Approved Premises Manager (SPO) - Ministry of Justice, Worcester - Visa Sponsorship Available

The Ministry of Justice is seeking a dedicated Approved Premises Manager (SPO) for Braley House in Worcester. This full-time role is ideal for experienced professionals in criminal justice, especially those from Nigeria and other African nations seeking to leverage their expertise in the UK, as visa sponsorship is explicitly available for foreign applicants. Offering a competitive salary of £46,746 - £48,760, this position provides a significant opportunity to contribute to public protection while securing a stable career path in the UK.

Job Description

As an Approved Premises Manager, you will be at the forefront of managing an Approved Premises (AP), overseeing the practice of AP staff and ensuring the effective management of risk posed by resident offenders. This pivotal role within the National Probation Service (NPS) requires strong leadership to maintain a safe environment for staff, residents, and the public, while upholding the highest standards of public protection.

Your responsibilities will span providing effective management and leadership to your team, ensuring quality delivery of good practice, and optimising team performance in line with national standards. You will be instrumental in managing staff development, addressing underperformance, and championing diversity and inclusion, all while participating in an out-of-hours standby duty rota to address critical issues as they arise.

Requirements

• Substantial experience with a proven record of good practice in various settings, including offender risk assessment and management, as a Probation Officer or within another criminal justice agency.
• Demonstrable experience in risk management and assessment, coupled with the ability to implement health and safety policies effectively.
• Experience of working flexibly as part of a team to achieve performance targets and contributing to effective administration and information systems.
• Evidence of ability to evaluate practice and provide a practice perspective on policy development.
• Possession of a Probation Qualification Framework Graduate Diploma/Honours Degree in Community Justice integrated with Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice, or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Secretary of State for Justice.
• Applicants must either possess the right to work in the UK or be eligible for a Skilled Worker (Tier 2) visa, which is available for this position.

Benefits

• Competitive salary ranging from £46,746 to £48,760, reflecting the seniority and responsibility of the role.
• Opportunity for career progression within the Ministry of Justice and the National Probation Service.
• Comprehensive pension scheme and generous annual leave entitlement.
• Support for professional development and training to enhance skills and expertise.
• A chance to make a significant impact on public protection and community safety in the UK.

How to Prepare

For Nigerian and African immigrants eyeing this Approved Premises Manager role, meticulous preparation is key. Focus on tailoring your CV to highlight your extensive experience in offender risk assessment and management, leadership, and public protection, ensuring it aligns with UK professional standards. Develop a compelling LinkedIn profile that showcases your expertise and networking efforts within the criminal justice sector. Your cover letter should articulate your understanding of the UK's probation landscape and how your international experience translates directly to the requirements of this role.

When preparing for the interview, be ready to discuss how you've managed diverse teams, implemented risk management strategies, and championed equality and inclusion in previous roles. For the visa sponsorship aspect, confidently express your commitment to relocating and contributing to the UK's justice system, demonstrating a clear understanding of your visa requirements and your long-term career aspirations in the UK. Ensure you have professional references readily available that can speak to your capabilities and ethical conduct.

• Ensure your CV is polished, UK-formatted, and explicitly details your experience in offender risk assessment, management, and leadership.
• Prepare a cover letter that directly addresses the job description and expresses your understanding of UK probation services and your suitability as an international applicant.
• Research the Ministry of Justice and the National Probation Service thoroughly, understanding their values and current initiatives.
• Practice articulating how your current qualifications (e.g., Probation Qualification Framework equivalent) align with UK standards and be prepared to discuss any necessary professional registrations.
• Be ready to discuss your eligibility for the Skilled Worker visa and your commitment to relocating, should the topic arise.

Visa Sponsorship & Foreigner Eligibility

Visa / Skilled Worker (Tier 2) sponsorship IS AVAILABLE for this Approved Premises Manager role, meaning foreign / overseas applicants who require a UK work visa are explicitly welcome to apply. This position is open to foreigners. If your immigration status is borderline or requires clarification, it is advisable to clearly state your current visa status and any specific requirements in your application or reach out to the hiring team for guidance.