Assistant Inspector (Ref: 6152)

Ministry of Justice UK; London; On-site; GBP 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ministry of Justice UK is seeking Assistant Inspectors for a pivotal role in HM Inspectorate of Probation. Successful candidates will assess the quality of probation and youth justice services, ensuring standards are met while contributing to the development of these essential services. This role offers a competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Civil Service pension with employer contribution

Access to learning and development

Flexible working options

Annual Leave and Public Holidays

Qualifications

• Experience in probation or youth justice services.
• Ability to assess quality against standards.
• Strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct inspections and assess quality of practice.
• Provide feedback to frontline staff.
• Participate in training and development programs.

Skills

Communication

Quality Assessment

Education

Professional qualification in Probation or related field

Job description

East Midlands (England), East of England, London (region), North East England, North West England, Scotland, South East England, South West England, Wales, West Midlands (England), Yorkshire and the Humber

Job Summary

This position is based Nationally

Job Description

HM Inspectorate of Probation

Advert And Job Description

Assistant Inspectors – (3 roles)

These posts are available on two-year secondments/loans or a fixed term contract of up to two years.

When joining us on a secondment, remuneration (salary and any taxable allowances), pay progression and employment terms & conditions will be the same as currently received from the seconding employer. Due to recruitment rules, we can offer current civil servants a secondment of two years with a possibility of an extension to three years. For successful candidates who do not currently work for the civil service (for example staff working for local government/local authority) we can offer a two-year secondment or a fixed term contract. When joining on a fixed term contract the salary will be £41,463.

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation is the independent inspectorate of probation and youth justice services in England and Wales. We promote excellence in these services.

If applying for a secondment, you should confirm with your employer that, in principle, they are willing to second you before you apply for these posts.

Successful candidates will be allocated a notional office base, as close to their home location as possible, for the purposes of travel and subsistence, but in practice we are flexible in terms of where in the country you wish to work from.

About These Roles

• are you a probation officer, senior probation officer, YJS officer, YJS Team Manager or an operational manager (in a youth or adult setting)?
• are you looking for a role that is interesting, challenging and makes a difference?
  
  

Assistant Inspectors (AIs) play a key role in HM Inspectorate of Probation’s inspections of adult and youth justice work. During inspection visits they examine and assess the quality of practice carried out by frontline staff, against HMI Probation’s published inspection standards.

The Inspectorate is committed to learning and development for all staff. During your first year with us, you will be required to complete and pass our internal training programme, which focuses on developing the skills and knowledge needed to undertake high quality inspection practice. You will receive ongoing feedback and support as you develop your professional skills.

About You

AIs must:

• have experience of working within or close to probation or youth justice services (in a youth or adult setting)
• have experience of assessing quality of performance against a specified set of standards
• have the ability to communicate clearly and concisely and provide feedback to others in a sensitive and constructive manner.
  
  

The inspection programme for AIs is demanding yet rewarding and while we are delivering a hybrid model of inspection (with some inspection activity conducted remotely and some on-site) you may still need to work away from home for a significant amount of time. At times, this may involve being away from home up to three weeks out of four.

We strongly encourage you to contact us for a discussion and to ask any questions – these conversations will be confidential and will not count towards your application (see contact details at the end of the advert).

AIs who have completed secondments with us have gone on to take middle manager and quality development roles in the criminal justice sector.

A Current AI Said:

“This is the only job I’ve done so far in my career where I’ve been afforded the opportunity to really reflect on how to actually improve practice…”

The option of part time or job-share contracts can be discussed individually.

Selection process

You must complete your application by no later than 23:55 on Friday 13 June 2025.We will invite short-listed candidates to an assessment centre, which will be conducted remotely on Wednesday 23 or Thursday 24 July 2025. Candidates MUST be available to attend on one of these days, we are unable to offer alternative dates.

Candidates who are successful at the assessment centre will be invited to an interview based on a blend of behaviours and strengths. Interviews, which will be conducted remotely, will take place the week commencing 11 August 2025.

We recruit using the Civil Service Success Profiles

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/success-profiles

Further information on the structure and expectations of our assessment centre process will be sent to candidates who are successful through the application sift stage.

About Us And Contacts

We warmly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic and/or Welsh speaking candidates.

We are particularly interested to hear from candidates who have experience in youth justice practice.

Our vision

High-quality probation and youth justice services that change people’s lives for the better.

Our purpose

HM Inspectorate of Probation is the independent inspector of probation and youth justice services in England and Wales. We set the standards that shine a light on the quality and impact of these services. Our inspections, reviews, research and effective practice products provide authoritative and evidence-based judgements and guidance. We use our voice to drive system change, with a focus on inclusion and diversity. Our scrutiny leads to improved outcomes for individuals and communities.

Our values

Influential: We care about making a positive impact on the organisations we inspect and the individuals they work with.Independent: We ensure that the judgements we make are supported by evidence, are fair and impartial.

Professional: We work in a respectful, transparent, professional way, listening to and sharing learning internally and externally.

Inclusive: We work as ‘One HM Inspectorate of Probation’, valuing and respecting each other’s viewpoints and skills, so that everyone feels a part of what we do.

Diverse: We are passionate about diversity and the value that comes through giving everyone a voice in our inspections and the chance to succeed in our organisation.

Read more about our vision, mission and values on our website: About us – HM Inspectorate of Probation

If you would like to discuss these posts, please contact [e-mail], marking your email ‘AI recruitment May 2025.

Gall ymgeiswyr sy'n siarad Cymraeg gysylltu â Helen Davies ar 0791 949 0420 os ydynt am drafod y swydd yn Gymraeg. Cysylltwch â [e-mail] os hoffech gael yr hysbyseb hon a'r disgrifiad swydd yn Gymraeg. Marciwch eich e-bost “Cais am Gyfieithiad Cymraeg – AI”.

Welsh speaking applicants can contact Helen Davies on 0791 949 0420 if they wish to discuss the position in Welsh. Please contact [e-mail] if you would like this advert and job description in Welsh. Please mark your email “Request for Welsh Translation – AI”.

We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all staff. We will not discriminate on grounds of gender, ethnic origin, disability, sexual orientation, faith or any other factor not relevant to a person's work.

Key Requirements Of The Role

• Work as part of HMI Probation’s team of inspection staff by undertaking assessments of front-line practice, including observation of interventions being delivered
• Provide accurate and concise written feedback to lead inspectors on individual cases
• Provide feedback to individual case managers/ responsible officers about their work
• Lead and facilitate meetings of staff groups and service users
• Contribute to HMI Probation’s work on policy areas, based on inspection findings
• Undertake work on joint inspection programmes, working collaboratively with colleagues from other Inspectorates
• Deliver training to probation and youth justice staff on how to assess practice, using HMI Probation’s inspection standards
• Provide briefings to HMI Probation staff on specified subject areas
• Represent the organisation at external meetings
• Recognise and promote diversity issues in all aspects of work
• Undertake other work as allocated by HM Chief Inspector
  
  

Person Specification - Success Profiles

BehavioursChanging and Improving

Work with others to identify areas for improvement and simplify processes to use fewer resources. Use technology where possible to increase efficiency. Encourage ideas for change from a wide range of sources. Clearly explain the reasons for change to colleagues and how to implement them, supporting individuals with different needs to adapt to change. Encourage an environment where colleagues know that they can challenge decisions and issues safely. Take managed risks by fully considering the varied impacts changes could have on the diverse range of end users.

Making Effective Decisions

Understand your own level of responsibility and empower others to make decisions where appropriate. Analyse and use a range of relevant, credible information from internal and external sources to support decisions. Invite challenge and where appropriate involve others in decision making. Display confidence when making difficult decisions, even if they prove to be unpopular. Consult with others to ensure the potential impacts on end users have been considered. Present strong recommendations in a timely manner outlining the consideration of other options, costs, benefits and risks.

Communicating and Influencing

Communicate in a straightforward, honest and engaging manner - choosing appropriate styles to maximise understanding and impact. Encourage the use of different communication methods, including digital resources and highlight the benefits, including ensuring cost effectiveness. Ensure communication has a clear purpose and takes into account people’s individual needs. Share information as appropriate and check understanding. Show positivity and enthusiasm towards work, encouraging others to do the same. Ensure that important messages are communicated with colleagues and stakeholders respectfully, taking into consideration the diversity of interests.

Working Together

Encourage joined up team work within your own team and across other groups. Establish professional relationships with a range of stakeholders. Collaborate with these to share information, resources and support. Invest time to develop a common focus and genuine positive team spirit where colleagues feel valued and respect one another. Put in place support for the wellbeing of individuals within the team, including consideration of your own needs. Make it clear to all team members that bullying, harassment and discrimination are unacceptable. Actively seek and consider input of people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Delivering at Pace

Show a positive approach to keeping the whole team’s efforts focused on the top priorities. Promote a culture of following the appropriate procedures to ensure results are achieved on time whilst still enabling innovation. Ensure the most appropriate resources are available for colleagues to use to do their job effectively. Regularly monitor your own and team’s work against milestones ensuring individual needs are considered when setting tasks. Act promptly to reassess workloads and priorities when there are conflicting demands to maintain performance. Allow individuals the space and authority to meet objectives, providing additional support where necessary, whilst keeping overall responsibility.

Ability

IT Skills

You are confident and competent in the use of Information Technology (e.g. you have experience using Word, Excel, Outlook, a reasonable amount of case management software, etc.). EssentialVerbal and Written Communication Skills

You can communicate clearly and concisely both verbally and in written format in order to support others’ understanding. Provides feedback to others in a sensitive and constructive manner. Essential

Experience

Quality AssuranceYou have experience of assessing quality of performance against a specified set of standards. Essential

Work Experience

You have experience of working within or close to probation (youth or adult). Essential

Technical

Professional QualificationYou have a professional qualification in Probation (adult or youth). You have a related professional qualification in a relevant occupational area e.g. social work Desirable

HM Inspectorate of Probation

Experience

Quality AssuranceYou have experience of assessing quality of performance against a specified set of standards. Essential

Work Experience

You have experience of working within or close to probation (youth or adult). Essential

Technical

Professional QualificationYou have a professional qualification in Probation (adult or youth). You have a related professional qualification in a relevant occupational area e.g. social work Desirable

Person specification

Please Refer To Job Description

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Changing and Improving
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace
  
  

Alongside your salary of £41,463, Ministry of Justice contributes £12,011 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• 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.

Link: https://justicejobs.tal.net/vx/candidate/cms/About%20the%20MOJ

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.

https://justicejobs.tal.net/vx/candidate/cms/About%20the%20MOJ

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) 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) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for 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 (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) 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 (opens in a new window).

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 Code (opens in a new window) 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 (opens in a new window).

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.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.

The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).

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 : [e-mail]
• Telephone : [phone]
  
  

Recruitment team

• Email : [e-mail]
  
  

Further information

Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles. I you feel a department has breached the requirement of the Recruitment Principles and would like to raise this, please contact SSCL ([e-mail]) in the first instance. If the role has been advertised externally (outside of the Civil Service) and you are not satisfied with the response, you may bring your complaint to the Commission. For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their web pages: http://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/civil-service-recruitment/complaints/

https://jobs.justice.gov.uk/careers/JobDetail/6152?entityId=6152