Head of Operational Function

Job OverviewThe experience expected from applicants, as well as additional skills and qualifications needed for this job are listed below.To provide management and leadership within the National Probation Service (NPS) with responsibility for resources and the operational and strategic direction and management of the Service within a Local Delivery Unit (LDU) or any other operational unit and/or functional area of activity. To represent the Deputy Director with external agencies, stakeholders and staff as appropriate. In line with NPS policies and procedures, the post holder must at all times demonstrate a commitment to equality and inclusion and an understanding of their relevance to the work they do. The post holder must adhere to all policies in respect of the sensitive and confidential nature of the information handled while working in this position. May be required to participate in out of hours senior management on call rota.Key ResponsibilitiesLead, innovate and develop local strategies in line with the national strategic frameworkEffectively lead cluster operational delivery and contribute corporately to national operational delivery and prioritiesLead the NPS in local strategic partnerships and ensure appropriate representation within wider partnership frameworksRepresent the NPS at national partnerships and development meetings in line with delegated functional lead and decision making responsibilitiesManage devolved budgets in accordance with the financial procedures outlined in the budget delegationManage competing demands within the geographical area of responsibilityResponsible for the various functions across the division, including line management of middle managersManage resources effectivelyOversee the Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) locally in conjunction with other responsible authorities including the chairing of MAPPA level 3 meetingsMake decisions and provide advice on the management of offenders where senior management authorisation or involvement is necessary, e.g. authorising the recall of offenders to prisonProvide oversight of complaint management within the Operational Function and direct involvement in complaint resolution where necessaryUndertake all Human Resources (HR) related policies and practices including overseeing local recruitment, attendance management, disciplinary investigations, performance management and staff appraisals, chair grievance and other hearingsWork effectively with the Divisional Senior Leadership Team and take lead responsibility nationally for specific projects and portfoliosDeputise for the Deputy Director as required in the LDU or operational unit functional area of activityWork with MOJ/NOMS Communications on a range of productsImplement NOMS equality strategyEnsure the defined work areas and activities comply with Health and Safety legislation, ensuring risk assessments are undertaken and staff are made aware of their responsibilities towards Health and Safety complianceCarry out agency responsibilities for victimsCarry out safeguarding children duties in accordance with the NPS statutory responsibilities and agency policiesDischarge estates responsibilities for Head of Operational FunctionDemonstrate pro‑social modelling skills by consistently reinforcing pro‑social behaviour and attitudes and challenging anti‑social behaviour and attitudesWork within the aims and values of NPS and NOMS, and ensure role suitability for Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allowsKey CompetenciesLeadershipCommunicating and InfluencingMaking Effective DecisionsManaging a Quality ServiceDelivering at PaceChanging and ImprovingWorking TogetherEssential ExperienceSignificant experience at middle manager level, holding relevant responsibilities in at least two different settingsSubstantial experience of line management of staff, including supervision, appraisal and motivatingLead monitoring performance in area of responsibility against predetermined targets and effect significant improvements where necessaryResponsibility for budgetary control to support local operational requirementsStrategic operational planning through effective deployment of available resources and staff to meet operational demandsManage people and projects (applying project management techniques) to implement significant change and practice improvementsWork with key local agencies and stakeholders to develop strong partner relationshipsPreparing high‑level written reportsExperience of delivering presentations to multi‑agency audiences and large groupsExperience of working under pressure and to tight deadlinesExperience of managing people through organisational changeExperience of successfully managing relationships, including where there is conflictExperience of contributing to the development of strategic business plans to achieve improved service deliveryExperience of making complex risk management and public protection decisionsCurrent knowledge of effective practice in managing risk and reducing reoffendingProbation QualificationsGraduate Diploma / Honours Degree in Community Justice integrated with Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice, or a qualification recognised by the Secretary of State for Justice as per Section 10 of the Offender Management Act 2007Diploma in Probation StudiesDiploma in Social Work (with Probation Option)CQSW (with Probation Option)Knowledge of Health and Safety and Equality legislationKnowledge of the wider Criminal Justice SystemBenefitsAnnual leave is 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years of service plus public holidaysPart‑time and job‑share arrangements calculated on a pro‑rata basisNational Probation Service is covered by the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) run through the Greater Manchester Pension FundExtensive training and development opportunities offered by the Ministry of JusticeEmployee‑run networks for minority ethnic origin, disabilities, caring responsibilities, women and LGBTQ+ employeesFamily‑friendly policies: reduced hours, job share, flexible benefits, voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discountsPaid paternity, adoption and maternity leaveFree annual sight tests for employees who use computer screensEquality and InclusionWe are a disability confident employer and are committed to providing adjustments throughout the recruitment process. We support veterans and provide a guaranteed interview scheme for eligible former members of the Armed Forces. xpwpeyx All candidates are subject to security and identity checks before taking up post.Complaints ProcessTo Transformative Business Services ( , Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or email at To Ministry of Justice Resourcing team ( )To the Civil Service Commission (details available here)#J-18808-Ljbffr