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General Information

Salary
£36,151 - £37,887
Working Pattern
Full Time
Vacancy Approach
Internal
Location
Hatfield
Region
Yorkshire and the Humber
Closing Date
14-Jan-2026
Business Unit
Security Group
Post Type
Permanent
Civil Service Grade
HEO
Number of jobs available
1
Reserve List
12 Months
Job ID
13189

Descriptions & requirements

Job description

Overview of the job

This is an operational management HQ role within Security Order and Counter Terrorism Directorate National Tactical Response Group (NTRG), based at Hatfield Woodhouse or Kidlington. The job holder has managerial responsibilities for Supervising Officers, Prison Officers and OSGs.

The job holder will be expected to be on call to respond to operational incidents/ emergencies including out of hours, on a “on call” 24/7 basis for up to 26 weeks per year for which an additional allowance will be paid as per pay policy.

The job holder will provide establishment support through quality assurance visits, governance of local use of force and building capability.

The job holder will have responsibility for daily management of the centre including management of the Use of Force training provision for public and private sector prisons, site health and safety, security and staff wellbeing.

The job holder will report directly to the Head of Centre (NTRG).

The job holder will manage the deployment of NTRG specialist resources to operational incidents/emergencies for HMPPS, public and private sector prisons, immigration centres and secure training centres. The post holder is required to support the Silver and Gold command structure by providing operational plans and giving tactical advice for the safe resolutions for the incident.

The job holder is responsible for management of continued development, delivery and quality assurance of all aspects of the Use of Force syllabus and associated specialist curriculum ensuring courses are fit for purpose and updated to reflect the latest research and development.

The job holder will be responsible for overseeing the training of staff in the specific use and delivery of the Use of Force syllabus and the effective supervision, deployment and development of its application in the custodial setting. This will include the direct delivery of training.

The job holder will be required to manage projects which may involve research and development of technologies or specialist equipment which are use of force related.

This will include engaging with stakeholders and partner agencies.

Summary

The post holder will be required to:

•             Ensure plans/actions are lawful when using force. Manage and report any wrong doing in accordance with policy.

•             Provide subject matter advice to approved users of the use of Force curriculum.

•             Manage and deliver all Use of Force curricula, including specialist training within NTRG with all associated quality assurance protocols and processes in place ensuring courses are fit for purpose and updated to reflect the

latest research and development.

 

•             Manage the training centre and team on a daily basis, including staff performance, development, deployment and attendance, ensuring all resources are deployed efficiently and effectively and all local and national policies are adhered to.

•             Provide advice and management on all major operational incidents/ emergencies within public and private sector prisons and immigration centres when deployed for that purpose.

Responsibilities, Activities and Duties

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

•             Manage and oversee delivery of training, ensuring standardisation of delivery while maintaining HMPPS professional standards and health and safety.

•             Manage staff within training environment.

•             Respond to operational incidents providing advice, support and resolution strategies to Gold and Silver Commanders whilst liaising with National Tactical Advisor.

•             Deploy staff to operational incidents under the direction of the National Tactical Advisor in line with the Operational Response and Resilience Unit operational protocol.

•             Ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of all staff deployed.

•             Achieve competency in the following specialist areas; Working at Height, Method of Entry and Intervention.

•             Manage and oversee one of the key work streams within NTRG, this will include curriculum design and development, accreditation and delivery within the group.

•             Achieve accreditation if not currently held as a Use of Force instructor, including SPEAR, PAVA and Rigid Bar Handcuffs.

•             Support the ongoing development of national training curriculum for local staff.

•             Provide subject matter advice for investigations, quality assurance, and local use of force Governance. Assist in training needs analysis.

•             Represent NTRG and ORRU to promote and inform of the group’s work and development to internal and external stakeholders.

•             Carry out research and development as directed on new technologies, tactics, drills and equipment for the enhancement of both the group and the wider service.

•             Provide day to day management of teams, including staff performance, development, deployment and attendance, ensuring all resources are managed and deployed efficiently and effectively.

•             Keep the Head of Centre informed of all work-related issues within your area and the centre. Participate fully in weekly and monthly meetings.

•             Arrange appropriate cover when time off is required (as per local instruction).

•             Attend all meetings as required, providing feedback to contribute to an effective communication strategy.

•             Ensure all audit checks are completed to the required standard contributing to the overall performance of NTRG.

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

•             Communicating and Influencing

•             Making Effective Decisions

•             Managing a Quality Service

•             Seeing the Bigger Picture

•             Changing and Improving

Experience

•             Knowledge and understanding of Use of Force policy and amendments.

•             Service delivery focussed approach.

Technical Requirements

•             Senior Officer or Custodial Manager accreditation.

•             Trained in basic Use of Force.

•             Achieve or possess accreditation as a Use of Force instructor.

Ability

•             Good communication skills and the ability to communicate at all levels of the organisation.

•             Pass fitness test to Advanced C&R level.

•             Must possess a full driving licence.

•             Successfully pass working at height competency test prior to interview.

Hours of Work (Unsocial Hours) Allowances            

37 hour working week (standard).

HMPPS Staff on closed pay structures only:

Additional Conditioned Hours Pensionable (ACHP)

Staff moving from a closed 39 hour pay structure will be eligible for the two protected pensionable additional committed hours (ACHP). They will work a 39 hour week consisting of the standard 37 hour week and a further 2 additional hours (ACHP) paid at plain time pensionable rate.

Unsocial Hours Working

This role requires working regular unsocial hours and a 17% payment will be paid in addition to your basic pay to recognise this. Unsocial hours are those hours outside 0700 - 1900hrs Monday to Friday and include working evenings, nights, weekends and Bank/Public holidays.

Additional Information

Applicants who are successful in the initial sift process will be asked to attend a 1-day evaluation to be held at Hatfield training centre on Tuesday 13th January 2026.

All those attending must;

  • Bring confirmation they are in date with the advanced fitness test, however there will be an opportunity to take the AFT during this evaluation exercise.
  • Be in date with basic UoF including the e-learning module and provide proof on arrival.
  • Be equipped with UoF tornado PPE  – steel toe capped boots, overalls, body armour, gloves, arm & leg guards, helmets.
  • Hold a full UK driving licence
  • Attend interview at Newbold Revel (Hatfield date 14th January / Kidlington 15th January)

For further information about the role please contact james.lambert01@justice.gov.uk  

 

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.

If you are a current NPS employee, this vacancy may be available on a Loan basis for up to 2 years. Applications are invited from suitable qualified staff.

The Loan/Secondment is subject to the approval of the selected candidate's Business Unit, which should be obtained before confirmation of appointment.

Benefits

Annual Leave

-The holiday year runs from 1 March. If you work a non standard work pattern your leave entitlement may be expressed in either hours or days as appropriate. Leave entitlement is calculated on a pro-rata basis and you will be advised of your actual entitlement on appointment. If you were appointed internally and your leave was previously calculated in days, this will continue to be the case.

Bank, Public and Privilege Holidays

-You are entitled to 9 days (66 hours 36 minutes) in recognition of bank, public and privilege holidays.

Pension

-The Civil Service offers a choice of two pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.

Work Life Balance

HM Prison & Probation Service  (HMPPS) is keen to encourage alternative working arrangements. Work life balance provides greater opportunities for staff to work more flexibly wherever managers and establishments can accommodate requests to do so. HMPPS offers flexible working subject to completion of a satisfactory probationary period and NVQ

Season Ticket Advance

-After two months’ service, you’ll be eligible to apply for a season ticket advance to purchase a quarterly or longer-period season ticket for travel between home and your place of work

Childcare Vouchers

For any moves across the Civil Service may have implications on your ability to carry on claiming childcare vouchers

Training

HMPPS is committed to staff development and offers a range of training and development opportunities, including areas such as Equality and Diversity, Dealing with Challenging Behaviour, Suicide Prevention and Anti Bullying Programmes

-There are opportunities to access promotion programmes and HMPPS provides a variety of training appropriate to individual posts

-All staff receive security and diversity training and an individual induction programme into their new roles

Eligibility

-All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to taking up post

-All external candidates are subject to 6 months probation. Internal candidates are subject to probation if they have not already served a probationary period within HMPPS

-All staff are required to declare whether they are a member of a group or organisation which the HMPPS considers to be racist

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 13189

Allowance

Unsocial Hours

This role requires regularly working unpredictable and unsocial hours and be on call to attend their place of work at anytime. A  20% payment will be paid in addition to your basic pay to recognise this. Unsocial hours are those hours outside 0700 - 1900hrs Monday to Friday and include working evening, nights, weekends and Bank / Public holidays.

Tornado

ORRU Allowance

Application form stage assessments

Behaviours
A sift based on the lead behaviour, Making Effective Decisions, 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
Communicating and Influencing
Making Effective Decisions
Managing a Quality Service
Seeing the Big Picture
Changing and Improving

Interview stage assessments

Interview Dates
To be confirmed
Behaviours
Communicating and Influencing
Making Effective Decisions
Managing a Quality Service
Seeing the Big Picture
Changing and Improving
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.