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., 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 Senior Operational Support Manager may be required to undertake any combination, or all, of the duties and responsibilities as directed by the Head of Operational Function as set out below. .
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 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 and 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.
Deputy Head of Courts
The Deputy Head of Courts plays a pivotal leadership role within the region, providing strategic and operational support to the Head of Court while driving high standards of performance and service delivery. It provides clear direction to teams, deploys resources efficiently, and creates the conditions for high-quality work across all court locations. A central element of the position is the line management of Senior Probation Officers. The post holder oversees their performance, guides their professional development, and ensures that quality and performance standards are consistently met within the designated area of responsibility. Through strong performance oversight and a commitment to continuous improvement, the role helps maintain a resilient and effective service that meets the needs of the courts and the wider justice system. The Deputy Head of Courts also contributes significantly to the development of a skilled and confident workforce. The role supports staff learning, promotes best practice, and fosters a culture that values professionalism, accountability, and collaboration. This leadership ensures that practitioners are equipped to deliver a high-quality service in a fast‑paced and demanding environment. Strong relationship‑building skills are essential, as the role involves working closely with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. The post holder collaborates with partners across the courts, regional colleagues, and other agencies to deliver shared targets and enhance the effectiveness of joint working. Through effective communication and engagement, the Deputy Head of Courts represents the region in relevant meetings and partnerships, ensuring that operational priorities are clearly understood. Overall, the Deputy Head of Courts is responsible for ensuring robust operational delivery, effective performance management, and strong partnerships—ultimately supporting the Head of Court in providing a high-quality, reliable, and professional service to the courts and the communities they serve.
Working Arrangements & Further Information
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 (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone's circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review. For nationally advertised roles, the successful candidate(s) will be appointed to a MoJ office location, which may include their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. This will be discussed and agreed on the completion of pre‑employment checks. Some of MoJ's terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made. Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week excluding breaks which are unpaid. HMPPS welcomes part‑time, flexible and job‑sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part‑time, flexible and job‑sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the HMPPS' Flexible Working policy.
Core Competencies
* 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 area of responsibility against predetermined targets, setting local targets and effecting necessary improvements
* Experience of budgetary control incl. procurement
* Experience of managing relationships incl. working with key local agencies and stakeholders
* Evidence of preparing high level written reports to a good standard
Technical Requirements
* Probation Qualification Framework Graduate Diploma/Honours Degree in Community Justice integrated with Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice.
* Or, a qualification which was recognised at the time of qualification by the Secretary of State for Justice as per Section 10 of the Offender Management Act 2007. The following qualifications gained in England and Wales were previously recognised as providing such eligibility:
o Diploma in Probation Studies
o Diploma in Social Work (with Probation Option)
o CQSW (with Probation Option)
Knowledge of the wider criminal justice system, A sift based on the lead behaviour, Managing a Quality Service, may be held if a large number of applications are received. If a large number of applications remain after the initial sift, your application will be progressed to a full sift, where all behaviours will then be considered.
Benefits
The MoJ offers a range of benefits: Annual Leave Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years' service, plus public holidays. Leave for part‑time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro‑rata basis. Pension The National Probation Service is covered by the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) run through the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF). Please visit www.gmpf.org.uk for further information. Please note: Any current Civil Servant who is a member of the PCSPS, by accepting an offer of employment to the National Probation Services will be opted out of the PCSPS and auto enrolled into the Local Government Pension Scheme. Training The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities. Networks The opportunity to join employee‑run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed directly to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender.
Support
* A range of 'Family Friendly' policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
* Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
* For moves to or from another employer or moves across the Civil Service this can have implications on your eligibility to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for alternative government childcare support schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. More information can be found on www.GOV.UK or Childcare Choices. You can determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
* Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
* Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fairness and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint in the following order:
* To Transformative Business Services (0345 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk);
* To Ministry of Justice Resourcing team (resourcing-management-office@justice.gov.uk);
* To the Civil Service Commission (details available here)
As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the TBS Recruitment Enquiries Team. For more information on applying for a role as a candidate with a disability or long‑term condition, please watch our animated videos.
Diversity & Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy. A Great Place to Work for Veterans The "Making the Civil Service a Great Place to work for veterans" initiative includes a guaranteed interview scheme to those who meet the minimum criteria to provide eligible former members of the Armed Forces with opportunities to secure rewarding jobs. Allowing veterans to continue to serve their country, and to bring highly skilled individuals with a broad range of experience into the Civil Service in an environment, which recognises and values your previous service in the Armed Forces. For further details about the initiative and eligibility requirements visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/making-the-civil-service-a-great-place-to-work-for-veterans Redeployment Interview Scheme Civil Service departments are expected to explore redeployment opportunities before making an individual redundant. The MoJ is committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'.
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