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General Information

Salary
£26,475 - £31,650
Working Pattern
Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working
Vacancy Approach
External
Location
Basingstoke
Region
South Central
Closing Date
28-Apr-2025
Business Unit
AGY - NOMS Agency
Post Type
Permanent
Civil Service Grade
Other
Number of jobs available
7
Reserve List
12 Months
Job ID
4524

Descriptions & requirements

Job description
Thinking of applying to be a Programme Facilitator in the Probation Service and keen to get started as soon as possible? Apply by the 28-Apr-2025 and you could potentially complete your assessment and get a job outcome in just one day!

Don’t miss out on this limited opportunity to:

Visit the Probation Office and get a sense of what it’s like working in The Probation Service.
  • Meet some of our Probation Team and see what they have to say about their work.
  • Meet our friendly assessors who will test to see if you have the abilities, behaviours, and strengths to be a Programme Facilitator.  
Complete your online application by 28-Apr-2025 and, if successful, you will be invited to an assessment day.    
Details of the day including start time and what to bring will be shared with you once you have completed your application and passed the initial online stage.
During the day you will be asked to complete a Programme Facilitator Assessment and a face-to-face interview where we will test behaviours and strengths.   
Your natural strengths are assessed to find out what motivates and energises you. We will also assess your spoken English abilities.
If successful on day you will be advised of the outcome, subject to pre-employment vetting checks.

Are you a confident communicator? Are you passionate about rehabilitation and the benefits of group work? Could you help people make meaningful and sustained changes in their lives? If so, then a career as a Programmes Facilitator in the Probation Service in South Central could be for you.

Providing interventions to people who engage in harmful behaviour to help reduce their likelihood of reoffending is an important part of our work in HMPPS. Accredited Programmes aim to support people in our care to strengthen and develop skills and behaviour to enable greater choice and capacity to lead a more constructive, meaningful and crime free future.

As a Programmes Facilitator, you will be responsible for delivering these Accredited Programmes to individuals from a range of backgrounds and with different offending histories. You will plan, deliver and debrief a range of sessions to diverse groups of individuals on key areas of need, such as emotional management, problem solving, assertive communication, thinking skills, and social and relationship skills. You will use your keen understanding and awareness of group dynamics and the complex needs of people on probation to inform how you manage the sessions, and use your prosocial modelling skills to reinforce positive behaviour and challenge anti-social behaviour and attitudes.

Our team is made up of a strong and inclusive group of colleagues, from all walks of life, who are passionate about helping and motivating people on probation.  You will work alongside your fellow team members to ensure that people on probation receive the highest quality input and support, as well as sharing information and providing guidance to members of the wider Probation Service, such as Probation Practitioners and Domestic Abuse Safety Officers.   

The South Central Intervention Team is committed to learning and development, and full training for the role of Facilitator is provided. This is alongside regular support and reflective supervision provided throughout your journey by Programme Managers, as well as regular feedback and input from experienced Treatment Manager colleagues.

The work is varied, challenging and meaningful and comes with job security, great benefits and career progression opportunities – not to mention the chance to make a real difference to people’s lives and our communities.

Requirements of the Programme Facilitator Role Include:

Training in the delivery of groupwork programmes as outlined in the Accredited Programme and Structured Interventions Manuals and in keeping with the core concepts of group work delivery.
Delivering programme sessions to groups or individuals
Monitoring group participants’ progress, providing participants with feedback, and ensuring this is recorded on relevant systems.
Working as a team to support performance targets and programme integrity requirements.
Working alongside Treatment Managers to contribute to the assessment of risk, protective factors and treatment targets of those attending groups.
Undertaking regular training, feedback and development sessions and workshops.
Liaising with Probation Practitioners, Domestic Abuse Safety Officers and partner agencies to share information on progress, risk and needs.
Identifying and taking the necessary action to protect children and vulnerable adults and promote their welfare in accordance with safeguarding policies and procedures.
Required to work up to 3 ‘unsociable’ sessions per week (evenings and/or Saturday)
Delivering groups from various delivery venues across the South Central Region Including: Basingstoke

Are you passionate about rehabilitation? Could you help people make meaningful and sustained changes in their lives? If so, then a career as a Programme Facilitator in the Probation Service is for you.

Providing interventions to people who engage in harmful behaviour to help reduce their likelihood of reoffending is an important part of our work in HMPPS. Our Programme Facilitators deliver a range of Accredited Programmes and Structured Interventions. You will be delivering groupwork and individual work to people subject to Community Orders or on licence after release from prison. These programmes are designed to support people to desist from crime, help people build on their strengths and lead more fulfilling and pro-social lives. You will be working with people who have perpetrated domestic abuse, sexual abuse and/or committed other violent and acquisitive offences.

Our team is made up of a strong and inclusive group of colleagues, from all walks of life, who are passionate about helping and motivating people on probation. You will work alongside your fellow team members to ensure that people on probation receive the highest quality input and support, as well as sharing information and providing guidance to members of the wider Probation Service, such as Probation Practitioners and Domestic Abuse Safety Officers.

The work is varied, challenging and meaningful and comes with job security, great benefits and career progression opportunities - not to mention the chance to make a real difference to people’s lives and our communities.

The majority of our Programmes are delivered in the evening and therefore evening work is essential in this role. You will also travel to different locations to your office base to deliver these programmes. Travel expenses can be claimed.

Due to the nature of the role extensive training and support is provided to ensure that all Programme Facilitators are confident and competent to succeed. Through the training programme you will learn about all aspects of programme delivery, including the theory behind the interventions we deliver. It is a requirement to successfully complete a 6-month probationary period, including undertaking an assessment centre and passing assessed training.

In addition to the base salary, you will be entitled to unsocial hours payments for working in the evenings and/or a Saturday. Working on a Saturday attracts an additional premium of 50% and working evenings an additional 30%.

Overview of the job

The job holder will deliver a range of rehabilitation interventions aimed at changing the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviour of people on probation with a full range of offence types and a full range of levels of risks (including those convicted of sexual and domestic abuse offences), as determined by sentences of the Courts and on the recommendation of Probation Practitioners.

The main objectives of this role are to reduce re-offending, protect the public, prevent future victims and rehabilitation to help people to build constructive and meaningful lives in the community, through the delivery of effective evidence based Accredited Programmes and Structured Interventions.

The post holder will be Regionally based and sit in the Interventions Team and report to the Programme Manager. They will deliver interventions across a large regional area where travel will be required. There will be no line management responsibility in this role.

There will be a requirement to regularly work unsocial hours (including evenings and weekends).

Summary 

The job holder will be delivering interventions in groups, however dependent on the intervention can be delivered in 1:1 sessions or remotely (including working with individuals with learning disabilities and challenges) in line with operational manuals and organisational policies.

The post holder will liaise and feedback to Probation Practitioners and other agencies in regard to people on probation’s progress, work needed and/or concerns within a group. They will contribute to the overall assessment of risk and need related to offending to address this.

Responsibilities, Activities & Duties

The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:
  • Responsible for the planning and delivery of Interventions in a group or on an individual basis to people on probation. The post holder will develop and build a therapeutic and safe working environment for the duration of the programme, in line with operational manuals taking into account different learning styles and abilities.
  • Will adhere to PS statutory responsibility for safeguarding (Children and Adult) and multi-agency public protection policies to manage all risks of serious harm.
  • Will manage group dynamics and a range of complexities and needs of people on probation, to ensure effective targeting of the intervention and that the learning outcomes are achieved. Responsible for addressing any problematic behaviour within groups.
  • Responsible for continually monitoring and making informed, evidenced recommendations around suitability, risk, safety and wellbeing of people on probation throughout the intervention (pre, during and post), to inform future sentence management.
  • Will be responsible for completing timely and accurate recording of all relevant data; attendance, feedback, risk issues, and relevant reports, that meet quality assurance requirements.
  • Responsible for liaising and providing timely and appropriate communication and analysis of people on probation’s progress on the intervention or concerns within a group, with the relevant staff or stakeholders (Courts, Criminal Justice Agencies etc) responsible for enforcement and risk management plans.
  • Deliver, workshops and briefings to Probation staff and external stakeholders on the range, purpose and content of interventions available.
  • Demonstrate pro-social modelling skills by consistently reinforcing pro-social behaviour and attitudes and challenging anti-social behaviour and attitudes.
  • Will take part in regular video monitoring feedback sessions to ensure audit standards are adhered to and to review and reflect on their own practice and implement advised professional development.
The post holder must adhere to all policies in respect of the sensitive/confidential nature of the information handled whilst working in this position and must always demonstrate a commitment to equality and inclusion and an understanding of their relevance to the work they do.

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.

Civil Service Success Profile Criteria

Behaviours 
  • Communicating and Influencing
  • Managing a Quality Service
  • Developing Self and Others
  • Working Together
Ability 
  • The ability to evidence high level literacy skills required to read, understand and interpret policies and the ability to write reports and correspondence for internal and external stakeholders.
  • An ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through the medium of English or (where specified in Wales) Welsh.
Experience
  • Experience of dealing with challenging behaviour, including from individuals who have experienced a range of social/ personal difficulties, within a professional or personal setting.
  • Experience of working collaboratively, maintaining effective team relationships.
  • An awareness and some understanding of the criminal justice system, safeguarding principles and types of sentences given to People on Probation.
  • Experience of assessing and analysing information from different sources and situations to make decisions.
  • An understanding of and commitment to promoting equality and valuing diversity.
  • Experience of using a range of IT software applications such as Microsoft.
  • Experience of implementing new learning to improve performance.
  • Experience of planning and prioritising tasks effectively in response to changing demands.
Technical 
  • Candidates will be required to undertake and pass an Assessment Centre prior to undertaking training.
  • Candidates will be required to become an Accredited Programmes Facilitator by:
o Undertaking and successfully passing Core Skills (1 week) to evidence their competence in delivering group work interventions (within 6 months).
o Undertaking and successfully passing Programme specific training for each programme and intervention the service delivers (1 week per programme).
Additional Information

The reserve list for this campaign will be managed in accordance with location preference/s, as indicated in your application.  We will appoint in merit list order for each location outlined in the vacancy and hold a separate locational reserve list for each of these locations. After appointments have been made using this locational appointment process, any remaining candidates who met the benchmark for the role will remain on a locational reserve list in accordance with their preferences for 12 months.   Please only indicate preferences where you are prepared to work.  If you are subsequently offered a role from the reserve list for a location preference indicated in your application and decline it, you will be removed from the reserve list for the vacancy, across all locational preferences.

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.

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 direct 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.

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 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 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

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 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: 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'.

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) https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families
  • 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) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules

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 0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk

Please quote the job reference

HMPPS

If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk

Please quote the job reference

Application form stage assessments

Developing Self and Others
Communicating and Influencing
Evidence of Experience
Experience Questions

Interview stage assessments

Interview Dates
To be confirmed
Developing Self and Others
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 please click here.

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)