Programme Facilitator – Sussex: Ministry of Justice Job in Crawley & Littlehampton
UK RIGHT TO WORK REQUIRED — THIS ROLE IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR NEW SKILLED WORKER VISA SPONSORSHIP
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is recruiting a Programme Facilitator to join the Probation Service in the Sussex area, with potential base locations including Crawley and Littlehampton.
This is an opportunity for someone passionate about rehabilitation, behaviour change and supporting people to make positive and sustained changes in their lives.
The successful candidate will deliver accredited programmes and structured interventions to people on probation, including individuals convicted of domestic abuse, sexual offences and other violent or acquisitive offences.
The role offers a salary of £28,064 to £33,549, with additional payments available for qualifying evening and Saturday work.
New entrants are expected to join at the minimum salary of £28,064, with part-time roles paid pro rata.
Job Details
| Job information | Details |
|---|---|
| Job title | Programme Facilitator – Sussex |
| Employer | Ministry of Justice / HM Prison and Probation Service |
| Job reference | 22187 |
| Salary | £28,064 – £33,549 |
| Part-time salary | Pro rata |
| Working pattern | Full-time or part-time |
| Contract | Permanent |
| Location | Crawley, Littlehampton |
| Region | Kent, Surrey & Sussex |
| Vacancies | 1 |
| Closing date | 29 September 2026 |
| Reserve list | Up to 12 months |
| Security check | Enhanced DBS |
| Business unit | AGY – NOMS Agency |
| Civil Service grade | Other |
| Job ID | 22187 |
About the Programme Facilitator Role
The Programme Facilitator role is part of the Probation Service’s work to reduce reoffending, protect the public and support rehabilitation.
Programme Facilitators deliver structured interventions designed to help people on probation understand and change attitudes, beliefs and behaviours associated with offending.
You will work with people subject to Community Orders or licences following release from prison, delivering both group-based and individual interventions.
The work can involve people across a wide range of offence types and risk levels, including individuals convicted of:
- Domestic abuse offences
- Sexual offences
- Violent offences
- Acquisitive offences
- Other offences requiring rehabilitation interventions
The overall aim is to help people desist from crime, build on their strengths and develop more constructive and meaningful lives within the community.
Key Responsibilities
As a Programme Facilitator, you will deliver evidence-based accredited programmes and structured interventions in line with the requirements of the Probation Service.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Delivering groupwork sessions to people on probation.
- Delivering individual interventions where required.
- Creating safe, structured and supportive learning environments.
- Adapting delivery to different learning styles and individual needs.
- Managing group dynamics effectively.
- Responding appropriately to challenging behaviour.
- Supporting participants to understand and change problematic attitudes and behaviours.
- Using pro-social modelling to reinforce positive behaviour.
- Monitoring progress throughout interventions.
- Monitoring risk and wellbeing.
- Maintaining accurate and timely records.
- Sharing relevant information and professional observations with appropriate teams.
- Working alongside Probation Practitioners and Domestic Abuse Safety Officers.
- Supporting sentence management through effective communication with relevant agencies.
- Working with courts and other criminal justice organisations where required.
- Providing workshops and briefings to probation staff and external stakeholders.
- Contributing to the wider objectives of reducing reoffending and protecting the public.
The role does not have line management responsibility.
Evening and Weekend Work
Applicants should be aware that this is not a conventional Monday-to-Friday daytime position.
The Ministry of Justice states that the majority of programmes are delivered during the evening, meaning regular evening work is an essential part of the role.
Saturday and other unsocial-hours work may also be required.
Additional payments apply:
- Evening work: 30% additional payment.
- Saturday work: 50% additional premium.
The role also involves travelling between different locations to deliver programmes.
Travel expenses can be claimed in accordance with the applicable arrangements.
Location and Travel Requirements
The advertised locations are Crawley and Littlehampton, within the Kent, Surrey & Sussex region.
The Programme Facilitator is regionally based and may be required to travel across a large geographical area.
The locations listed in the advertisement are not an exhaustive list of possible base locations. They indicate potential locations where successful candidates could be based.
The Ministry of Justice states that it will endeavour to offer candidates a vacancy within approximately a 60-minute commute of their home location.
Applicants should therefore only select location preferences for places where they are genuinely prepared to work.
Salary and Pay Progression
The advertised salary range is:
£28,064 – £33,549
For part-time positions, the salary will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.
New entrants are expected to join at the minimum point of the advertised pay band, meaning a new entrant would normally start at £28,064.
In addition to the basic salary, eligible employees can receive unsocial-hours payments for evening and Saturday work.
The Probation Service also provides opportunities for annual pay progression through its Competency Based Framework (CBF), subject to eligibility and demonstrated competence.
Pay ranges may also be reviewed annually in accordance with Civil Service pay guidance.
Training and Professional Development
One of the significant features of this position is the level of training provided.
The Ministry of Justice states that extensive training and support is provided to help Programme Facilitators become confident and competent in their roles.
Training covers areas including:
- Programme delivery
- Intervention theory
- Rehabilitation approaches
- Accredited programmes
- Structured interventions
- Effective facilitation
- Working with people on probation
- Managing group dynamics
- Professional practice
Successful candidates are required to complete a six-month probationary period, which includes an assessment centre and assessed training.
Successfully completing the required training is an essential part of becoming competent in the role.
Working Hours and Flexible Working
Standard full-time Civil Service working hours for this role are 37 hours per week, excluding unpaid breaks.
The HMPPS welcomes applications for:
- Full-time work
- Part-time work
- Flexible working
- Job-sharing arrangements
Such arrangements will be considered where they meet the demands of the role and business requirements.
Because programme delivery frequently takes place during evenings and may involve weekends, applicants should ensure their preferred working pattern can accommodate the operational requirements.
Hybrid Working
The Ministry of Justice offers hybrid working arrangements where business needs allow.
Hybrid working may involve a combination of:
- Working from the designated base location
- Working from other Ministry of Justice sites
- Working from home
However, hybrid working is informal, non-contractual and subject to business requirements.
Importantly, this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas.
The actual working arrangement will be discussed with successful candidates and may be reviewed periodically.
Visa Sponsorship and Right to Work
Important: New Skilled Worker Sponsorship Is Not Available
Applicants seeking a new UK Skilled Worker visa should carefully consider the immigration information provided in the official vacancy.
The advert explicitly states that this role is not eligible for a new Skilled Worker visa under the immigration changes introduced from 22 July 2025.
HMPPS states that it cannot consider sponsoring a Programme Facilitator unless the applicant held a Skilled Worker visa before 22 July 2025, subject to the applicable transitional provisions and eligibility requirements.
Therefore:
This vacancy should not be presented as a new visa sponsorship opportunity.
Applicants must already have the appropriate legal right to live and work in the UK and in the Civil Service.
Candidates who have continuously held a Skilled Worker visa should raise this during pre-employment checks so their individual eligibility can be assessed under the relevant immigration rules and transitional provisions.
If you do not already have the required right to work in the UK, you should carefully assess your immigration options before applying.
Who Can Apply?
The vacancy is broadly open to eligible candidates who meet the Civil Service nationality and right-to-work requirements.
The advert identifies eligible groups including:
- UK nationals
- Republic of Ireland nationals
- Eligible Commonwealth nationals with the right to work in the UK
- Eligible EU, Swiss, Norwegian, Icelandic and Liechtenstein nationals and qualifying family members with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
- Certain individuals with qualifying limited or indefinite leave to remain
- Eligible Turkish nationals and certain family members who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
All candidates must meet the relevant Civil Service nationality rules and right-to-work requirements.
Recruitment Process
The recruitment process includes an application sift followed by assessment for candidates who meet the required standard.
Applicants will be required to complete a short application form containing:
- Two Civil Service Behaviour questions
- One Experience-based question
The application questions have a stated 250-word limit.
The behaviours assessed at application stage include:
Communicating and Influencing
Candidates should demonstrate the ability to communicate clearly, adapt their communication style and influence others appropriately.
Developing Self and Others
Applicants should demonstrate commitment to personal development and supporting the development of others.
Evidence of Experience
Candidates will also be assessed on relevant experience.
If successful at sift, applicants will receive further instructions regarding the next stage.
Interview and Facilitation Exercise
The interview stage includes a facilitation exercise.
Candidates will be given a presentation topic once an interview slot has been booked.
The facilitation exercise will last for up to 10 minutes and will assess behaviours including:
- Communicating and Influencing
- Developing Self and Others
- Managing a Quality Service
The interview process will also assess suitability for the Programme Facilitator role and the training programme required for successful candidates.
Interview dates are currently listed as to be confirmed.
Interview-stage behaviours include:
- Communicating and Influencing
- Developing Self and Others
- Working Together
Strengths will also be assessed, although these are not shared with candidates in advance.
Security Checks
Successful candidates will be subject to appropriate pre-employment checks.
The advertised role requires an:
Enhanced DBS check
Candidates should therefore be prepared to complete security and identity checks before taking up the position.
Reserve List
A reserve list may be maintained for up to 12 months.
Candidates who meet the required benchmark may be placed on a reserve list and could subsequently be considered for the same or similar roles as vacancies become available.
Location preferences are important because separate locational reserve lists may be maintained.
Applicants should only select locations where they would genuinely be willing to work.
If a candidate receives an offer from a location they selected and declines it, they may be removed from the reserve list for the vacancy across their location preferences.
Ministry of Justice Employee Benefits
The Ministry of Justice offers a range of benefits and employment support.
Annual Leave
Employees receive 25 days of annual leave on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years of service, plus public holidays.
Part-time and job-share entitlement is calculated on a pro-rata basis.
Pension
The vacancy states that the National Probation Service is covered by the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), administered through the Greater Manchester Pension Fund.
Existing Civil Servants should be aware that moving into the National Probation Service may affect their existing pension arrangements, as explained in the official vacancy.
Training and Development
Employees have access to extensive training and development opportunities designed to support professional growth.
Flexible Benefits
Employees may have access to flexible benefits, voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
Family-Friendly Policies
The organisation supports family-friendly arrangements, including opportunities for reduced hours and job sharing where appropriate.
Parental Leave
Paid maternity, paternity and adoption leave is available in accordance with applicable policies.
Employee Networks
The Ministry of Justice supports employee networks designed to provide advice, support and representation across different groups.
Disability and Reasonable Adjustments
The Ministry of Justice is a Disability Confident employer and is committed to providing candidates with opportunities to demonstrate their skills and abilities.
Reasonable adjustments can be requested during the recruitment process.
Eligible disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria may be offered an interview, except where specific campaign exceptions apply.
Candidates requiring assistance with the application process can contact the recruitment enquiries team.
Important Information About AI-Assisted Applications
The vacancy specifically addresses the use of Artificial Intelligence during recruitment.
AI tools may be used to support an application, but all examples and statements provided by applicants must be:
- Truthful
- Factually accurate
- Based on the applicant’s own experience
Applicants should not present AI-generated examples or other people’s experiences as their own.
Where plagiarism or misrepresentation is identified, an application may be withdrawn and internal candidates may face disciplinary action.
Applicants should therefore use AI responsibly and ensure that every example submitted accurately reflects their real experience.
Why Consider This Programme Facilitator Job?
This position could suit candidates who are interested in:
- Rehabilitation
- Probation services
- Criminal justice
- Behaviour change
- Community interventions
- Supporting people to reduce reoffending
- Group facilitation
- Structured interventions
- Public service careers
- Social and community support
The position combines direct work with people on probation, structured programme delivery, professional development and collaboration with wider criminal justice teams.
It is also an opportunity to contribute to public protection and rehabilitation while developing specialist facilitation skills.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted through the official Ministry of Justice careers portal.
Applicants should carefully review the complete job description and eligibility requirements before submitting an application.
Pay particular attention to:
- UK right-to-work requirements
- Civil Service nationality rules
- Evening and weekend working requirements
- Travel requirements
- Behaviour questions
- Experience questions
- Facilitation exercise requirements
- Enhanced DBS checks
- Training and six-month probationary period
- Skilled Worker visa restrictions
Closing date: 29 September 2026
Job reference: 22187
Full Details + Apply
Programme Facilitator – Sussex
Employer: Ministry of Justice / HM Prison and Probation Service
Salary: £28,064 – £33,549
Location: Crawley / Littlehampton
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time or part-time
Vacancies: 1
Closing date: 29 September 2026
Job reference: 22187
Visa sponsorship: Not eligible for a new Skilled Worker visa
Right to work: UK right to work required
Enhanced DBS: Required
Apply through the official Ministry of Justice vacancy:
https://jobs.justice.gov.uk/careers/ApplicationMethods?jobId=22187&record=22187
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Programme Facilitator job eligible for Skilled Worker sponsorship?
No. The official advert states that the role is not eligible for a new Skilled Worker visa under the immigration changes introduced from 22 July 2025.
A limited transitional position may apply to individuals who held a Skilled Worker visa before that date and have maintained it continuously, subject to assessment under the applicable immigration rules.
What is the salary?
The advertised salary is £28,064 to £33,549, with part-time roles paid pro rata. New entrants are expected to start at £28,064.
Are evening shifts required?
Yes. Evening work is essential because the majority of programmes are delivered in the evening.
Is Saturday work required?
Regular unsocial-hours work may include weekends. Saturday work attracts an additional 50% premium according to the vacancy.
Is there an additional payment for evening work?
Yes. Eligible evening work attracts an additional 30% payment.
Is training provided?
Yes. Extensive training and support are provided. Successful candidates must complete the required training and a six-month probationary period, including an assessment centre and assessed training.
Is the role full-time?
The vacancy is available on a full-time or part-time basis, subject to operational requirements.
Where is the job based?
The advertised locations are Crawley and Littlehampton, within the Kent, Surrey & Sussex region. Travel across the area is expected.
How many positions are available?
There is one advertised vacancy.
What security check is required?
The position requires an Enhanced DBS check, alongside security and identity checks.
When does the application close?
The closing date is 29 September 2026.
Can candidates work from outside the UK?
No. The vacancy states that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas.
Related Ministry of Justice Opportunities
Candidates interested in probation and Ministry of Justice careers may also wish to explore related vacancies, including Programme Facilitator positions in Surrey and Kent and other Civil Service roles.
Applicants should always check the individual vacancy for its own salary, eligibility, location and visa sponsorship conditions.
Final Reminder for Applicants
This is a potentially rewarding public-service position for candidates interested in rehabilitation and helping people make sustained behavioural changes.
However, applicants should not overlook the immigration requirement.
The Programme Facilitator vacancy requires an existing legal right to work in the UK and is not eligible for a new Skilled Worker visa.
Before applying, make sure you can meet the role’s requirements for UK right to work, evening and weekend availability, regional travel, Enhanced DBS clearance and the required training and assessment process.
Source and Disclaimer
This job information is based on the Ministry of Justice vacancy Job ID 22187 – Programme Facilitator – Sussex.
Job details, salary, closing dates, eligibility requirements and recruitment arrangements can change. Applicants should verify the latest information on the official Ministry of Justice recruitment portal before applying.