Lead Probation Officer, Pre-Release Team

Ministry of Justice; Barnard Castle; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Ministry of Justice in the United Kingdom is seeking a Senior Probation Officer to lead and develop staff within a Local Delivery Unit, ensuring delivery of high‑quality practice and alignment with national standards.

The role requires strong leadership, risk assessment expertise, and ability to work across multi‑agency settings while supporting performance targets and service improvement.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience with a proven record of good practice in offender risk assessment and management within Probation or related setting.
• Experience of risk management and assessment, and multi‑agency risk procedures.
• Ability to evaluate practice and contribute to policy development.

Responsibilities

• Provide effective management and leadership to the team.
• Ensure high quality delivery of good practice and staff performance.
• Deploy resources cost-effectively to meet budget and strategic aims.
• Manage staff development, attendance, health and safety, and diversity matters.
• Ensure offender managers meet public protection standards and targets.
• Contribute to public protection through multi‑agency collaboration and case review.
• Lead service improvement and innovative practice within the unit.
• Oversee financial resources and authorise expenditure within limits.
• Represent NPS and liaise with partners and stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Performance data analysis

Risk assessment

Multi-agency working

Equality & inclusion

Education

Probation qualification

Job description

Ministry of Justice in the United Kingdom is seeking a Senior Probation Officer to lead and develop staff within a Local Delivery Unit, ensuring delivery of high‑quality practice and alignment with national standards.

The role requires strong leadership, risk assessment expertise, and ability to work across multi‑agency settings while supporting performance targets and service improvement.