Lead Probation Manager: Public Protection & Innovation

Ministry of Justice; Burton upon Trent; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Ministry of Justice in the United Kingdom seeks a senior manager to lead probation staff and oversee delivery of services within NPS frameworks. The role requires strategic oversight, performance management, and strong collaboration with partners across the criminal justice system.

You will lead teams, develop staff, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with public protection standards while driving continuous improvements in service delivery. Hybrid working is available within the UK.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience as a Probation Officer or in a criminal justice context.
• Understanding of the Probation Service role within the Criminal Justice System and multi-disciplinary settings.
• Experience with risk management and multi-agency procedures.
• Ability to evaluate practice and contribute to policy development.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet demanding deadlines.
• Experience delivering effective administration and information systems.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusiveness.
• IT skills to interpret and apply performance reports.

Responsibilities

• Provide effective management and leadership to the team.
• Ensure quality delivery of good practice and team performance within policy and standards.
• Deploy resources cost-effectively to meet budgets and strategic aims.
• Ensure staff meet contract requirements with HMPPS, CRC, and local plans.
• Access, interpret and apply performance data to maximise team performance.
• Proactively manage staff development, attendance, health and safety, and staff relations.
• Ensure offender managers meet public protection standards and targets.
• Contribute to multi-agency arrangements and casework feedback.
• Promote innovation and continuous service improvement.
• Manage financial resources and authorise expenditure within limits.
• Liaise with partners and stakeholders; represent NPS where appropriate.
• Facilitate communication between LDU management and internal/external partners.
• Participate in the LDU/Operational Unit Management Team.
• Undertake delegated responsibilities as required.
• Demonstrate pro-social modelling and challenge anti-social behaviour.
• Carry out safeguarding duties in line with policy.
• Work within the aims and values of NPS and HMPPS.

Education

Probation Qualification Framework Graduate Diploma/ Honours Degree in Community Justice integrated with Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice

Diploma in Probation Studies

Diploma in Social Work (with Probation Option)

CQSW (with Probation Option)

Job description

Ministry of Justice in the United Kingdom seeks a senior manager to lead probation staff and oversee delivery of services within NPS frameworks. The role requires strategic oversight, performance management, and strong collaboration with partners across the criminal justice system.

You will lead teams, develop staff, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with public protection standards while driving continuous improvements in service delivery. Hybrid working is available within the UK.