Probation Services Officer - Torquay (South West) (Ref: 19778)

Role overview

This role is based at NMS Bay House, TQ2 7TD. It sits within the Probation Service and focuses on supporting people on probation before and after sentencing, helping to protect the public while giving individuals a genuine opportunity to change their lives.

Standard working hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm. Part-time hours can be agreed. For queries, candidates may contact louisa.gleghorn@justice.gov.uk.

This is a varied and meaningful position for someone who is empathetic, patient, organised and resilient, with strong written communication skills and a genuine interest in public service.

What the role involves

The postholder will manage work with people on probation across the full case journey, including assessment, sentence implementation, offender management and report writing. Case management support will be provided in line with service procedures and professional guidance.

In day-to-day work, the role includes handling a caseload of medium and lower risk people, assessing and managing risk, supplying information to courts, coordinating with agencies across the justice system, and offering practical and emotional support where needed.

Pay and progression

Successful candidates will start on a salary of £28,064, with part-time pay calculated pro rata. The Probation Service operates a Competency Based Framework, which may allow annual progression through the pay band when eligibility requirements are met. New starters normally begin at the minimum point of the band. Pay bands are also reviewed annually in line with Civil Service pay guidance.

Recruitment process

Applicants must complete a short application form and provide written responses based on Civil Service Behaviours and Experience. The first stage also includes the Civil Service Judgement Test (CSJT), a two-part assessment designed to measure decision-making in relation to Civil Service behaviours. A practice test is available before starting the assessment.

Those who pass the CSJT will have their application sifted after the closing date. Successful candidates at both stages will be invited to interview. Where there is a high volume of applications, only the lead behaviour may be assessed at sift stage. Progression to later stages is not guaranteed.

Working pattern and location

The role is based onsite, and successful applicants may be placed in a range of office, court, team or prison settings within the Probation Service region depending on business need.

About the service

The Probation Service helps reduce the impact of crime by managing offenders in the community and supporting them to build better futures. The environment is team-based and collaborative, with knowledge-sharing and professional support strongly encouraged.

Who this role suits

This role does not require a degree. It is better suited to people with strong personal qualities and, ideally, experience of supporting individuals facing social or personal difficulty. Good writing ability is essential, along with the ability to produce clear, accurate reports to tight deadlines.

Eligibility and legal right to work

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK and in the Civil Service. This role is not eligible for a new Skilled Worker visa. From 22 July 2025, sponsorship is not available for this post unless the applicant has held a Skilled Worker visa before that date and meets the transitional requirements. Candidates must maintain their right to live and work in the UK if appointed.

Nationality rules for Civil Service recruitment apply, including UK nationals, Irish nationals, qualifying Commonwealth nationals, certain EU/Swiss/EEA nationals and family members with settled or pre-settled status or valid EUSS applications, eligible individuals with limited or indefinite leave to remain, and certain Turkish nationals and family members with the right to work in the Civil Service.

Security and checks

Successful candidates must pass a criminal record check. Anyone working with government assets must also complete baseline personnel security standard checks.

Behaviours and assessment areas

The selection process assesses Behaviour, Strengths, Ability and Experience. The behaviours listed for assessment are Delivering at Pace, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together, Communicating and Influencing, Developing Self and Others, and Making Effective Decisions.

Benefits and workplace support

Benefits include access to learning and development, flexible working options where available to support work-life balance, a working culture that promotes inclusion and diversity, a Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%, annual leave, public holidays, and Season Ticket Advance.

Additional guidance

Artificial intelligence may be used as a support tool when preparing an application, but all content submitted must be truthful, accurate and based on the applicant’s own experience. Using copied or generated material as personal experience may lead to withdrawal of the application and possible disciplinary action for internal candidates.

Feedback is provided only if a candidate reaches interview or assessment stage. The Civil Service follows merit-based recruitment, fair and open competition principles, and supports disability confident and redeployment schemes for eligible candidates.