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General Information

Salary
£35,130 - £42,000
Working Pattern
Full Time
Vacancy Approach
Internal
Location
Barnstaple, Bath, Bournemouth, Bridgwater, Bristol, Camborne, Cheltenham, Chippenham, Dorchester, Exeter, Gloucester, Plymouth, Poole, Salisbury, St Austell, Swindon, Taunton, Torquay, Truro, Weston-super-Mare, Weymouth, Yeovil
Region
South West
Closing Date
18-Jul-2025
Business Unit
NPS South West Corporate Services (2021)
Post Type
Fixed Term, Loan
Civil Service Grade
Other
Number of jobs available
1
Reserve List
12 Months
Job ID
7288

Descriptions & requirements

Job description

Overview of the job 

This is an NPS role. The post holder will be a member of the divisional training team in NPS or in HMPPS Wales. The post will be based within one of the NPS divisions or in Wales with some travel outside of that area 

The post holder will report to the Divisional Training Manager/Deputy Divisional Training Manager. The training function is part of the HMPPS Learning & Development Group. 

The post holder works as part of the divisional training team to deliver probation qualifications at local level. This will include co-ordinating the needs of a group of learners and working with them individually and in groups both in the NPS and CRC. 

Regular travel and some overnight stays are an integral part of this role. When required, PTAs will be expected to provide mutual assistance to other parts of HMPPS L&D in order to meet the business need. 

The role is a training 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 professional skills. 

This post will not have line management responsibilities. 

Summary 

Co-ordinate and deliver all aspects of probation qualifications including brokering learning opportunities and monitoring the progress of learners based in NPS/HMPPS in England and Wales and in CRCs. Duties will include mentoring, assessment and coaching of learners in these organisations. 

Assess VQ candidates in compliance with the requirements of the Awarding Body Design and deliver professional skills workshops 

The post holder will be required to undertake quality assurance functions of learner work products and other quality functions dependant on business need. Relevant training will be provided. 

Responsibilities, Activities & Duties 

The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties: 
• Participate in the selection of learners due to undertake probation qualifications 

• Undertake the design, co-ordination and delivery of a range of training and learning opportunities to facilitate the learner’s achievement of probation qualifications. 
• Identify individual learning needs, including reasonable adjustments and issues relating to learning style 
• Complete and monitor a learning agreement for each learner in accordance with the Regulatory Framework 
• Undertake regular developmental sessions with learners to identify ongoing needs and review progress on the qualification • Identify performance issues and report these to the relevant line manager and to the Divisional Training Manager. Collaborate with the line manager to develop and an action plan to address issues. 
• Provide written reports in respect of learner progress, including in relation to performance management
• Proactively manage learner attendance at learning events and support managers in taking remedial action to manage sickness absence to achieve qualification completion. 
• Provide coaching, mentoring, quality assurance and support the development of reflective practice in all aspects of work with learners and colleagues. 
• Provide PTA cover in the absence of colleagues • Attend all required training and assessment sessions and achieve the assessor award within 12 months of taking up post 
• Use a variety of assessment methods with learners in line with the Awarding Body and sector assessment strategy, including written observations, performance feedback and digital recordings of professional discussions 
• Maximise the use of IT and technology, including the use of the eportfolio system
• Attend standardisation meetings as required and liaise with Internal and External Quality Assurers to ensure the consistency and quality of assessments 
• As and when required, undertake Internal Quality Assurance processes including chairing standardisation meetings; liaison with National Centre and divisional teams; attend Qualification Assurance Group as divisional representative and prepare for External Quality Assurance visits. 
• Ensure assessment processes reflect best practice, are fair and consistent and meet the requirements of the Awarding Body 
• Liaise with staff at the Higher Education provider to ensure learners’ progress towards achievement of academic awards and verify work based assignments, if required 
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with learners, colleagues and external agencies including CRCs 
• Maintain probation professional knowledge by attending relevant training events and practical experience, as identified in the appraisal process. 
• Travel regularly across the division/Wales and elsewhere, as required by the role 

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.

Additional Information

This post is open to candidates on lateral transfer as a loan.

For internal candidates applying on promotion, the post will be a temporary act up with a loan agreement in place.

For External Candidates, the post will be on a fixed term contract

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

Staff on fixed term appointments must have been recruited through fair and open competition.

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

Vacancies advertised “cross-government” are only open to all Civil Service employees and employees of accredited non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) who were appointed on merit following a fair and open competition; or were appointed to a permanent post through an exception in the Civil Service Commissioners' rules.

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.  

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
Charlotte Davies charlotte.davies@justice.gov.uk

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 7288

Application form stage assessments

Behaviours
A sift based on the lead behaviour, Developing Self and Others, 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
Developing Self and Others
Making Effective Decisions
Technical
Technical Questions Application Form Question Word Limit
250
This post is for a qualified Practice Tutor Assessor only - Please specify the qualification you hold:
Specific qualification requirements
Probation Officer qualification.

Interview stage assessments

Interview Dates
Tbc
Behaviours
Developing Self and Others
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)