PEP – Community Payback Supervisor – Probation employment pathway – Kendal, Barrow (Ref: 13852)

The Probation Service is seeking a dedicated Community Payback Supervisor to lead groups of individuals on their journey of rehabilitation. This role is a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact on both the lives of people on probation and the local community. Through meaningful projects—ranging from restoring public facilities to environmental improvements—you will help individuals “pay back” for past harm while developing new skills. If you are a motivated leader who believes in the power of second chances and community service, we want to hear from you.

About the Role

As a supervisor, you are the frontline lead for unpaid work placements. On a typical day, you will spend up to 7 hours supervising a small team, ensuring they complete manual tasks safely and to a high standard. You aren’t just an observer; you will work alongside the group, demonstrating good practice and motivating individuals to succeed. This position is being offered through the Probation Employment Pathway (PEP), a specialized recruitment scheme designed to support individuals with a history of criminal convictions who face barriers to employment. This pathway offers up to a 2-year fixed-term appointment for eligible applicants.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct Supervision: Lead and motivate work groups of offenders as they serve their community sentences.

• Operational Oversight: Take full responsibility for all work site tasks, ensuring tools and equipment are handled correctly.

• Mentorship: Work alongside service users to demonstrate manual skills and “good practice,” fostering a positive work ethic.

• Logistics: Drive service vehicles to transport teams, tools, and materials to various site locations local to your region.

• Community Engagement: Oversee tasks such as clearing overgrowth, restoring playgrounds, planting trees, and graffiti removal to improve public spaces.

Requirements & Skills

Mandatory Technical Requirements:

• Manual Driving Licence: Candidates must hold a full UK Manual Driving Licence at the time of application. We cannot accept automatic-only licences.

Probation Employment Pathway (PEP) Eligibility: This role is specifically open to those who, within the last 10 years, have received:

• A custodial conviction (and have been released from prison).

• A conviction resulting in a community sentence.

• A conditional discharge.

• An out-of-court disposal.

Personal Attributes:

• Empathy: Ability to work with a diverse mix of individuals and understand their journey.

• Communication: Excellent verbal skills to give clear instructions and manage group dynamics.

• Leadership: Confidence to take the lead on-site and motivate others through manual tasks.

Salary & Working Pattern

• Salary: Starting at £26,475 (Pro-rata).

• Weekend Premium: You will be paid a higher rate of 50% extra for any weekend days worked.

• Hours: This specific vacancy is for 7.24 hours.

• Working Pattern: Supervisors are expected to work weekends as part of their normal pattern.

• Pay Progression: Annual increases are available through the Competency Based Framework (CBF) as your skills grow.

Important Information

• Visa Sponsorship: This role is not eligible for a new Skilled Worker visa under the rules implemented in July 2025.

• Right to Work: Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK and the Civil Service.

• Recruitment Process: Selection is based on two Civil Service Behaviours and one Experience-based question.