Community Payback Supervisor - Lancaster

Role overview

This part-time Community Payback Supervisor post is based at NPS 41 West Road, Lancaster, LA1 4NU. The position involves supervising community payback work groups in an operational setting and supporting people on probation to complete unpaid work that benefits the local community.

The role is hands-on, active, and varied, with a strong focus on guidance, motivation, and leading by example. Typical tasks may include clearing overgrown areas, improving public spaces, restoring community facilities, planting trees, laying flowerbeds, litter picking, and removing graffiti.

Working pattern and hours

The schedule includes a weekend day, and frequent weekend working is expected because community payback projects operate seven days a week. You may also be asked to work some evenings. On a normal day, you can expect to supervise a group for up to 7 hours at an unpaid work placement.

The role is designed to support people on probation who have work or caring commitments, but the pace of work means rest breaks may not always follow a standard pattern. When that happens, wellbeing support is provided. Weekend shifts attract an additional 50% payment for the weekend days worked.

Pay and progression

If appointed, the starting salary is £28,064 pro rata. New starters are expected to begin at the bottom of the pay band. The Probation Service uses a Competency Based Framework that may allow pay to progress over time as skills and competence develop, and pay ranges are also updated annually in line with Civil Service pay guidance where applicable.

Main duties

You will supervise work groups made up of offenders serving a community sentence and ensure tasks are completed safely and effectively. The job may involve driving service vehicles to move people or equipment. You will be responsible for site supervision and for working alongside service users when needed to show good practice and help them carry out tasks to the best of their ability.

Who this role suits

This opportunity suits someone who is empathetic, confident communicating with different people, comfortable taking the lead, and motivated by making a positive contribution to communities. It also suits people who enjoy a role where no two days are the same.

Recruitment and assessment

Applicants are required to complete a short application form and answer two Civil Service behaviour questions plus one experience-based question. The selection process uses Success Profiles and assesses behaviours, strengths, and experience. If there is a very high number of applications, assessment may be limited to the lead behaviour initially. Feedback is only provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Eligibility and right to work

You must have the right to work in the UK and in the Civil Service. This position is not eligible for a new Skilled Worker visa. If you have held a Skilled Worker visa continuously before the 22 July 2025 changes, your case may be considered under the transitional arrangements during pre-employment checks. If your application is successful, you must keep a legal right to live and work in the UK and in the Civil Service.

Licence requirement

A full UK manual driving licence is mandatory for this job. Automatic-only licences are not accepted.

Security and checks

Successful candidates must pass a criminal record check. Anyone working with government assets must also complete Baseline Personnel Security Standard checks.

About the working environment

The role is described as meaningful, challenging, and varied, with job security, benefits, and career progression. The Probation Service also promotes an inclusive working culture and offers flexible working options where possible.

Benefits and allowances

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

Selection behaviours

Your application will be assessed against the following behaviours: Communicating and Influencing, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together, and Leadership.

Additional notes

Artificial intelligence may be used to support an application, but all content submitted must be truthful, accurate, and drawn from the applicant’s own experience. Any plagiarism or misuse of AI-generated content may lead to withdrawal of the application and possible disciplinary action for internal candidates.

Nationality rules apply for Civil Service recruitment, and the role is broadly open to UK nationals, nationals of the Republic of Ireland, Commonwealth nationals with the right to work in the UK, and certain EU/European Economic Area family members as described in the Civil Service rules.