Community Payback Supervisor

Role overview

This post is located at NMS Business Park, CW7 2GN, in Winsford, England, United Kingdom. It sits within the Probation Service and involves directly supervising work groups completing unpaid work as part of a community sentence. The role is active, varied and people-focused, with an emphasis on helping individuals on probation complete practical work that benefits local communities.

Community Payback Employment Pathway

This vacancy is part of the Probation Employment Pathway (PEP), a recruitment route for people with criminal conviction histories who face barriers to finding work. To qualify, applicants must have had one of the following within the last 10 years: a custodial conviction and release from prison, a conviction that led to a community sentence, a conditional discharge, or an out-of-court disposal. This pathway is an exception to fair and open competition and is only open to people who meet the eligibility rules. Successful applicants may be offered a fixed-term appointment of up to 2 years 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 weekend work is a regular part of the job because community payback projects operate seven days a week. You may also be asked to cover some evenings. A typical shift can involve up to 7 hours of supervising a group at an unpaid work placement. Weekend days worked are paid at 50% above the normal rate. New starters join at the minimum point of the pay band, and the Probation Service may increase pay through its Competency Based Framework as competence develops. The service also reviews pay bands annually in line with Civil Service Pay guidance.

What the role involves

As a Community Payback Supervisor, you will lead small teams of offenders carrying out manual tasks that help repair harm and improve shared spaces. Work may include clearing overgrowth to improve safety, restoring community facilities such as sports halls and playgrounds, planting trees, laying flowerbeds, litter picking, graffiti removal, building benches, and cleaning streets. You will supervise, motivate and support people on probation, helping them complete their hours to a high standard while contributing positively to the community.

Operational duties

This is a frontline supervisory position. You will be responsible for site supervision, helping work groups stay on task, and may be required to drive service vehicles to transport people or equipment. The post also calls for good judgement, the ability to lead a diverse group, and a willingness to demonstrate the correct approach by working alongside service users where needed.

Applicant requirements

Applicants must hold a full UK manual driving licence. Automatic-only licences are not acceptable. Candidates must also have the right to work in the UK and meet Civil Service nationality rules. This post is not eligible for a new Skilled Worker visa. Anyone who held a Skilled Worker visa before 22 July 2025 may have their position assessed under the transitional rules, but sponsorship is otherwise unavailable. Applicants must ensure they can legally live and work in the UK throughout employment.

Recruitment process

The application process includes a short form plus written responses to two Civil Service behaviour questions and one experience-based question. Shortlisting begins after the closing date. If application volumes are high, assessment may focus only on the lead behaviour, and progression to later stages is not guaranteed. Applicants will be kept informed as the process moves forward.

About the role

This post suits someone who is empathetic, communicates well, and is comfortable taking the lead. The work is practical, community-based and people-centred, with a strong focus on supporting individuals on probation while helping to improve local public spaces. It is a good fit for someone who enjoys an active job where each day can look different.

Benefits and support

The Probation Service offers job security, progression opportunities and a range of support measures. Benefits mentioned include access to learning and development, flexible working options to improve work-life balance, a working culture that supports inclusion and diversity, a Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%, annual leave, public holidays, and Season Ticket Advance.

Additional information

The role may involve shorter or non-standard rest breaks due to the pace of work, but wellbeing support is provided. Artificial intelligence may be used to support applications, but candidates are expected to complete their application carefully and appropriately. Further details on recruitment, benefits and allowances are available through the candidate information page referenced in the source material.