Becoming a Community Payback supervisor changed my life – and helped countless others

There are many misconceptions about Community Payback, previously known as community service, and the work done by Community Payback supervisors like me. Despite what you may think, there is a lot more to it than scrubbing graffiti off walls. Every day is different and whilst it can be challenging at times, it can also be a very rewarding career.

Staff in the probation service play a key role in the criminal justice system, reducing reoffending by helping offenders to make small, positive changes in their lives. As highlighted by the recent news around the shortage of prison places, the need for the probation service is greater than ever. And while my job can at times be testing, having the support of colleagues and the satisfaction of being part of something bigger while making a difference to local communities, makes it feel worthwhile.

I had a few different jobs before working in the probation service. I served in the armed forces for three years as part of 2nd Battalion, Royal Anglian regiment. I then went on to work in retail and spent around 20 years working in warehouses.

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As I was approaching my 50s, I decided it was time for a change. I didn’t know what I wanted to do next, but I did know I wanted to pursue something more fulfilling.

One day, I was in town, and I bumped into someone I knew removing tools from their van. We caught up, and they began to explain their job in Community Payback. They thought my skills and background in the army would be a good fit and suggested I should look into it, so I did, and I was inspired. I knew that it was the job for me. I applied as soon as a role became available and after a couple of conversations, I secured my place in the probation service. The rest, as they say, is history.

That was around 17 years ago, and I’ve never looked back. As a Community Payback supervisor, I’ve supported roughly 16,000 offenders, helping each of them through their own rehabilitation journey as they have completed the work to make amends for their crime. It’s something I’m extremely proud of and hope to continue doing for many years to come.

Those 17 years haven’t come without their challenges. Fundamentally, we work with offenders – people that have committed crimes and have a public order to see through. It’s safe to say not everyone wants to be there. But it’s our responsibility to ensure offenders complete their unpaid work hours, so that projects provide as much value as possible to the community.

For some, showing up, working hard, and being held accountable for something week-on-week is a real challenge. But hard work can be rewarding. It builds resilience and helps give offenders goals and objectives to work towards – something they can be proud of. They leave with a different outlook – with new skills, confidence, and a better chance of getting their lives back on track.

As part of your training, in addition to learning all about health and safety and first aid, you learn how to deal with challenging behaviour, risk awareness skills, and pro-social modelling (how to be a role model so you can motivate and bring out the best in people). Every day you’re putting those skills into practice in the hope of helping someone onto a more positive path.

I remember working with an offender a while back who had 300 hours on their order. I spent a lot of time with them over the course of several months, and during that time, we spoke about my experiences in the army.

It turns out that this particular offender had always had an interest in the army and said that, once they completed their time on Community Payback, they wanted to apply like I did. After completing their order, I told them how to enlist and they went on their way.

Six months later, I was out and about and was approached by someone that I didn’t recognise. They were clean cut and in really good shape. It wasn’t until they started thanking me for what I’d done for them that I realised it was the same person I had directed to that army recruitment centre six months back. They had just finished basic training and wanted to see me again in person.

I’m not afraid to admit that I welled up when they shook my hand. These are the moments that make my job so special and over 17 years I’m proud to say that this is just one example of many.

Each project we work on is unique. I manage Community Payback teams to help improve community spaces that might otherwise have been forgotten. One day we might be gardening in a local park or allotment, then next we might be clearing and cleaning spaces in our community, helping build a high street that people are proud of and locals want to spend time in.

We also work closely with charities that might be short-staffed or in need of support. For example, at one project I run in Peterborough, we work very closely with wildlife charity, the Arc. Offenders will build bird boxes, hedgehog homes and benches; all vital jobs that help alleviate some of the more general work pressures on the charity.

I really believe in the work we do on Community Payback, and I’m just as passionate about my job now as I was when I started 17 years ago.

Maybe, like me, you want to find a job that gives you the chance to really give back to your community and maybe, like me, you’ll find that in the probation service.

Mick Howes is a Community Payback supervisor working in Peterborough. Community Payback is just one of many roles available in the varied and rewarding probation service. To find out more about the probation service and explore Community Payback roles in your local area, visit their website.

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