People in Kent are being urged to consider job opportunities that support the delivery of Community Payback, as the region looks to employ more people in supervisor roles. Community Payback (CP), previously known as Community Service, is an alternative to a prison sentence for people who have committed a crime. The Ministry of Justice is looking for supervisors, who work hands-on to oversee Community Payback projects on the ground.
- People being sought across Kent for supervisor roles to support Community Payback
- For those inspired by recent television crime hits like The Outlaws, now is the time to apply for their own role in the world of criminal justice
- From litter picking to maintaining green spaces, the recruitment drive will help increase the impact of Community Payback projects locally
The recruitment drive in Kent will support efforts to both reduce crime and improve community spaces across the region. With research showing that community interventions are more effective than short prison sentences, a role in Community Payback gives individuals the opportunity to directly impact their community.
For armchair criminal justice advocates, inspired by recent shows like The Outlaws, Jury Duty and Annika, it’s a chance to help offenders get their lives back on track
Projects with community impact
Community Payback supervisors lead small teams, helping to motivate them to complete projects that will impact the community – from restoring community facilities like sports halls and playgrounds to planting trees or graffiti removal. No formal qualifications are necessary, just a reasonable level of fitness and a valid driver’s licence for a manual vehicle.
Some of the projects Community Payback supervisors in Kent have overseen include supporting a disabled member of the community in Maidstone who was unable to tidy, clear and manage their garden themselves, to working within the local community in Canterbury, Kent, by organising street cleaning and litter picks, preparing and serving meals to the local community, and helping to prepare for national events like the Queen’s Jubilee and the Coronation of the new King.
Roles open to a wide range of applicants
The new Community Payback roles are open to a wide range of applicants and are ideal for those looking for a rewarding career where you can both motivate and inspire others to change for the better, and build better and safer places to live.
Carl May, a Community Payback Supervisor from Kent says:
“I was inspired to become a Community Payback supervisor by my deep-rooted belief in the power of rehabilitation and community engagement. Witnessing the transformative impact of restorative justice programs motivated me to contribute actively. In my role, a typical day involves coordinating and overseeing Community Payback projects, ensuring the smooth operation of activities, and fostering a positive environment for both offenders and volunteers. It brings me great joy to witness individuals developing new skills and gaining a sense of purpose. Guiding and supporting offenders in their journey towards personal growth and societal reintegration is immensely rewarding.”
Training given to new staff
All new staff are given robust training to help them work effectively and safely with offenders, from learning about the principles of Community Payback to training on health and safety, risk awareness, and dealing with challenging behaviour. New staff will also have full training on any tools used and will work alongside and shadow an experienced colleague before taking responsibility for supervising a group on their own.
Anyone interested in a career in Community Payback should visit: Community Payback – Ministry of Justice
Please see photos of the different one CP project made in Maidstone here:
For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact [email protected]
About Community supervisors
- Flexible work patterns, which will include some weekends and evenings, paid at a higher rate, and the potential to work part-time in some roles
- No specific experience or qualifications needed
- Driving licence required for a manual vehicle
- Salaries £23,637 – £29,046. Roles in London attract an additional London weighting of £4,125.84.
- 25 days’ annual leave, increasing to 30 days after five years’ service – plus eight public holidays and service days
- Attractive occupational pension (Local Government Pension Scheme)
- Wide range of other Civil Service benefits including childcare vouchers, a cycle to work scheme and travel loans
