Bail Information Service: Bail Information Officer (BIO) - North East (Ref: 92190)

HM Prison and Probation Service

Nov 13

Applications are closed

Job
Full-time
Junior, Mid & Senior Level
Government & Politics
Durham

Requirements

An ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through the medium of English or (where specified in Wales) Welsh.

Responsibilities

Responsible for preparing written, BIRs concerning defendants appearing at second and subsequent bail hearings in Magistrate and Crown Courts following an initial period of remand into prison custody.
Interview defendants held in prison establishments, either in person or via Video Link, to gather information relevant to bail applications. Verifying information provided wherever possible.
Ensure proposed accommodation availability checks are completed in a timely and efficient manner.
Extract and interpret information relating to defendants from available systems and databases. Including where available NDelius, the Digital Prison System (DPS) and the Offender Assessment System (OASys). Identify previous offending behaviour and instances of non-compliance as well as previous engagement with Probation supervision. Liaising with Community Offender Managers where applicable.
Establish and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders involved with BIS. Obtaining information relevant to the defendant and their application for release on bail. This will include, but is not limited to, solicitors, Probation Service, mental health teams, substance misuse services, and court staff.
Ensure referrals to community organisations for defendants are completed to assist in addressing any identified support needs and to access ongoing support if released on bail.
Analyse and accurately interpret complex Police records to identify any public protection or safeguarding concerns and submit necessary referrals/requests for information to Probation, Local Authorities, Police Forces and any other appropriate agencies.
Liaise with Local Authorities, and where identified, share Safeguarding concerns and relevant information.
Provide ongoing support and through-care to defendants remanded into custody in preparation for subsequent hearings at which release on bail is to be considered.
Where there is an identified need for accommodation support, ensure referrals to Community Accommodation Services (Level 2) are completed and contribute towards referrals to Community Accommodation Services (Level 1) in line with National HMPPS Policy.
Liaise with Immigration Teams or Home Office to gather information on defendants identified as Foreign Nationals.
Contribute to the support of defendants identified as potential victims of modern-day slavery through liaison with the National Referral Mechanism Team.
Ensure all relevant IT systems are updated to fully reflect the end-end process of BIS.
Responsible for working collaboratively with colleagues across BIS to ensure it meets its aims and objectives. Supporting peers and maintaining effective and productive team relationships.

FAQs

What is the role of a Bail Information Officer (BIO)?

The Bail Information Officer (BIO) is responsible for preparing Bail Information Reports concerning defendants appearing at bail hearings. This includes gathering information from defendants, verifying details, and producing factual, objective reports for the judiciary.

Where will the Bail Information Officer be working?

The Bail Information Officer will work in a prison establishment within a designated BIS region.

What qualifications or training are required for this role?

The successful candidate will undergo additional specialised training to deliver the role of a Bail Information Officer.

What are the main duties of a Bail Information Officer?

The main duties include interviewing defendants, preparing written reports, gathering and interpreting information, ensuring timely accommodation checks, and liaising with various stakeholders such as solicitors and probation services.

Is this position operational with line management responsibilities?

No, this is a non-operational role with no line management responsibilities.

What is the salary for this position?

The salary for the Bail Information Officer position is £31,995, with an additional employer contribution of £9,268 towards a Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

What benefits are offered with this role?

Benefits include access to learning and development, flexible working options, a Civil Service pension contribution, annual leave, public holidays, and the possibility of a season ticket advance.

Who can apply for this position?

The job is broadly open to UK nationals, Republic of Ireland nationals, Commonwealth nationals with the right to work in the UK, EU nationals with settled status, and certain other specified groups.

What security checks are required for this role?

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check and complete baseline personnel security standard checks.

How will my performance be assessed in this role?

Your performance will be assessed based on specific behaviours, strengths, and experience during the selection process.

HM Prison and Probation Service

Preventing victims by changing lives.

Government

Industry

10,001+

Employees

Mission & Purpose

The Prison and Probation Service in the UK is responsible for the management of prisons and the supervision of offenders in the community. Their ultimate mission is to protect the public by reducing reoffending and ensuring offenders are safely and securely managed. Their purpose is to support rehabilitation, provide opportunities for offenders to reform, and ensure they are prepared for successful reintegration into society. The service is committed to maintaining safety, security, and effectiveness in the criminal justice system.