Approved Premises Manager (SPO) - Kirk Lodge, Leicester with Visa Sponsorship

Become an Approved Premises Manager (SPO) at Kirk Lodge in Leicester with the Ministry of Justice, a full-time role offering a competitive salary of £46,746 - £48,760. This position is ideal for experienced professionals in criminal justice or related fields, and importantly, visa sponsorship is available, making it open to foreign applicants who require a UK work visa. Beyond the attractive salary, this role offers the crucial benefit of Tier 2 Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, facilitating your move and career growth in the UK.

Job Description

As an Approved Premises Manager (SPO) at Kirk Lodge, a Psychologically Informed Planned Environment (PIPE), you will be at the heart of managing an Approved Premises within the National Probation Service (NPS). Your primary responsibility will involve overseeing the practice of AP staff, ensuring the effective management of risk posed by resident offenders, and maintaining a safe and secure environment for all. This role demands strong leadership to ensure compliance with NPS strategy and the highest standards of public protection.

You will be instrumental in providing effective management and leadership to your team, focusing on quality delivery, performance improvement, and efficient resource deployment. This includes proactively managing staff development, addressing underperformance, and ensuring that your team meets the requirements of the NPS’ contract with HMPPS and Community Rehabilitation Companies. Furthermore, you will contribute directly to public protection through multi-agency arrangements and individual casework review, while also participating in an out-of-hours standby duty rota.

Requirements

• Substantial experience with a proven record of good practice in a variety of settings (including offender risk assessment and management) as a Probation Officer or from working within another criminal justice agency or related work context.
• Demonstrable experience in risk management and assessment, with the ability to implement health and safety policies effectively.
• Experience of working flexibly as a member of a team to achieve performance targets and contributing to effective administration and information systems.
• Demonstrable achievements in managing/supporting change and effecting improvements in quality and efficiency, alongside proactively championing diversity and inclusiveness.
• Technical requirement: Probation Qualification Framework Graduate Diploma/Honours Degree in Community Justice integrated with Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice, or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Secretary of State for Justice.
• Applicants must either possess the right to work in the UK or be eligible for Skilled Worker (Tier 2) visa sponsorship, which is available for this position.

Benefits

• Competitive salary ranging from £46,746 to £48,760 per annum.
• Skilled Worker (Tier 2) visa sponsorship available for eligible foreign applicants.
• Opportunity to work within the prestigious Ministry of Justice, contributing to public protection.
• Comprehensive pension scheme and generous annual leave entitlement.
• Access to professional development and training opportunities within the National Probation Service.
• A supportive work environment in a Psychologically Informed Planned Environment (PIPE).

How to Prepare

For Nigerian and African immigrants targeting this Approved Premises Manager role, meticulous preparation is key. Focus on crafting a CV that highlights your extensive experience in offender risk assessment and management, leadership, and team supervision, ensuring it aligns with UK professional standards and uses a clear, concise format. Your LinkedIn profile should mirror your CV and be optimized for UK employers, showcasing your commitment to public protection and your leadership capabilities. When drafting your cover letter, explicitly connect your past roles and achievements to the specific duties and essential experience outlined in the job description, especially your experience in diverse settings and your proactive approach to championing diversity.

Preparing for the interview should involve understanding the nuances of the UK criminal justice system and the National Probation Service's objectives. Be ready to discuss your approach to managing staff, dealing with challenging situations, and contributing to multi-agency efforts in public protection. Crucially, if you require visa sponsorship, be prepared to confidently discuss your eligibility and enthusiasm for relocating, demonstrating your understanding of the UK immigration process and your long-term commitment to the role and the UK.

• Ensure your CV and cover letter clearly articulate your experience in offender risk assessment and management, team leadership, and adherence to public protection standards, using UK-centric terminology where appropriate.
• Research the Ministry of Justice and the National Probation Service's structure, values, and recent initiatives to demonstrate informed interest during your interview.
• Practice articulating how your current skills and qualifications (e.g., Probation Qualification Framework or equivalent) directly transfer to the UK context, emphasizing your adaptability and commitment.
• Prepare to discuss your understanding of safeguarding children and adults, and how you would apply these duties in an Approved Premises setting.
• Have professional references ready, ideally from previous employers in criminal justice or related fields, who can vouch for your leadership and risk management capabilities.

Visa Sponsorship & Foreigner Eligibility

Yes, visa sponsorship is available for this Approved Premises Manager (SPO) position. This role is explicitly open to foreign applicants who require a UK work visa, meaning non-UK residents are encouraged to apply. If you have any questions about your eligibility or require specific guidance on the Skilled Worker (Tier 2) visa process, it is recommended to contact the Ministry of Justice's recruitment team directly for clarification before applying.