Blueline Jobs

As part of their punishment, some offenders carry out unpaid work through the National Probation Service’s Community Payback Scheme which benefits their local communities.

Robert Wakefield, a former Prison Officer joined the Community Payback scheme as a supervisor via Criminal Justice Skills Recruitment Agency in 2008 and has made a real impact on the local community.

Robert’s typical day involves meeting with approx 6-10 offenders bright and early at 8:15am and assigning the day’s work. The projects are varied and include litter clearance, graffiti removal, repairing and redecorating community centres and environmental work.

Although managing a group of offenders can be challenging, Robert says, “I've had many minor victories and seen first-hand how the scheme can benefit the offenders to learn new skills and better their lives.”

One of Robert’s success stories is the Dukinfield Crematorium. This project started out as general environmental work, such as clearing trees and shrubs. However, Robert approached the supervisor at the Crematorium and suggested building wood chip paths through the woods, building benches and an area of serenity for mourners.

Roberts’s idea was supported by Greater Manchester Probation Trust and work has commenced at the Crematorium. Robert explains, “This job started with offenders saying ‘not Dukinfield Crematorium again’ but now they're saying ‘Hey Rob, can I work on the path, ‘or Hey Rob, can I do the wood chipping or pegging and so on’. The lads have got right behind the project and as they are creating and building instead of clearing or litter picking they actively get stuck in.”

“This job is ideal as working and supporting people suits me down to the ground. The money is good and the flexibility is second to none. I have worked 5 days in a row from my own choice or other times just 2 days a week so it suits my lifestyle,” he adds.

“When I first applied for the role with Criminal Justice Skills, I had some idea of what the Community Payback Scheme was as I was a Prison Officer but the Criminal Justice Consultant, who was a former Probation Officer himself, clearly explained to me the nature of the job.”

Robert’s tips for becoming a successful supervisor?

“The main attributes you need are common sense. Safety is paramount and making sure you have control of the group. This can be done by building rapport and clearly setting expectations with the offenders. Shouting definitely doesn’t work, but having a sense of humour gets you a lot further."

“It’s a job you have to get involved in both in heart and soul but the payback for yourself is enormous in pride and motivation.”

If you would like to find out more about becoming a Community Payback Supervisor please contact the Criminal Justice Skills Team on 020 3119 3317.