22991 - Head of Operational Function - Permanent - Full Time - Dorset PDU (10206750)

The Methodist Church in Britain; Weymouth; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

LGPS through pension fund

Training and development opportunities

Hybrid working where business need

Family friendly policies

Flexible benefits

Paid parental leave

Eye tests for computer users

Job summary

The National Probation Service Dorset Probation Delivery Unit is seeking a Head of Operational Function to lead local strategy and operational delivery, aligning with the national framework. You will manage devolved budgets and line manage middle managers, while chairing MAPPA level 3 meetings and ensuring safeguarding compliance.

Hybrid working is available, with new entrants working from the office during six-month probation.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in criminal justice or public sector.
• Experience managing devolved budgets and staff.
• Knowledge of MAPPA and offender management practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead local strategy and operational delivery aligned to national framework.
• Represent NPS in partnerships and deputise for Deputy Director.
• Manage devolved budgets, resources and competing demands.
• Oversee MAPPA locally, including chairing level 3 meetings.
• Make senior decisions on offender management, e.g., recalls to prison.
• Line manage middle managers; oversee recruitment, attendance and appraisals.
• Manage grievances and disciplinary processes; ensure safeguarding duties.
• Ensure health and safety compliance and risk assessments.
• Lead national projects with the Divisional Senior Leadership Team.
• Discharge estates responsibilities and implement equality strategy.
• Participate in out-of-hours on-call rota when required.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Budget management

Stakeholder engagement

Risk management

People management

Education

Probation qualification framework / degree

Section 10 recognised qualification

Job description

Head of Operational Function post leading operational delivery in the Dorset Probation Delivery Unit of the National Probation Service, one of the larger and more varied units in the South West. The post holder sets local strategy, manages devolved budgets, chairs MAPPA level 3 meetings and line manages middle managers. Hybrid working is available where business need allows, but new entrants work from the office during their six-month probation. A recognised probation qualification is essential where the post line manages units supervising offenders.

What the job involves

• Lead local strategy and operational delivery in line with the national strategic framework
• Represent the NPS in local and national partnerships and with external stakeholders, deputising for the Deputy Director
• Manage devolved budgets, resources and competing demands across the area
• Oversee MAPPA locally, including chairing level 3 meetings
• Make senior decisions on offender management, such as authorising recall to prison
• Line manage middle managers and oversee recruitment, attendance, discipline, performance, appraisals and grievance hearings
• Oversee complaints within the operational function and resolve them where needed
• Ensure health and safety compliance and risk assessments across the work areas
• Carry out safeguarding children duties and agency responsibilities for victims
• Lead national projects or portfolios alongside the Divisional Senior Leadership Team
• Discharge estates responsibilities and implement the equality strategy
• Take part in the out-of-hours senior management on-call rota where required

Qualifications

• Probation Qualification Framework Graduate Diploma or Honours Degree in Community Justice with Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice, or a Section 10 recognised qualification (essential where line managing operational…
• Or a previously recognised England and Wales award, such as Diploma in Probation Studies or CQSW with Probation Option

Skills & knowledge

• Knowledge of health and safety and equalities legislation
• Knowledge of the wider criminal justice system
• Current knowledge of effective practice in managing risk and reducing reoffending
• Behaviours assessed: leadership, changing and improving, communicating and influencing, seeing the big picture and making effective decisions

Checks & eligibility

• DBS standard check
• Security and identity checks before taking up post
• Eligible under Civil Service nationality rules

What’s offered

• 25 days annual leave on appointment, rising to 30 after five years, plus public holidays
• Local Government Pension Scheme through the Greater Manchester Pension Fund
• Training and development opportunities
• Hybrid working where business need allows
• Family friendly policies, including reduced hours and job share
• Flexible benefits, including voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts
• Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave
• Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens