Working in Greater Manchester Probation 

About Greater Manchester Probation

Greater Manchester is one of the largest probation areas in the country, supervising over 16,000 offenders and protecting the public. 

The area covers 11 Probation Delivery Units (PDUs) across 10 local authorities, with work spanning 8 local courts, 4 prisons, as well as multiple Community Payback teams and Approved Premises. 

With strong community partnerships and a dedicated workforce, probation teams play a vital role in making Greater Manchester safer and improving its communities.  

About Greater Manchester Probation

There’s a wide range of roles for a career in the Probation Service, each playing an essential part in protecting the public and reducing reoffending. 

• Residential workers / Approved Premises staff support people leaving prison by helping them reintegrate into the community in a safe and structured environment. 

• Case administrators provide essential administrative support and ensure information is accurate, timely and well organised. 

• Probation officers manage medium to high-risk cases, supervise offenders in the community and during custodial sentences, and make critical decisions to manage risk and protect the public. 

• Probation services officers work with low-risk offenders subject to community orders and licences, helping them to address challenges, supporting rehabilitation and public protection. 

• Programme facilitators deliver a range of rehabilitation interventions aimed at changing the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviour of offenders.

• Community Payback supervisors organise and oversee a group of offenders completing their unpaid work hours, ensuring offenders give back to local communities while learning responsibility and new skills. 

Across all roles, probation professionals provide advice to criminal courts, work closely with other justice agencies and local partners, assess and manage risk, and play an active role in preventing crime while supporting victims and managing offenders. 

Probation Offices in Greater Manchester

A focus on staff 

Staff awards and recognition are a priority for the region. We spoke with Bob Donald, Staff Engagement Lead in Greater Manchester Probation, who has worked for the service for 12 years.

Staff benefits 

• Flexible working options includes reduced or compressed hours and job sharing. 
• Access to the Greater Manchester Pension Fund. 
• Save up to 42% on bikes/equipment (up to £2,500). 
• Access to a Blue Light card for money off food, clothing and cinema tickets. 

This is in addition to the great Employee Benefits you get from being part of HM Prisons and Probation Service.