1263 - Senior Policy Manager

This important role operates in the Central Operations Support (COS) function within Probation Operations Directorate (POD). COS provides operational support across HMPPS and into regions to assure excellence in delivery. This is achieved through effective leadership, engagement, and a holistic analysis of operational delivery through the lens of workforce, quality, and performance. COS is focused on delivering activity that makes a positive difference in contributing to the Chief Probation Officer's priorities, which includes probation reset, recruitment and retention, public protection and strengthening middle management leadership. This is an exciting opportunity to be involved in a fast-paced area within COS. The postholder will have a leadership role in the delivery of the priorities of COS. The COS team provides a tactical response to Probation operational and workforce challenges, and probation capacity issues, through strong engagement across functions and regional teams. Your priorities will include:

• Providing leadership to the team, including day to day people management activities and team engagement.
• Working closely with the front line to support and improve operational delivery, implement policy changes and drive forward operational changes
• Providing a tactical response in relation to workforce and operational issues;
• Developing and maintaining positive relationships within and outside of COS. This includes working in close collaboration with key stakeholders e.g. Policy Teams, RPDs, MOJ People Group, MoJ Analysis, Finance and POD / COS SMT
• Highlight risks and issues, to ensure effective mitigations and controls are deployed in response to any emerging risks.
• Contribute to formal commissions, including PQs, topical briefs, Ministerial briefings and subs, HMIP recommendations, IMB reports.
The duties/responsibilities listed are 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. The Probation Central Operations support Team has been set up to be responsive to Probation priorities and therefore all staff may be asked to work flexibly across all of the COS functions as and when required. As a minimum requirement, candidates should have the ability to understand, interpret and summarise complex information and the ability to deliver briefings, communicate with and influence senior stakeholders. A sift based on the lead behaviour - Seeing the Bigger Picture may be held if a large number of applications are received. If a large number of applications remain after the initial sift, your application will be progressed to a full sift, where all behaviours will then be considered.