Vetting Support Officer

Ministry of Justice; Great Bowden; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental organization is seeking enthusiastic Regional Support Officers to assist with the rollout of Routine & Responsive Vetting. This role includes site engagement, community building, and providing practical support to vetting staff. Candidates should be organized and motivated, with strong interpersonal and networking skills. The position offers flexible working arrangements and various benefits including annual leave and training opportunities.

Benefits

Annual leave allowance

Pension scheme options

Training opportunities

Qualifications

• Highly organized individual with strong interpersonal skills.
• Motivated and enthusiastic about supporting others.
• Natural listener who can build rapport in diverse settings.

Responsibilities

• Foster relationships with local VCPs by visiting regional sites.
• Provide assistance to staff with vetting queries.
• Encourage knowledge sharing among VCPs.

Skills

Excellent interpersonal skills

Ability to build trust and rapport

Networking and stakeholder engagement

Job description

Job Overview

We are seeking enthusiastic and highly organised individuals to join our team as Regional Support Officers on an initial 2-year posting to support the regional rollout of Routine & Responsive Vetting across HMPPS. This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in strengthening local engagement with Vetting Contact Points (VCPs) across both prison and probation sites. You will help build a vibrant VCP community where learning, collaboration, and best practice can be shared and celebrated.

Key Responsibilities

• Site Engagement: Regularly visit regional sites to foster relationships with local VCPs and support the development of a connected and collaborative community.
• Practical Support: Provide hands‑on assistance to staff with vetting queries, acting as a trusted point of contact between sites and the wider vetting team.
• Community Building: Encourage knowledge sharing and peer support among VCPs to strengthen local capability and consistency.
• Stakeholder Liaison: Represent the vetting team regionally, ensuring clear communication and feedback loops between central and local teams.

Working Arrangements

The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non‑contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and/or from home. The role can only be worked in the UK. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate and are subject to regular review.

For nationally advertised roles, the successful candidate will be appointed to a MoJ office location, possibly at their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office, subject to pre‑employment checks.

Standard full‑time working hours are 37 hours per week exclusive of unpaid breaks. The department welcomes part‑time, flexible and job‑sharing patterns where suitable.

If you are a current NPS employee, this vacancy may be available on a Loan basis for up to 2 years.

Recruitment Process

Behavioural assessment based on Working Together will be held if a large number of applications are received. Further stages will assess all behaviours and experience for the role.

Level of security checks required: DBS Standard Security Clearance (SC).

Complaint and reference contacts:

• To Transformative Business Services (0345 241 5358 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm) or email [e-mail]);
• To Ministry of Justice Resourcing team ([e-mail]);
• To the Civil Service Commission (details available here).

Qualifications & Personal Attributes

• A highly organised individual with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Someone who is motivated, enthusiastic, and passionate about supporting others.
• A natural listener who can build trust and rapport with staff across diverse settings.
• An individual keen to develop their networking and stakeholder engagement skills in a dynamic and supportive environment.

Benefits & Working Life Balance

Annual Leave – The holiday year runs from 1 March. Leave is calculated on a pro‑rata basis and may be expressed in hours or days.

Bank, Public and Privilege Holidays – You are entitled to 9 days (66 hours 36 minutes) added to your annual leave.

Pension – The Civil Service offers two pension schemes. You choose the one that suits you best.

Season Ticket Advance – After two months’ service you may apply for a season ticket advance for travel between home and your place of work.

Childcare Vouchers – May be impacted by moves across the Civil Service.

Training – HMPPS provides a range of training opportunities including Equality & Diversity, Dealing with Challenging Behaviour, Suicide Prevention, Anti‑Bullying Programme, and promotion programmes.

Equality & Inclusion

We are an equal opportunity employer and a Disability Confident employer. All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to taking up post. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition.