Job Description

General Information

Salary

£46,746 - £48,760

Working Pattern

Full Time, Part 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

23-Oct-2026

Business Unit

AGY - NOMS Agency

Post Type

Permanent

Civil Service Grade

Other

Number of jobs available

1

Reserve List

12 Months

Job ID

22687

Descriptions & requirements

Job description

Overview of the job

The post holder will be responsible for the delivery of all Learning and Development (L&D) activities, including Probation Qualifications, along with aiding an NPS region in meeting business needs. Although based within the NPS the post holder is a member of the wider HMPPS L&D team and reports to a Regional Learning Lead.

The post holder manages the day to day delivery of Probation qualifications at NPS

Regional level and provides significant inputs in providing the associated L&D for the NPS. This includes being solution focused in developing initiatives to meet business need and engaging the division in the L&D activities available.

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

The post holder will be required to contribute their knowledge and skills in local and national projects to support continuous improvement of NPS/HMPPS L&D design and delivery.

The post holder will have line management responsibilities for a geographically dispersed team of Practice Tutor Assessors (PTAs). The post holder will also be required to mentor and coach other staff in order to support the professional development across NPS, and on occasion, HMPPS.

Summary

Management and deployment of NPS L&D activities to meet the needs of the region. Ability to deploy resources efficiently and effectively to meet business aims/objectives and national targets in conjunction with the Regional Learning Lead.

Contribute to the development of strategic national learning priorities in conjunction with HMPPS L&D, supporting or aligning the breakdown of these priorities into areas of focus for the region and delivering high quality probation qualifications and associated professional skills training across an NPS region.

Manage a geographically spread team of PTAs to meet the needs of the region. The post holder will be expected to travel within the NPS regions and to national 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:

• Implement probation qualifications and other L&D activities, exercising autonomy over deployment of resources and decision making to meet priorities and Divisional need.
• Work with Learning Services to develop national probation qualifications policy and the delivery model
• Engage and influence internal and external stakeholders to effectively implement national and divisional L&D priorities and to address emerging issues.
• Monitor learner progression issues and advise, guide and direct line managers and PTAs.
• Provide line management and development of a team of PTAs and undertake all Human Resources (HR) related policies and practices including overseeing local recruitment, Attendance Management, Performance Management, Staff Appraisals.
• Undertake investigations for disciplinary, grievance and other hearings.
• Lead on HMPPS/NPS Communications on a range of L&D products including promotion of NPS qualifications and L&D.
• Represent the NPS at national partnerships and development meetings
• Work in partnership with the L&D Improvement team and the L&D Product Owners to support specific projects/portfolios within Learning Services and the Design Faculty
• The post holder is responsible for maintaining an effective working relationship with middle managers, HEIs, CRCs, wider L&D colleagues and other stakeholders.
• The role will include deputising at a national and regional level for the Regional Learning Lead

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

Essential Experience

• Mentoring/Coaching skills
• Substantial experience of management of staff, including supervision, appraisal and developing capability
• Experience of monitoring performance in area of responsibility against predetermined targets, setting local targets and effecting necessary improvements
• Operational planning through effective deployment of available resources and staff to meet operational demands
• Experience of working under pressure and to tight deadlines
• Experience of Health and Safety and Equalities management
• Experience of managing people through organisational change
• Experience of successfully managing relationships including where there is conflict

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 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.)
• Learning and Development qualification
• Detailed understanding of probation qualifications including vocational qualifications and Higher Education contract delivery
• Knowledge and understanding of the L&D process, including evaluation and quality assurance
• Knowledge of the wider criminal justice system and how the agencies work together
• Able to demonstrate well developed IT skills, including evidence of ability to interpret and apply performance reports
• Evidence of ability to provide a practice perspective on policy development

Ability

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to prepare high level written reports including data analysis and making strategic proposals.

Additional Information

This is an exciting opportunity to join the KSS Learning and Development Team as a Probation Learning Manager undertaking the Probation Leaner Project Manager role leading on the delivery of continuous professional development (CPD) within the region to ensure a smooth delivery of learning products and resources. The post holder will act as the link between KSS L&D activity in the region and the centre, identifying delivery risks and brokering solutions. They will work in partnership with the Design Faculty to shape the national training agenda responding to identified regional needs and will lead on the delivery of a wide range of L&D projects or portfolios and promote and champion the Probation Service L&D model & a positive learning culture.

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 22687

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 22687

Job Description Attachment

• NPS-JES-0039-Probation-Learning-Manager-v4.0 (1).pdf (Job Description Attachment)
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Application form stage assessments

Behaviours

Behaviours Application Form Question Word Limit

250

Leadership

Developing Self and Others

Communicating and Influencing

Changing and Improving

Experience

We will assess your experience for this role via the following methods

Statement of Suitability

Evidence of Experience

Statement of Suitability

Technical

Technical Questions Application Form Question Word Limit

250

Probation Qualification (including those recognised as qualifications) or Learning and Development Qualification

Specific qualification requirements

Probation Qualification (including those recognised as qualifications) or Learning and Development Qualification

Interview stage assessments

Interview Dates

Expected 9/11/26

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.

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.