Operational Support Manager - Public Protection

Ministry of Justice; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental agency in Birmingham is seeking a Cluster Operational Lead with significant management experience to oversee performance and compliance in a dynamic environment. The role involves supporting staff development and representing the division in strategic partnerships, with the possibility of hybrid working arrangements. Candidates should hold a relevant graduate degree and possess middle management experience.

Qualifications

• Significant experience at middle management level with staff oversight.
• Experience in performance monitoring against targets.
• Experience managing relationships with local agencies and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the cluster on caseload segmentation and operational support.
• Support staff development and training needs analysis.
• Manage the operational aspects of compliance and audits.

Skills

Management of staff

Performance monitoring

Budgetary control

Stakeholder management

Report writing

Education

Graduate Diploma/Honours Degree in Community Justice

Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice

Job description

Overview

Working at the direction of the Head of Operational Function, the post holder will be deployed to a variety of roles to provide strategic support and represent the Head of LDU Cluster with external agencies, stakeholders and staff. The role requires adherence to all policies regarding the sensitive nature of the information handled and may require participation in out‑of‑hours on‑call rota.

Responsibilities

• Cluster operational lead on caseload segmentation issues such as Child Sexual Exploitation, Guns and Gangs, Integrated Offender Management, etc.
• Operational support to the Head of Cluster within Probation Instruction criteria and rules such as Recall, High Risk of Serious Harm Case Transfers, etc.
• Providing support to the Head of Cluster on Probation Instruction criteria and rules such as grievance, discipline, capability, complaints, etc.
• Responsible for the professional development of cluster staff.
• Responsible for developing and deploying the Cluster Training Needs Analysis.
• Ensure effective cluster employee recruitment and induction.
• Act as cluster lead for performance & quality.
• Act as cluster lead for audits and inspections.
• Operational support to the Head of Cluster in completing reviews and delivering action plans such as Domestic Homicides, Serious Further Reviews, Serious Case Reviews, etc.
• Responsible for the management of the Business Manager and the administrative support functions within the cluster.
• Represent the NPS in local strategic partnerships and ensure appropriate representation within wider partnership frameworks in line with statutory responsibilities and operational policy.
• Participate in the Multi‑Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) locally, including chairing MAPPA level 3 meetings.
• In the absence of the Head of LDU Cluster, make decisions and provide advice on the management of offenders where senior management authorisation or involvement is necessary (e.g. authorising the recall of offenders to prison).
• Operational support to the Head of Cluster in the management of complaints and direct involvement in complaint resolution where necessary.
• Lead specific divisional or cluster projects/portfolios including Equality and Diversity, Reward and Recognition, etc.
• Operational support to the Head of Cluster in ensuring compliance with Health and Safety legislation.
• Senior Management responsibility for estates, buildings and maintenance activities within the cluster.
• Demonstrate pro‑social modelling skills by consistently reinforcing pro‑social behaviour and attitudes and challenging anti‑social behaviour and attitudes.
• Carry out safeguarding duties for children and adults in accordance with the NPS statutory responsibilities and agency policies.
• Work within the aims and values of the National Probation Service and HM Prison and Probation Service.

Behaviours

• Leadership
• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing
• Managing a Quality Service
• Changing and Improving

Essential Experience

• Significant experience at middle manager level, including the management of staff.
• Experience of monitoring performance in an area of responsibility against predetermined targets, setting local targets and effecting necessary improvements.
• Experience of budgetary control including procurement.
• Experience of managing relationships, including working with key local agencies and stakeholders.
• Evidence of preparing high‑level written reports to a good standard.

Technical Requirements

• A qualification in one of the following areas: Graduate Diploma/Honours Degree in Community Justice integrated with a Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice, or a qualification recognised at the time of qualification by the Secretary of State for Justice as per Section 10 of the Offender Management Act 2007.
• Previously recognised qualifications include: Diploma in Probation Studies, Diploma in Social Work (with Probation Option), CQSW (with Probation Option).

Working Conditions

• Hybrid working arrangements are available where business needs allow; the role must be based in the UK.
• Standard full‑time working hours are 37 hours per week, excluding unpaid breaks.