Senior Admin Officer – Mid Kent, Kent, Surrey and Sussex
- Job title: Senior Administrative Officer
- Employer: HM Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS)
- Directorate: National Probation Service
- Reference: 22288
- Reference number: 481642
- Location: NPS, 17 Garden Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2XP
- Salary: £28,064 – £33,549 per year
- Grade: NPS Pay Band 3 National
- Contract: Fixed-term, up to 1 year
- Working pattern: Full-time
- Hours: 37 hours per week
- Job type: Administration / Corporate Support
- Vacancies: 1
- Closing date: 11:55 pm, Monday 5 October 2026
About the Role
HM Prison & Probation Service is recruiting a Senior Administrative Officer to provide coordination, administrative and corporate support within the National Probation Service.
The successful candidate will support divisional, functional or cluster teams and work closely with the Hub Manager, Business Manager, colleagues and external partners.
The role includes responsibility for business administration systems, records, reports, facilities-related matters and staff management. The postholder will also contribute to the effective delivery of operational probation services.
This is a senior administrative position suited to someone with previous administration experience who can organise work effectively, support colleagues and manage a range of business activities.
Key Responsibilities
The Senior Administrative Officer will be responsible for a range of administrative, management-support and operational activities, including:
- Developing and maintaining business administration systems, databases and recording systems.
- Preparing and collating documentation to support divisional and operational activities.
- Maintaining relevant registers, including complaints, accidents, Freedom of Information and Serious Further Offences records.
- Monitoring agreed processes and ensuring activities are completed within required timescales.
- Managing records relating to monies, imprest and associated transactions.
- Acting as a vetting contact point for the relevant division, function or cluster.
- Monitoring travel warrants, bus passes and cheque book requests.
- Assisting with purchase orders within agreed procurement arrangements.
- Attending meetings and events on behalf of the Business Manager where required.
- Supporting health, safety and fire procedures across relevant sites.
- Reporting building repairs, defects and security issues and monitoring their progress.
- Coordinating risk assessments, fire drills and ergonomic assessments.
- Maintaining relevant health and safety registers and coordinating training.
- Supporting recruitment and staff development activities.
- Managing and providing leadership to administrative staff.
- Addressing performance, attendance, employee relations and development matters.
- Preparing reports and contributing to meetings.
- Collecting, analysing and presenting information to identify trends and support decision-making.
- Maintaining the security and confidentiality of sensitive information.
- Ensuring resources are used effectively and provide value for money.
- Supporting knowledge and information requests and record-retrieval activities.
- Promoting the aims and values of the National Probation Service and HMPPS.
Requirements / Person Specification
Applicants should have:
- Previous administration experience.
- Experience providing a broad range of management support activities.
- Experience supporting colleagues to deliver a quality service.
- NVQ Level 2 or equivalent.
- GCSE Grade A–C in English and Maths, or equivalent.
- IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint, or equivalent systems.
The role also requires the ability to communicate confidently in spoken English.
Civil Service Behaviours
The selection process will assess candidates against behaviours including:
- Communicating and Influencing
- Making Effective Decisions
- Delivering at Pace
- Leadership
- Seeing the Big Picture
The job description also identifies Changing and Improving, Managing a Quality Service and Developing Self and Others as relevant behaviours.
Salary & Benefits
The salary for this position is £28,064 to £33,549 per year.
Benefits include:
- Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
- Annual leave.
- Public holidays.
- Season Ticket Advance.
- Access to learning and development opportunities.
- Flexible working options designed to support work-life balance.
- An inclusive working environment.
Working Pattern
This is a full-time, 37-hour-per-week position.
The contract is fixed-term for up to one year and is based at the NPS office at 17 Garden Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
Visa / Right-to-Work
The advert does not state that this vacancy offers Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.
The role is broadly open to eligible UK nationals, Irish nationals, qualifying Commonwealth citizens with the right to work in the UK, certain EU/EEA/Swiss nationals with relevant EU Settlement Scheme status, eligible individuals with limited or indefinite leave to remain, and qualifying Turkish nationals and family members.
Applicants should check the nationality and right-to-work requirements carefully before applying.
Application / Selection Process
Applications are being handled through the Civil Service recruitment process and the vacancy uses Success Profiles.
Candidates will be assessed on their Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.
Applicants should ensure that all examples and statements in their application are truthful, factually accurate and based on their own experience. The advert states that inappropriate use of artificial intelligence, including presenting generated material as personal experience, may result in an application being withdrawn.
Successful candidates must undergo a standard or equivalent criminal record check and baseline personnel security checks.
Deadline
The closing date is 11:55 pm on Monday 5 October 2026.
The advert may no longer be available after the vacancy closes, so applicants should save any information they need for their records.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for the Senior Admin Officer role?
The advertised salary is £28,064 to £33,549 per year.
Where is the job based?
The position is based at NPS, 17 Garden Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2XP.
Is this a permanent position?
No. It is a fixed-term appointment for up to one year.
How many vacancies are available?
There is 1 vacancy.
What qualifications are required?
Applicants should have NVQ Level 2 or equivalent, GCSE Grade A–C in English and Maths or equivalent, and relevant IT skills.
Is previous administration experience required?
Yes. The advert specifically asks for previous administration experience and experience providing a wide range of management support activities.
Does this job offer visa sponsorship?
The vacancy information provided does not advertise Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants who require sponsorship should confirm their eligibility directly with the employer before applying.
What behaviours will be assessed?
The listed selection behaviours include Communicating and Influencing, Making Effective Decisions, Delivering at Pace, Leadership and Seeing the Big Picture.
Who is the employer?
The position is with HM Prison & Probation Service, within the National Probation Service.
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