Up to five million hours of unpaid work last year helped transform neighbourhoods, and more people are now being called to join these efforts.

The Probation Service is currently recruiting Community Payback supervisors and placement coordinators across the country, including in Hampshire and the New Forest.

These roles are seen as a way to both help offenders make positive changes and improve local areas.

Stephen, 59, has worked as a Community Payback placement coordinator in Hampshire and the New Forest for ten years. Before this, he was a health and safety manager in the private sector.

Reflecting on his career change, Stephen said: "Someone asked me if I’d ever be interested in working with people on probation, I’d come from the private sector, but I gave it a go - and before long, I realised this job wasn’t just different, it was genuinely rewarding."

He also explained why he finds his job motivating.

Stephen said: "Community Payback combines meaningful punishment with the chance to give back to society by restoring public spaces, supporting local projects and helping to break the cycle of crime."

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Belief in people’s ability to change is important in these roles.

Stephen said: "You’ve got to believe that people can change. The best supervisors notice when someone’s having a rough day and check in with them.

"That sort of empathy makes a difference - it helps people feel seen, and that’s powerful."

He noted that helping people take pride in their work was especially valuable.

Stephen said: "I could send someone out to pick litter all day, but that doesn’t always help them grow. If they can drive past a project and say, ‘I did that’, it gives them a moment of pride - and that can be the start of something better."

There is no typical background for Community Payback supervisors or placement coordinators, with staff coming from many walks of life.

The roles can be varied, with responsibilities changing from one moment to the next. Good communication skills and the ability to lead a team are key.

More information can be found at prisonandprobationjobs.gov.uk.