General Information
Salary
£44,100 - £46,000
Working Pattern
Full Time
Vacancy Approach
External
Location
Blackburn, Blackpool, Crewe, Lancaster, Liverpool, Prescot, Preston
Region
North West
Closing Date
30-Sep-2025
Business Unit
NPS North West Performance and Quality (2021)
Post Type
Permanent
Civil Service Grade
Other
Number of jobs available
3
Reserve List
12 Months
Job ID
9994
Descriptions & requirements
Job description
Overview of the job
Working at the direction of the Head of Operational Function, the post holder will be responsible for managing formal serious further offence reviews and/or formal complaints investigations within the Division
Summary
* To provide strategic operational leadership to a geographically dispersed specialist divisional team undertaking formal reviews and investigations
* To support the Head of Operational Function providing management and leadership within the National Probation Service (NPS) Division.
* To represent the Head of Operational Function with external agencies/stakeholders and staff as appropriate.
* The post holder must ad 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
The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:
* Manage and co-ordinate the work of a specialist divisional team undertaking formal reviews and investigations of Serious Further Offences and/or formal complaints in accordance with NPS policies and procedures
* Responsible for the management and professional development of staff within the team
* Ensure all formal complaints investigations and/or Serious Further Offence reviews within the Division are carried out in line with NPS standards and guidelines and to a good quality
* Ensure that all data is handled and stored in accordance with NPS and HMPPS instructions
* Conduct investigations/reviews in person when requested by the divisional senior management team in relation to high profile complaints/SFOs which present a reputational risk for NPS
* Ensure the learning from complaints and/or SFOs is communicated through guidance and briefings to senior managers and all relevant practitioners within the Division, and to all external stakeholders as required, in order to contribute to the professional development of divisional staff
* Provide advice and support on informal complaints, w necessary
* Analyse data trends to ensure all relevant performance targets are met and maintained
* Develop long term strategy for Serious Further Offences that meets the business needs
* Oversee the investigation of other investigations including child safeguarding reviews, domestic homicide reviews, MAPPA serious case reviews
* Develop and sustain effective working relationships with internal customers, key stakeholders and external agency partners in the Criminal Justice System and related bodies
* Provide operational support to the Head of Operational Function within relevant Probation Instruction criteria and rules
* Oversee the investigation of grievances, disciplinary matters and other internal staff investigations as required from time to time
* Under the guidance of the Head of Operational Function to take the lead on specific projects/portfolios
* 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 as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary. Significant adjustments may require re-examination under the Job Evaluation scheme and shall be discussed in the first instance with the Job Holder.
Behaviours
* Leadership
* Working Together
* Changing and Improving
* Delivering at Pace
* Communicating and Influencing
* Making Effective Decisions
Essential Experience
* Significant experience at middle manager level, substantial experience of managing staff, including performance management, training and coaching
* Experience of conducting employee relations investigations (e.g. disciplinary, capability, grievance)
* Experience of monitoring performance in area of responsibility against predetermined targets, setting local targets and effecting necessary improvements
* Experience of analysing, manipulating and presenting data on performance management
* Experience of managing and achieving organisational and cultural change
* Experience of conducting formal reviews and audits
* Knowledge of complaints and/or SFO process
* Experience of effective planning and deployment of available resources and staff to meet operational demands
* Successful track record of building relationships and working successfully with key internal and external stakeholders to deliver organisational targets and improve performance
* Evidence of preparing high level written reports to a good standard
* Experience of working under pressure and to tight deadlines
* Experience of Health and Safety and Equalities management
* Experience of implementing diversity policies and promoting best diversity practice
* Knowledge of the wider criminal justice system
* Experience of successfully managing relationships, including w t is conflict
* Evidence of ability to evaluate practice and provide a practice perspective on policy development
* Effective communication skills (verbal, presentational, listening and written)
* Strong interpersonal, negotiating and influencing skills to initiate and drive change
An ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through the medium of English or (w specified in Wales) Welsh
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:
* Diploma in Probation Studies
* Diploma in Social Work (with Probation option)
* CQSW (with Probation option)
* IT skills
Ability
* Ability to represent the service with external partners and stakeholders
* Ability to manage risk of harm and to undertake reviews of serious incidents
* Ability to ensure compliance with administrative and operational policies, procedures and business processes
* Ability to inspire and motivate others to achieve high working standards
Additional Information
W this campaign creates a reserve/merit list, subsequent vacancies with the same Job description within the NW region may draw on this list.
Working Arrangements & Further Information
The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements w 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, w 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.
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 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 direct to senior management. T are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender.
Eligibility
All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to taking up post
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
* 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 fair 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 Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-);
* To Ministry of Justice Resourcing team (resourcing-management-);
To the Civil Service Commission (details available- )
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 wver it is found. To learn more please 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:
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'.
MoJ is able to offer an interview to eligible candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. Candidates will not be eligible for the Redeployment Interview Scheme if they are applying on promotion.
Civil Service Nationality Rules
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
* UK nationals
* nationals of the Republic of Ireland
* nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
* nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
* nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
* individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
* Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)
Reserve list
A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made for the same or similar roles.
Contact Information
MoJ:
If you require any assistance please call Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-
Please quote the job reference 9994
HMPPS
If you require any assistance please call Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-
Please quote the job reference 9994
Job Description Attachment
* NPS-JES-0061-Review-and-Investigations-Team-M_Vicky (Job Description Attachment)
Select new file
Application form stage assessments
Behaviours
A sift based on the lead behaviour, Working Together, 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, w all behaviours will then be considered.
Behaviours Application Form Question Word Limit
500
Changing and Improving
Communicating and Influencing
Working Together
Experience
We will assess your experience for this role via the following methods
Statement of Suitability
Evidence of Experience
Statement of Suitability
Interview stage assessments
Interview Dates
To Be Confirmed
Behaviours
Changing and Improving
Communicating and Influencing
Working Together
Strengths
Strengths will be assessed but these are not shared in advance. To learn more about Strengths and how they are assessed .
Other Assessments
Which assessment methods will be used?
Presentation
Use of Artificial Intelligence (Al)
You must ensure that any evidence submitted as part of your application, including your CV, statement of suitability and behaviour examples, are truthful and factually accurate. Please note that plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own.
Level of security checks required
Enhanced Baseline Standard (EBS)