Community Payback Supervisor - Crewe/Macclesfield (Ref: 18887)

Role overview

This post is based at NPS Cedric Fullwood House, Crewe (CW1 6YY). It is a part-time, on-site role within HM Prison and Probation Service, supporting community payback activity across the Crewe/Macclesfield area.

The position involves supervising people on probation while they complete unpaid work placements that benefit the local community. The work is active, varied, and centered on helping individuals complete tasks safely and to a good standard, while contributing to cleaner, safer public spaces.

On a normal day, you may spend up to 7 hours overseeing a work group. Community payback projects operate 7 days a week, so the role includes regular weekend working and may also involve some evening shifts. One weekend day is a normal part of the working pattern. Weekend work is paid at a 50% higher rate for the days worked.

The service supports annual pay progression through a Competency Based Framework, subject to eligibility. New joiners are expected to enter at the minimum of the pay band, and pay ranges are reviewed annually in line with Civil Service pay guidance.

Main duties

This is an operational supervision role involving direct management of offender work groups in the community. Duties may include driving service vehicles to transport people or equipment as part of the role.

You will be responsible for supervising the site, making sure tasks are completed effectively and safely, and working alongside service users where needed to demonstrate the correct approach. The role requires you to lead small teams, motivate participants, and ensure they complete their unpaid work hours responsibly.

Typical activities may include clearing overgrowth, improving public spaces, restoring community facilities such as sports halls and playgrounds, planting trees, laying flowerbeds, and carrying out litter picking and graffiti removal.

Working pattern and wellbeing

The role is designed to fit around people on probation who work or have caring responsibilities. Because the programme runs every day of the week, you should expect frequent weekend work and occasional evening cover.

The pace of work can mean that rest breaks do not always happen in a standard way. Where that happens, the organisation states that employee wellbeing will be supported. This is a busy, active setting for someone who enjoys variety and wants to make a visible difference while being supported.

Application and selection

To apply, candidates must complete a short application form and provide written responses to two Civil Service behaviour questions and one experience-based question.

Applications will be reviewed after the closing date. If application numbers are high, candidates may be assessed only against the lead behaviour. Progression to later stages is not guaranteed, but applicants will be kept informed of updates.

The recruitment process uses Success Profiles and assesses behaviours, strengths, and experience. Feedback is only provided to those who attend an interview or assessment.

Eligibility and essential requirements

A full UK manual driving licence is mandatory for this role. Applications from candidates who hold only an automatic driving licence cannot be accepted.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and in the Civil Service. This role is not eligible for a new Skilled Worker visa. Candidates who held a Skilled Worker visa before 22 July 2025 may have their situation assessed under the relevant transitional arrangements during pre-employment checks.

Successful candidates will need to maintain the legal right to live and work in the UK and the Civil Service throughout employment.

Candidates must also undergo a criminal record check. If they work with government assets, baseline personnel security standard checks are required as well.

About the role

Community payback supervision is meaningful, varied, and challenging work with strong job security, benefits, and opportunities to progress. The purpose of the role is to support people on probation as they complete constructive work that helps repair harm and improve communities.

The service values empathy, clear communication, teamwork, and confident leadership. You will be working with a diverse range of people and need to be comfortable taking responsibility in a hands-on environment.

Nationality and immigration rules

This role is broadly open to UK nationals, nationals of the Republic of Ireland, and nationals of Commonwealth countries who meet the relevant nationality requirements for Civil Service recruitment.

Applicants should review the Civil Service nationality rules and current immigration guidance carefully before applying.

Benefits and support

• Access to learning and development
• Flexible working options to support work-life balance
• An inclusive working culture that encourages diversity
• Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
• Annual leave
• Public holidays
• Season Ticket Advance

Additional information

Artificial intelligence may be used to support applications, but all examples and statements must be truthful, accurate, and based on the applicant’s own experience. If plagiarism or misuse of AI is identified, an application may be withdrawn and internal candidates may face disciplinary action.