15733 - Probation Learning Lead - Kent, Surrey & Sussex

General Information

Salary £53,995 - £58,255 Working Pattern Full Time Vacancy Approach External Location Ashford (Kent), Brighton and Hove, Canterbury, Chatham, Crawley, Eastbourne, Folkestone, Guildford, Littlehampton, Maidstone, Ramsgate, Redhill, Royal Tunbridge Wells, St Leonards on Sea, Staines, Worthing Region Kent, Surrey & Sussex Closing Date 30-Mar-2026 Business Unit AGY - NOMS Agency Post Type Permanent Civil Service Grade Other Number of jobs available 1 Reserve List 12 Months Job ID 15733

Descriptions & requirements

Job description

Overview of the job

The post holder will act as a regional SPOC for learning, having strategic oversight and autonomy for the delivery of all Learning and Development (L&D) activities along with aiding the NPS region to meet business needs. Although based within the NPS the post holder is a member of the wider HMPPS L&D team and reports to the Head of Probation Learning Delivery. 

The post holder leads the delivery of all Learning and Development, including Probation qualifications at NPS Regional level and drives and deploys the associated L&D for the NPS. This includes being solution focused in developing initiatives to meet business need and broker resources with a range of stakeholders. 

The role is an L&D management function and the post holder will be required to apply their professional skills and specialist knowledge to ensure the effective delivery of probation qualifications and associated L&D programmes. 

The post holder will also be required to mentor and coach other leaders in order to support the professional development and acquisition of specialist skills across HMPPS L&D and/or NPS.

Summary

Overall management and deployment of NPS L&D activities to meet the needs of the region. The job holder will have the autonomy to deploy resources efficiently and effectively to meet business aims/objectives and national targets. 

Actively engage Senior Leaders in the L&D offer and will promote and champion the new L&D model brand & learning culture, providing regular learning updates and communications. 

Project manage the development of a strategic NPS Divisional training plan in conjunction with HMPPS L&D and deliver high quality probation qualifications and associated professional skills training across an NPS Division. 

Manage a geographically spread regional team to meet the needs of the region. 

The job holder will be expected to travel within the Region and to attend national meetings and events on a regular basis. This will require occasional overnight stays.

Responsibilities, Activities & Duties

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

• Lead on the delivery of all L&D activities and probation qualifications, exercising autonomy over resources, solutions and models of delivery to adopt creative solutions which meet regional need.
• Provide expertise in the development of national probation qualifications policy and the delivery model as well as implementation at regional level.
• Broker and have strategic management of a portfolio of NPS business specific L&D, keeping up to date in the latest development in L&D both internally and externally to the organisation.
• Engage and influence internal and external stakeholders to effectively implement national and divisional L&D priorities and to address emerging issues.
• Represent the NPS at national partnerships and development meetings in line with lead and decision making responsibilities.
• Lead, innovate and develop local strategies/processes in line with the national strategic framework to ensure the division engages and achieves best practice.
• Drive and monitor the commissioning process within the region, promoting consistency and addressing any related escalations or non-compliance.
• Work in partnership with the relevant learning stakeholders to ensure effective deployment of training resources on a national and local level and to identify workforce planning requirements within the region and associated learner numbers.
• Lead on monitoring performance in area of responsibility against predetermined targets and if necessary, effect significant improvements.
• Work in partnership with the Head of New Entrant Pathways to oversee Vocational Qualification delivery to ensure that Awarding Body requirements are met and that learners progress to meet their learning goals.
• Work with the wider HMPPS L&D team and with HMPPS/NPS
• Communications to embed two-way communication on a range of L&D products to effectively engage staff across a large geographical area and increase attendance rates at L&D activities
• Establish and maintain two-way regular and effective reporting mechanisms to feed and input into the central team and national learning priorities but also to identify or highlight regional priorities or areas of focus
• Work effectively with your respective Regional Probation Director in collaboration with the central Learning Services team and the Design Faculty on specific projects/portfolios
• Lead the Probation Qualification Assessment Board (PQAB) providing oversight of management of complaints within the probation qualifications progression board and direct involvement in complaint resolution where necessary
• The post holder is responsible for maintaining an effective working relationship with the NPS Regional Probation Director, Learning Services, Heads of Operations, HRBPs, wider L&D colleagues and other stakeholders.

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.

Behaviours

• Leadership
• Developing Self and Others
• Changing and Improving
• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing
• Making Effective Decisions

Essential Experience

• Significant experience of relationship management, influencing key stakeholders and managing expectations and conflict
• Detailed understanding of probation qualifications including vocational qualifications and Higher Education contract delivery.
• Experience at senior management level or working with or influencing senior managers from a range of internal or external settings.
• Strategic operational planning through effective deployment of available resources and staff to meet operational demands.
• Experience of delivering presentations to multi-agency audiences and large groups.
• Experience of contributing to the development of strategic business plans to achieve improved service delivery.

Technical requirements

A qualification in one of the following areas:

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) o Leadership and Management qualification o Learning and Development qualification
• Knowledge and understanding of the learning and development process, including evaluation and quality assurance.
• Knowledge of the wider Criminal Justice System and how the agencies work together

Ability

• Ability to prepare high level written reports including data analysis and making strategic proposals
• Strong organisational skills, planning and attention to detail.
• Strategic knowledge and skills in local and national projects to support continuous improvement of NPS/HMPPS L&D design and delivery

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

• 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 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 15733

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 15733

Allowance

London weighting for candidates based at Staines office only.

In addition this post attracts a London allowance payment if applicable which will be discussed at interview.

Job Description Attachment

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Application form stage assessments

Behaviours A sift based on the lead behaviour, Leadership, 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. Behaviours Application Form Question Word Limit 250 Leadership Developing Self and Others Communicating and Influencing Making Effective Decisions Experience We will assess your experience for this role via the following methods Statement of Suitability Specific membership requirements Probation Officer Professional Registration Evidence of Experience Statement of Suitability

Interview stage assessments

Interview Dates Expected 13th and / or 14th April Behaviours Leadership Developing Self and Others Communicating and Influencing Making Effective Decisions 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. Technical Discuss Statement of Suitability at interview

Other Assessments

Which assessment methods will be used? Presentation Level of security checks required DBS Standard

Use of Artificial Intelligence (Al)

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.  Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.