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Ministry of Justice; Peacehaven; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Ministry of Justice is seeking a senior operational lead to support the Head of LDU Cluster within the National Probation Service. The post involves representing the Head with external agencies, staff liaison, and accountability for policy compliance.

You will drive performance, lead staff development, and manage cluster training needs while contributing to strategic partnerships and safeguarding duties. Out-of-hours on-call may be required.

Qualifications

• Experience leading teams and managing operational delivery.
• Ability to develop and implement strategic plans within a public sector context.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Knowledge of MAPPA and inter-agency cooperation is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic support to the Head of LDU Cluster and lead on operational priorities.
• Represent NPS in local strategic partnerships and wider frameworks.
• Oversee recruitment, induction, and staff development within the cluster.
• Lead on audits, quality improvement, and action plan delivery across the cluster.
• Coordinate health and safety compliance and estate management within the cluster.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

MAPPA knowledge

Job description

Working at the direction of the Head of Operational Function the post holder will be deployed to a variety of roles in order to provide strategic support.

Summary

To support the Head of LDU Cluster providing management and leadership within the National Probation Service (NPS) Local Delivery Unit (LDU).

To represent the Head of LDU Cluster with external agencies/stakeholders and staff as appropriate.

The post holder must adhere to all policies in respect of the sensitive/confidential nature of the information handled whilst working in this position. May be required to participate in out of hours on call rota.

Responsibilities, Activities & Duties

• 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 relevant Probation Instruction criteria and rules such as Recall, High Risk of Serious Harm Case Transfers, etc.
• Providing support to the Head of Cluster within the relevant 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 delivery of 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
• Under the guidance of the Head of LDU 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 in conjunction with other responsible authorities including the chairing of MAPPA level 3 meetings
• In the absence of the Head of LDU Cluster to 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 within the cluster and direct involvement in complaint resolution where necessary
• Under the guidance of the Head of LDU Cluster to take the lead on specific divisional or cluster projects/portfolios including Equality and Diversity, Reward and Recognition, etc.
• Operational support to the Head of cluster in cluster 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 children and safeguarding adult duties in accordance with the NPS statutory responsibilities and agency policies
• Work within the aims and values of NPS and HMPPS

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post at present and are not exhaustive. The job holder is expected to accept reasonable alteration sand additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary. Significant adjustments may require re-examination under job evaluation and shall be discussed in the first instance with the job holder.