Probation Learning Manager - South West

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Overview of the job

The post holder will be responsible for the delivery of all Learning and Development (L&D) activities, including Probation Qualifications, along with aiding an NPS region in meeting business needs. Although based within the NPS the post holder is a member of the wider HMPPS L&D team and reports to a Regional Learning Lead.

The post holder manages the day to day delivery of Probation qualifications at NPS Regional level and provides significant inputs in providing the associated L&D for the NPS. This includes being solution focused in developing initiatives to meet business need and engaging the division in the L&D activities available.

The role is a L&D management function and the post holder will be required to apply their professional skills and specialist knowledge to contribute to the effective delivery of probation qualifications and associated L&D programmes.

The post holder will be required to contribute their knowledge and skills in local and national projects to support continuous improvement of NPS/HMPPS L&D design and delivery.

The post holder will have line management responsibilities for a geographically dispersed team of Practice Tutor Assessors (PTAs). The post holder will also be required to mentor and coach other staff in order to support the professional development across NPS, and on occasion, HMPPS.

Summary

Management and deployment of NPS L&D activities to meet the needs of the region. Ability to deploy resources efficiently and effectively to meet business aims/objectives and national targets in conjunction with the Regional Learning Lead.

Contribute to the development of strategic national learning priorities in conjunction with HMPPS L&D, supporting or aligning the breakdown of these priorities into areas of focus for the region and delivering high quality probation qualifications and associated professional skills training across an NPS region.

Manage a geographically spread team of PTAs to meet the needs of the region. The post holder will be expected to travel within the NPS regions and to national events on a regular basis. This will require occasional overnight stays.

Responsibilities, Activities & Duties

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

Implement probation qualifications and other L&D activities, exercising autonomy over deployment of resources and decision making to meet priorities and Divisional need.Work with Learning Services to develop national probation qualifications policy and the delivery modelEngage and influence internal and external stakeholders to effectively implement national and divisional L&D priorities and to address emerging issues.Monitor learner progression issues and advise, guide and direct line managers and PTAs.Provide line management and development of a team of PTAs and undertake all Human Resources (HR) related policies and practices including overseeing local recruitment, Attendance Management, Performance Management, Staff Appraisals.Undertake investigations for disciplinary, grievance and other hearings.Lead on HMPPS/NPS Communications on a range of L&D products including promotion of NPS qualifications and L&D.Represent the NPS at national partnerships and development meetingsWork in partnership with the L&D Improvement team and the L&D Product Owners to support specific projects/portfolios within Learning Services and the Design FacultyThe post holder is responsible for maintaining an effective working relationship with middle managers, HEIs, CRCs, wider L&D colleagues and other stakeholders.The role will include deputising at a national and regional level for the Regional Learning Lead

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

LeadershipDeveloping Self and OthersChanging and ImprovingDelivering at PaceCommunicating and InfluencingMaking Effective Decisions

Essential Experience

Mentoring/Coaching skillsSubstantial experience of management of staff, including supervision, appraisal and developing capabilityExperience of monitoring performance in area of responsibility against pre-determined targets, setting local targets and effecting necessary improvementsOperational planning through effective deployment of available resources and staff to meet operational demandsExperience of working under pressure and to tight deadlinesExperience of Health and Safety and Equalities managementExperience of managing people through organisational changeExperience of successfully managing relationships including where there is conflict

Technical requirements

Probation Qualification Framework Graduate Diploma/ Honours Degree in Community Justice Integrated with Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice.

Or

A qualification which was recognised at the time of qualification by the State for Justice as per Section 10 of The Offender Management Act 2007: The following qualifications gained in England and Wales were previously recognised as providing such eligibility:

o Diploma in Probation Studies, o Diploma in Social Work (with Probation Option) o CQSW (with Probation Option.)

Learning and Development qualificationDetailed understanding of probation qualifications including vocational qualifications and Higher Education contract deliveryKnowledge and understanding of the L&D process, including evaluation and quality assuranceKnowledge of the wider criminal justice system and how the agencies work togetherAble to demonstrate well developed IT skills, including evidence of ability to interpret and apply performance reportsEvidence of ability to provide a practice perspective on policy development

Ability

Excellent verbal and written communication skillsAbility to prepare high level written reports including data analysis and making strategic proposals.