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General Information

Salary
£35,130
Working Pattern
Full Time
Vacancy Approach
External
Location
Bangor, Bridgend, Caernarfon, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthen, Colwyn Bay, Llanelli, Merthyr Tydfil, Newport, Pontypridd, Swansea, Wrexham
Region
Wales
Closing Date
21-May-2025
Business Unit
Public Protection Wales (2021)
Post Type
Fixed Term
Civil Service Grade
Other
Number of jobs available
1
Reserve List
12 Months
Job ID
5646

Descriptions & requirements

Job description

Overview of the job:

The Business Manager post within the Function or Cluster provides support to the Head of Operational Function, including making recommendations to them about operational and administrative requirements.

The jobholder acts as an interface between the Head of Operational Function and Divisional Hub, cluster staff and other agencies on a wide range of issues.

This is a non-operational post although an understanding of the wide range of Probation procedures, and policies across the organisation both operationally and at HQ are required.

The jobholder will report directly to the Head of Operational Function and have line management responsibilities for the Diary Manager and Senior Administrative Officers

Summary:

The purpose of the role is to provide support to the Head of Operational Function. The jobholder will ensure that performance across the Function or Cluster is monitored, that issues are highlighted and opportunities to improve efficiency and effectiveness are proactively pursued.

The job holder will ensure the Head of Operational Function and others as appropriate, are informed of priority matters and are given options and/or recommendations to help them to operate effectively.

The job holder will ensure that good working relationships with Head of Operational Function and are maintained by communicating priorities effectively.

The jobholder acts as a single point of contact for the Operational Function on a number of key areas including Litigation, Complaints, Information Assurance, Communication, Business Continuity, providing appropriate signposting as necessary.

The jobholder will ensure effective management of the estate portfolio within their remit, acting as Single Point of Contact / Estates Liaison Officer and has overall management of Health and Safety within Division/Function/Cluster including compliance with Health, Safety and Fire Regulations (H&S)

The post holder will ensure all risk assessments are undertaken and staff are made aware of their personal responsibility toward H&S compliance

The jobholder will also manage relationships and liaise with a range of internal and external stakeholders and support the partnership working in the Function or Cluster.

Responsibilities, Activities & Duties:

The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:

Assist with Deputy Director/ Head of Operational Function’s workload

  • Have oversight of the Head of Operational Function workload, ensuring that work is prioritised appropriately and that deadlines are met
  • Ensure that all papers/correspondence submitted to the Head of Operational Function are reviewed, and actioned and that correspondence is responded to on the Head of Operational Function’s behalf.
  • Monitor the Functional or Cluster Delivery Plan and risk register, ensuring the Head of Operational Function is kept informed of progress
  • Effective management of health and safety within operational portfolio
  • Manage the clusters approach to Business Continuity, Information Security and Data Protection
  • Work with colleagues to develop plans and strategies to deal with risks.
  • Ensure operational and management information systems are in place to monitor and report on performance by division, locality, function and cluster identifying operational, resource or organisational issues that may impact on performance
  • Analyse business information, determining relevance and benefits and compiling information reports for the Head of Operational Function and senior managers
  • Update the Head of Operational Function on policies and procedures, the implications for colleagues and provision of recommendations for action.
  • Identify national and divisional priorities and support the Head of Operational Function to respond to emergent issues
  • Promote a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, undertaking reviews and making recommendations as necessary
  • Attend meetings on behalf of the Head of Operational Function when necessary, maintaining a professional image at all times.
  • Ensure systems are in place for the management of investigations commissioned by the Head of Operational Function.
  • Ensure mechanisms are in place to monitor the Functional or Cluster establishment and complete the National Workforce Planning Tool.

Manage relationships and stakeholders

  • Lead, facilitate and participate in working parties and undertake special projects as required
  • Work with other Business Managers across the Division to share best practice and maximise business improvements
  • Collaborate with NPS and HMPPS colleagues to maintain effective controls in Service Level Agreements and other contracts.
  • Establish effective working relationships with internal and external colleagues

Determine the effective use of resources

Work with Finance BP, HRBP, System Change Manager on budget matters, workforce planning and other operational issues, examples:

  • Agree budgets and unit costs for programmes of work
  • Make proposals for expenditure on programmes of work
  • Manage budgets and provide unit costings for activities
  • Advise on financial and resourcing issues to inform objectives and forward planning.
  • Have responsibility for banking within the operational function, including imprest

Effectively Manage and Develop staff

  • Manage and develop staff by providing effective supervision/coaching/appraisal
  • Demonstrate leadership skills in dealing with staff
  • Address poor performance
  • Ensure sickness absence initiatives are applied to achieve performance objectives and enhance productivity
  • Address conduct issues and resolve conflict. Resolve capability/grievance/harassment/complaints in accordance with organisational policies
  • Implement human resource policies.

Use communication effectively

  • Providing information, feedback and advice
  • Chair and participate in meetings using appropriate skills, styles and approaches
  • In Wales, to ensure the provisions of the Welsh Language Scheme are fully implemented in all aspects of cluster work.

Enhance your own performance

  • Manage own resources and professional development

Use information to take critical decisions

  • Liaise with staff to receive, collate and analyse information, developing systems and compiling reports as necessary using data to identify trends and take appropriate action to maintain and enhance performance
  • Plan, implement and manage systems for the exchange of sensitive information, data and intelligence

Manage Diversity and Quality

  • Develop a culture and systems that promote equality and value diversity Implement the diversity policies of the service and collaborate effectively with the Equalities and Diversity Unit

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 alternations 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.

Additional Information

This role can be based in any Probation Office in Wales. Fixed Term Appointment until end of March 2026 with an option to extend the Fixed Term contract or to be made a permanent role, subject to funding.

HMPPS in Wales: 

Preventing victims by changing lives 

HMPPS in Wales works in an integrated way to keep communities in Wales safer and to give the people we work with the opportunity to change their lives. We commission and provide offender management services in the community and in custody to deliver the orders of the courts and support rehabilitation. Our aim is to deliver outstanding, seamless offender management services in Wales that protect the public, reduce reoffending, deliver value for money and support our partners.

The Welsh Language Scheme

Welsh Language skills for this post are desirable.

HMPPS yng Nghymru:  

Atal pobl rhag dod yn ddioddefwyr trwy newid bywydau

Mae HMPPS yng Nghymru yn gweithio mewn ffordd integredig i gadw cymunedau yng Nghymru yn fwy diogel, a rhoi cyfle i’r pobol rydym yn gweithio â hwy i newid eu bywydau.  Rydym yn comisiynu a darparu gwasanaethau rheoli troseddwyr yn y gymuned a’r carchar i weithredu gorchmynion y llysoedd a chefnogi adsefydlu.  Ein nod yw darparu gwasanaethau rheoli troseddwyr ardderchog ac esmwyth yng Nghymru sy’n gwarchod y cyhoedd, lleihau aildroseddu, cynnig gwerth am arian a chefnogi ein partneriaid.

Y Cynllun Iaith Gymraeg

Mae sgiliau iaith Gymraeg yn ddymunol ar gyfer y swydd hon.

Would you like the opportunity to be part of a culture that impacts changing lives? At HMPPS Wales, we can offer you the opportunity to make a difference to wider society. You’ll experience job and personal satisfaction whilst also reaping the organisational rewards and benefits. From attractive holiday allowance, promotion opportunities, access to training, flexible working, generous maternity and employer contribution pension scheme. These are to list just a few, want to know more? Apply for that job now.

Hoffech chi’r cyfle i fod yn rhan o ddiwylliant sy’n helpu i newid bywydau? Yng Ngwasanaeth Carchardai a Phrawf Ei Mawrhydi Cymru, gallwn roi’r cyfle i chi wneud gwahaniaeth i gymdeithas yn ehangach. Bydd yn cynnig boddhad personol a boddhad mewn swydd, a gallwch hefyd elwa ar fanteision a buddion o fewn y sefydliad, megis lwfans gwyliau deniadol, cyfleoedd dyrchafiad, mynediad at hyfforddiant, trefniadau gweithio hyblyg, buddion mamolaeth a chyfraniadau pensiwn hael gan gyflogwr. Nid yw hon yn rhestr gynhwysfawr - eisiau gwybod mwy? Gwnewch gais am y swydd nawr.

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 5646

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 5646

Application form stage assessments

Behaviours
Behaviours Application Form Question Word Limit
250
Delivering at Pace
Leadership
Making Effective Decisions
Working Together

Interview stage assessments

Interview Dates
Expected Monday 2nd June
Behaviours
Delivering at Pace
Leadership
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.
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)