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General Information

Salary
£53,995 - £58,255
Working Pattern
Full Time
Vacancy Approach
External
Location
Manchester, Salford
Region
Greater Manchester
Closing Date
02-May-2025
Business Unit
NPS Greater Manchester UPW and Attendance Centres (2021)
Post Type
Permanent
Civil Service Grade
Other
Number of jobs available
1
Reserve List
12 Months
Job ID
4742

Descriptions & requirements

Job description

Overview of the job

The Head of Unpaid Work leads the delivery of Unpaid Work service delivery, including sentence management for standalone Unpaid Work cohort, for an allocated geographical area of operations within the region. and They will support the Head of NPS Interventions by providing, dedicated leadership and management for Unpaid Work.

Summary

The post holder will provide management with responsibility for resources and the strategic and operational direction, for an allocated geographical area of operations within the region. Provision of quality sentence management for Service Users within the Unpaid Work Cohort to support achieving outcomes on reducing reoffending. Provision of a demand led quality service delivery for all Service Users subject to Unpaid Work requirements, which provides a pro-social environment that promotes compliance and achieves positive outcomes for beneficiary organisations and local communities Improves performance and quality of Unpaid Work delivery on a continuous basis to ensure service is responsive to the needs of Service Users and the wider business. Develop and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders and partners to coordinate delivery, meet statutory responsibilities and reduce reoffending.

Responsibilities, Activities & Duties

  • Lead management and planning of resources across the geographic area of responsibility to ensure the most efficient means of service delivery are deployed, effectively aligning resources to demand
  • Identify service requirements and ensure the appropriate range of placements are in place for identified needs, risk categories and protected characteristics and used appropriately
  • Oversee robust placement and beneficiary management, including development and implementation of individual, local and national placement contracts.
  • Design and lead assurance of operational performance and quality, leading improvements or decommissioning of placements where necessary.
  • Lead engagement with local stakeholders to influence plans/strategies, improve local services, source placements and create opportunities for innovative solutions.
  • Secure income generation opportunities and make reinvestment decisions in line with priorities
  • Ensure all operational and sentence management Unpaid Work staff are trained to relevant and appropriate level.
  • Manage Unpaid Work resources budget for geographic area of responsibility and, where required, the authorisation of expenditure.
  • Ensure alignment and adherence with sentence management policy and practices.
  • Ensure that all Unpaid Work operations meet health and safety requirements, supported by a culture that protects employees, service users, beneficiaries and public at all times.   
  • Ensure appropriate quality and assurance processes are in place to support standalone Unpaid Work sentence management delivery.
  • Ensure all aspects of the business adhere to legal and organisational requirements such as diversity and inclusion and data protection, including, where appropriate with stakeholders.
  • Seek, monitor and analyse data, including from service users and beneficiaries, to inform continuous improvement of services.
  • Facilitate external scrutiny through Operational and System Assurance Group and HMI Probation, and responding to recommendations.
  • Promote Unpaid Work externally to sentencers, community and statutory organisations, media and the public to increase visibility.
  • Promote Unpaid Work internally as a credible intervention for both punishment and rehabilitation.
  • Oversee staff grievance, capability and disciplinary investigations and seek prompt resolution where appropriate.

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. An ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through the medium of English or (where specified in Wales) Welsh.

Behaviours

  • Managing a Quality Service
  • Leadership
  • Making effective Decisions
  • Delivering at Pace
  • Changing and Improving
  • Working Together

Essential Experience

  • Experience within Unpaid Work delivery.
  • Experience of planning and managing complex logistical delivery.
  • Experience of effectively and efficiently managing financial and physical resources.
  • Extensive experience of effectively leading, managing and motivating staff
  • Experience dealing with complex disciplinary or grievance-related matters in accordance with HR process and practice.
  • Experience of successfully building and managing strategic and working relationships with internal and external stakeholders and partners.
  • Experience of successfully managing the performance of teams and individuals to achieve high working standards.
  • Experience of managing delivery in line with health & safety legal requirements.

Technical requirements

Level 5 qualification in a relevant subject (e.g. management) or significant equivalent professional experience.

Additional Information

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 4742 

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 4742 

Application form stage assessments

Behaviours
Behaviours Application Form Question Word Limit
250
Leadership
Managing a Quality Service
Delivering at Pace
Making Effective Decisions
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
Expected week commencing 12th May 2025
Behaviours
Leadership
Managing a Quality Service
Delivering at Pace
Making Effective Decisions
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)