment tools.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Delivering at Pace
- Making Effective Decisions
- Leadership
- Developing Self and Others
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
Please refer to specific qualification requirements.
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.
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard checks.
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements.
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found.
Apply and further information
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job contact: Name: SSCL Recruitment Enquiries Team
Email: moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk
Telephone: 0345 241 5358
Recruitment team Email: moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk
Further information
Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles. If you feel a department has breached the requirement of the Recruitment Principles and would like to raise this, please contact SSCL in the first instance. If the role has been advertised externally and you are not satisfied with the response, you may bring your complaint to the Commission.
Senior Probation Officer - Norfolk - East of England (Ref: 20703) in Norwich 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 Senior Probation Officer - Norfolk - East of England (Ref: 20703) in Norwich
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at United Kingdom Government.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from United Kingdom Government!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like United Kingdom Government, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at United Kingdom Government or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Probation Officer - Norfolk - East of England (Ref: 20703) in Norwich
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.
