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General Information

Salary
£55,457 - £61,003
Working Pattern
Full Time
Vacancy Approach
Internal
Location
Doncaster
Region
North East
Closing Date
01-Jun-2026
Business Unit
Security Group
Post Type
Permanent
Civil Service Grade
SEO
Number of jobs available
1
Reserve List
12 Months
Job ID
17745

Descriptions & requirements

Job description

Not suitable for remote working as daily attendance to the training centre or other HMPPS site will be required as BAU.

Overview of the job       

  • An operational HQ role with line management responsibilities for all staff within one of the two National Training Centres, (Kidlington or Hatfield) National Tactical Response Group (NTRG). Approx. 26 staff based at each centre.
  • The job holder will be expected to engage and participate in NTRG Senior Management Team meetings. Along with other SMT members discuss, assess, design and implement strategies in line with HMPPS visions and values.   
  • The job holder will be responsible for the strategic management and decision making of all staff within their National Centre, receiving strategic guidance and updates from both the Head of ORRU and the Head of NTRG and NDTSG. Ensuring SOCT and ORRU business plan objectives are met, that all national and local guidelines, policies and quality assurance standards are adhered to and maintained.
  • Orchestrate the tactical deployment of National Resources to support and assist establishments with reportable incidents. This is to include advice on resolution strategies and Use of Force options to Gold, Silver and Bronze Commanders during Operational Incidents.
  • Undertake the National Tactical Advisor role whilst on call - 24/7 rotational basis, when required respond to operational incidents providing advice, recommendations, support and direction on resolution strategies to Gold, Silver and Bronze commanders, Incident management and Team leads. In addition to external agencies such as police, fire, ambulance etc. when present.
  • The role has managerial responsibility for all Use of Force training delivery within their National Centre ensuring it meets the needs of HMPPS and wider stakeholders.
  • The jobholder will report directly to the Head of NTRG and NDTSG who reports to the Head of Operational Resilience and Response Unit (ORRU) who reports to the Head of Operational Security Group.

Summary 

  • Manage their NTRG National Centre providing strategic management and implementation, managerial direction, including staff performance, development, deployment and attendance, ensuring all resources are deployed efficiently and effectively and all Local and National Policies are adhered to.
  • Within their National Centre and area, manage and deliver all Use of Force curriculums with all associated quality assurance protocols and processes in place ensuring courses are Fit for Purpose and updated to reflect the latest research and evelopment in conjunction with the Learning and Development Group and Health and Safety colleagues.
  • The role holder is required to liaise directly with Gold and Silver Commanders during major incidents. This specific role will require the job holder to undertake out of hours duties on a 24/7 on call rota to assist the overall national command structure to resolve serious incidents.
  • Providing in-depth advice, support and management on operational incidents which require the national resource to be deployed within HMPPS, the private estate and overseas territories, when deployed for that purpose.
  • Ensure any intervention, surrender or rescue plans are proportionate, necessary and reasonable. Any wrongdoing must be managed and reported in accordance with policy.  

Responsibilities, Activities and Duties           

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

  • Provide strategic direction and diligent management of their NTRG National Centre, ensuring all training delivery meets the needs of the stakeholders and adheres to National and Local policy. Ensure all within the centre fully contribute to the SAR and Performance Management process.     
  • Ensure effective and efficient use of NTRG resources within the National Centre as outlined in the SOCT Directorate and NTRG Business plans. Continually measuring output against set objectives.
  • Provide strategic tactical Use of Force advice to senior managers and to Gold and Silver Commanders during Operational Deployments.
  • Manage the Operational Tactical deployment of NTRG National resources on a 24/7 x 365 on call rotational basis. Provide support and guidance to Custodial Managers/Team Leads and the teams during Operational Deployments.  
  • Assist with effective management of devolved budgets and resources. To provide budget forecasts – annual budgets for specialist areas.
  • Provide “expert witness” reports, guidance and advice to Senior HMPPS managers on all aspects of Use of Force.
  • Network with External agencies providing research, review and development of our products. Provide knowledge, guidance support and advice to external agencies when required for that purpose.  
  • Chair weekly meetings and debriefs. Organise, mediate, conclude, report and ensure action when required. 
  • Carry out and Manage Simple Inquiries/Investigations. Investigate, Interview, record, advise, report, and submit evidence.
  • Assess “Site Development”. Submit evidence, research, plans and recommended actions to the Head of NTRG and NDTSG for discussion and authority.   

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     

  • Seeing the Big Picture
  • Changing and Improving
  • Making Effective Decisions
  • Managing a Quality Service
  • Delivering at Pace

Experience     

  • Operational management experience at a senior level is essential
  • Team leadership and management experience
  • Customer focused approach to service delivery
  • Knowledge and understanding of learning and development, particularly training delivery and quality assurance
  • Extensive knowledge and understanding of Use of Force

Technical Requirements         

  • Operational Manager JSAC accreditation
  • Maintain Basic C&R and Fitness test

Ability             

  • Strong organisational skills, planning and attention to detail
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to communicate at all levels of the organization including ministerial
  • To remain calm under pressure when carrying our multiple tasks

Hours of Work (Unsocial Hours) Allowances

Required Hours Allowance

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

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. These hours are added to your annual leave allowance. There is a requirement to work some public and bank holidays subject to your shift pattern and the operational needs of the establishment

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 - 17745

If you have any questions regarding this vacancy please contact Sarah.stevenson@justice.gov.uk

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
Changing and Improving
Delivering at Pace
Making Effective Decisions
Managing a Quality Service
Seeing the Big Picture

Interview stage assessments

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