35781 - EPF (Effective Proposal Framework) Project Manager

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The Effective Proposal Framework (EPF) project manager is an opportunity to be at cutting edge of probation innovation, in a role that will require capability in probation practice, Digital, Data and Technology (DDAT), marketing and project management.

With a focus on the specific products, this is a post you can really get your teeth into but it has enough context and breadth for it to be varied and interesting. The role is part of a team comprising a designer and data analysts but the project will touch on many elements across HMPPS, not least of all staff uptake and an organisational response to the learning.

EPF1 and EP2 use Augmented Decision-Making (ADM), which is the process of using technology and analytics, combined with a specific business process for rule based decision making based on policy.

Where EPF 1 is established in courts, EPF2 for licence planning, needs to be fully rolled out in offender management, embedded in practice, and used effectively across operations, public protection and contracts and partnership. The tool also needs to feature in the work of the Probation Reform Programme, and the development of OMIC.

The EPF has real benefits and our role is to ensure that those benefits are realised. It has the potential to support the following:

• The delivery of justice – It enables proportionality and consistency of practice in line with policy and guidelines.

• Effectiveness – the algorithm enables targeting by providing choice based on eligibility.

• Equalities – Objective selection of variables and options helps overcome individual unconscious bias

• Cost effectiveness – By increasing the use of underused interventions and recommending hours/dosage supports viability, lower unit cost and sufficiency.

• Future delivery – The data of intervention demand will inform service commissioning.

The successful candidate will have energy and drive; a genuine interest in how practice works in the context of service development, and how this can be supported by digital innovation. You will be a leader, with good communication skill and ability to work with a range of stakeholders; be organised with project management experience and able to work to deadlines.

We are looking for an existing Band 5 for a fixed term contract or loan for two years. The role may require some travel (covid notwithstanding). It will provide a fantastic range of experience for anyone looking to develop their career.

Overview of the job

The central court team is responsible for supporting the NPS in improving the quality and effectiveness of Probation practice in the courts. EPF2 is the responsibility of community offender managers working on resettlement but the origins of the EPF is in sentencing proposals.

Practice Development Managers are deployed to a variety of roles so as to provide support and development of staff, operations and practice.

The post holder will support the central court team, holding the specific function of project managing the role out of EPF2.

Location is flexible, but will involve possible travel to London and some travel to other venues in England and Wales which may require some overnight stays.

Summary

The Practice Development Manager will support the Head for one of the practice areas (public protection, courts or work with sexual offenders).

The role will help lead in areas of probation practice where strategic development is required to improve probation practice. This will include responding to critical areas of service delivery as identified in inspection reports or through reviews into serious further offences.

The roll will involve developing new areas of effective practice and ensuring the greater use of newly developed IT solutions.

In line with NPS policies and procedures, the job holder must at all times demonstrate a commitment to equality and inclusion and an understanding of their relevance to the work they do.

Responsibilities,Activities & Duties

The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:

• Take lead responsibility nationally for specific projects/portfolios regarding practice development such as developing and maintaining national practice development improvement strategies
• Deputise for the Head of Practice Development as required 
• Build effective working relationships with practitioner and Senior Managers in other HMPPS directorates and external contractors and providers to ensure improvement in processes and delivery of contract requirements 
• Support the innovation, development and implementation of quality improvement plans in line with the strategic framework of the central court team
• Under the direction of the Head, provide advice and information on probation practice to ministers, including parliamentary questions and submissions to Private Office
• Co-ordinate the development of the national effective probation practice programmes [EPF2] and coordinate national activity.
• Effectively manage competing demands within the area of responsibility.
• Work with MOJ/HMPPS Communications on a range of products to deliver appropriate communications to all grades of staff.
• Implement HMPPS equality strategy
• Lead horizon scanning projects to ensure each programme of work takes into account changing political priorities and associated developments
• Develop management information reports on the progress of program development, implementation and review.
• Promote the aims and values of the NPS and HMPPS and reinforce pro social modelling skills by reinforcing pro social behaviour and attitudes and challenging anti-social behaviour and attitudes.
• Adhere to all policies in respect of the sensitive/confidential nature of the information handled whilst working in this position.
• Under the direction of the Head of function work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders and partners across the Criminal Justice System and MOJ policy on reforms and initiatives in Probation practice.
• Support national recruitment and training to ensure an appropriately skilled work force.
• Help develop, implement and review IT solutions to ensure effective probation practice is utilising digital solutions to current problems and issues.
• Make well-expressed contributions to advice to Ministers on NPS   operations
  

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is 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. Significant adjustments may require re-examination under the Job Evaluation scheme and shall be discussed in the first instance with the Job Holder.

Behaviours

• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing
• Developing self and others
• Changing and Improving
• Working Together
• Seeing the bigger picture
• Managing a quality service
  

Essential Experience

• Experience of implementing policy successfully and effectively.
• Substantial experience of line management of staff, including supervision, appraisal and motivating. 
• Excellent stakeholder and partnership engagement skills
• A proven track record of improving performance and quality of practice
• Experience of delivering presentations to multi-agency audiences and large groups
• Experience of applying project management techniques to implement significant change and or practice improvements.
• Experience of preparing high level written reports including data analysis and making strategic proposals.
• Experience of strategic operational planning through effective deployment of available resources and staff to meet demands.
• Experience of working under pressure and to tight deadlines.
• Experience of managing people through organisational change
• Experience of successfully managing relationships including where there is conflict.
• Experience of contributing to the development and implementation of strategic cluster business plans to achieve improved service delivery
• Responsibility for budgetary control to support operational requirements.
  

All candidates should demonstrate the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through the medium of English or (where specified in Wales) in Welsh.

Technical requirements

• NVQ Level 4 or equivalent in a relevant subject
• Probation Qualification Framework Graduate Diploma/ Honours Degree in Community Justice Integrated with Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice.
• (Or) a qualification which was recognised at the time of qualification by the State for Justice as per Section 10 of The Offender Management Act 2007:The following qualifications gained in England and Wales were previously recognised as providing such eligibility: 
• Diploma in Probation Studies,  
• Diploma in Social Work (with Probation Option)
• CQSW (with Probation Option.)
• Current knowledge of effective practice and desistance theory in managing risk and reducing reoffending
• Knowledge of Health and Safety and Equalities legislation. 
• An in depth knowledge of probation practice
• They will be required to be an up to date practitioner with a strong background of practice improvement and of utilising latest research to inform practice. They will understand the pressures and demands on front line staff and be able to adapt their work and presentational skills for different audiences (both internal and external).