Senior Probation Leader: Public Protection & Innovation

Ministry of Justice; Doncaster; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 25 days + 5 after 5 yrs

LGPS pension

Training & development opportunities

Flexible working options

Job summary

Ministry of Justice is seeking a Senior Probation Officer to lead a Local Delivery Unit, delivering high-quality probation services within the National Probation Service framework.

You will manage staff, drive performance, and ensure resources are used efficiently while maintaining contract commitments with HMPPS and CRCs. The role demands leadership in a complex, multi-agency setting with a strong focus on safeguarding and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Substantial management experience in probation or criminal justice settings.
• Understanding of Probation Service role in CJ system and multi-disciplinary work.
• Experience with risk assessment and multi-agency risk management procedures.
• Ability to evaluate practice and contribute to policy development.
• Proven track record of meeting demanding deadlines and targets.
• Experience of staff development, managing underperformance and safeguarding duties.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to flexible working arrangements.

Responsibilities

• Provide effective management and leadership to the team.
• Ensure high-quality delivery of practice and performance against standards.
• Deploy resources cost-effectively to meet budget and strategic aims.
• Meet contractual requirements with partners and local plans.
• Analyze performance data to maximise team performance and outcomes.
• Support staff development, address underperformance, attend safety and diversity matters.
• Ensure risk is managed and public protection standards are met.
• Represent NPS with partners and stakeholders; drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Performance data analysis

Risk management

Diversity and inclusion

Communication

Decision making

Health & safety

Education

Graduate Diploma in Probation/Community Justice

Honours Degree in Community Justice

Diploma in Probation Practice

Tools

MS Office

Performance reporting systems

Job description

Ministry of Justice is seeking a Senior Probation Officer to lead a Local Delivery Unit, delivering high-quality probation services within the National Probation Service framework.

You will manage staff, drive performance, and ensure resources are used efficiently while maintaining contract commitments with HMPPS and CRCs. The role demands leadership in a complex, multi-agency setting with a strong focus on safeguarding and continuous improvement.