Community Payback Supervisor

Role overview

This post is based at NPS 41 West Road, Lancaster, LA1 4NU. It is a part-time, on-site operational role within HM Prison and Probation Service, supporting community payback work as part of the Probation Service.

The role focuses on leading and supervising groups of people on probation while they complete unpaid work placements that benefit the local community. Activities may include practical outdoor tasks such as improving public spaces, maintaining community facilities, planting, litter removal, graffiti clearing, and similar hands-on work.

The position is designed for someone who is empathetic, comfortable taking charge, able to communicate clearly, and willing to support people from varied backgrounds in a structured environment.

Probation Employment Pathway

This vacancy is part of the Probation Employment Pathway (PEP), a recruitment route for people with a history of criminal convictions and barriers to employment. It is open only to eligible applicants and is an exception to open competition.

To qualify under PEP, applicants must have, within the last 10 years, received one of the following: a custodial conviction and release from prison, a conviction that led to a community sentence, a conditional discharge, or an out-of-court disposal.

Successful eligible candidates may be offered an appointment of up to 2 years on a fixed-term basis under an accredited Exception 2 scheme in line with Civil Service Recruitment Principles.

Working pattern and pay

The working pattern includes at least one weekend day, and the job may involve frequent weekend work as well as occasional evening cover. Community payback projects operate 7 days a week. In recognition of weekend working, a 50% higher rate applies for weekend days worked.

On a typical day, you may supervise a group for up to 7 hours at a community payback unpaid work placement. Breaks may not always follow a standard pattern because of the nature of the work, but wellbeing support is expected to be provided.

The starting salary, if successful, is £28,064 pro rata. Pay progression is available through a Competency Based Framework, and new starters normally begin at the minimum point of the pay band. Pay band ranges may also increase annually in line with Civil Service Pay guidance.

What the role involves

This is a front-line post supervising offenders serving community sentences. You may also need to drive service vehicles to move people or equipment. You will be responsible for site supervision and for making sure work is completed safely, effectively, and to the best possible standard. In some situations, you will work alongside participants to show good practice and keep work on track.

Recruitment process

Applicants must complete a short form and answer two Civil Service behaviour-based questions plus one experience-based question. Selection will be completed after the closing date, and candidates will be informed of progress and outcomes during the process. If a large number of applications is received, assessment may focus only on the lead behaviour.

Right to work and immigration notice

You 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. Under current immigration rules, HM Prison and Probation Service cannot sponsor applicants unless they held a Skilled Worker visa before 22 July 2025, and continuous visa holders should raise this during pre-employment checks for assessment under the transitional rules.

If your application succeeds, you must keep the right to live and work in the UK throughout employment.

Candidate profile

This role suits someone who enjoys active, varied work, can lead confidently, and wants to help people on probation make positive progress while supporting the local community.

Additional information

Applicants should have a full UK manual driving licence. Automatic licences are not accepted, and this is a mandatory technical requirement for the post.

Further details on the role, assessment criteria, and day-to-day responsibilities are available in the full job description attachment.

The role is within the Probation Service and sits in an environment that supports job security, benefits, and career development opportunities.

Benefits mentioned for the Civil Service role include access to learning and development, flexible working options to support work-life balance, an inclusive working culture, a Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%, annual leave, public holidays, and Season Ticket Advance.

An artificial intelligence note is included in the source indicating that AI may be used as a tool to support the application.