Quality Development Officer – Probation Service

About the role

The Quality Development Officer will support the National Probation Service in delivering high‑quality work with offenders and victims. Working within the Divisional Performance and Quality team, the role focuses on quality assurance, improvement activities and coaching without line‑management responsibilities.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver quality assurance activities as part of the national effective practice programme and assess their impact on operational practice.
• Facilitate practice improvement workshops and briefings for Probation Officers (POs) and Probation Service Officers (PSOs).
• Support the re‑launch and deployment of the Skills for Effective Engagement Development and Supervision (SEEDS) programme.
• Conduct audits of key work, provide analysis and feedback, and contribute to local improvement and quality plans.
• Partner with local managers to develop audit and improvement activities based on evidence from audits, inspections and case reviews.
• Provide coaching and 1:1 support to staff involved in formal capability processes.
• Assist SPOs in undertaking quality assurance work and respond to risk escalation requests.

Required profile

• Demonstrated commitment to equality, inclusion and confidentiality in line with NPS policies.
• Experience working within probation, criminal‑justice or related public‑service environments.
• Ability to analyse audit data, deliver workshops and provide constructive feedback.
• Strong collaborative skills to work with divisional managers, practice tutors and operational staff.

Required skills