As the long summer season draws to a close, thousands of residents and visitors have enjoyed Norfolk's stunning coastline. What many won't have realised is that behind the scenes, Community Payback teams have played a vital role in helping keep local beaches clean, safe and welcoming for everyone.
Working in partnership with the Marine Conservation Society, teams across Norfolk carried out regular beach cleans and environmental surveys, removing litter from coastal areas and gathering information that helped support conservation efforts.
Community Payback is the delivery of unpaid work requirements ordered by courts as part of a community sentence, ensuring people on probation repay their debt to society by helping the communities they have harmed.
Community Payback Supervisor Emma Marshall, 48, from Norwich, has worked in the Probation Service for four years after previously spending 14 years working in the Prison Service.
Emma oversees projects across Norfolk and says the beach work is among the most rewarding activities Community Payback teams undertake.
She said:
"The beach projects make a visible difference. We're helping to keep Norfolk's coastline clean for local people and visitors, while also helping to protect wildlife and the environment.
"When we're collecting litter or carrying out surveys for the Marine Conservation Society, people can immediately see the impact of the work. It's something the whole community benefits from."
Lizzie Price, Beachwatch Manager at Marine Conservation Society said:
“We really value offenders playing an active role in protecting our seas and communities. Clearing litter from our beaches is a practical way to contribute to both the local environment and wider conservation efforts and helps to gather important information on what’s washing up on our shores. From sewage-related items such as wet wipes to plastic bottles, recording each piece of litter helps us better understand ocean pollution and supports us in campaigning for cleaner seas and a healthier planet.”
Alongside beach cleans, Community Payback teams support a range of local projects, including maintaining village halls, supporting community organisations and improving shared public spaces.
Emma added:
"One of the best parts of the role is being able to work directly with local communities and organisations. Every project is different, but they're all about making places better for the people who use them.
"Community Payback allows people to give something positive back. Whether we're cleaning beaches, improving community buildings or helping local charities, the work leaves a lasting benefit."
The Probation Service is currently recruiting Community Payback staff across the region.
Emma said:
"No two days are the same. If you enjoy working with people, being outdoors and seeing the difference your work makes, it's a really rewarding role."
Those interested in joining Community Payback can find out how to apply here.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Extraordinary Jobs
The new recruitment campaign for Community Payback is part of the Ministry of Justice's Extraordinary Jobs (EJ) campaign, which showcases the crucial role probation staff play in changing lives and supporting communities.
Community Payback
Community Payback is a type of community sentence that requires offenders to complete unpaid work that benefits local communities.
The expansion of punishments outside of prison, like community sentences, is part of wider landmark sentencing reforms implemented by the government to ensure order in the prison system and that we always have cells available for the most dangerous criminals.
Projects can include environmental improvement schemes, conservation work, painting and decorating community buildings, grounds maintenance and supporting local charities.
Community Payback staff in Norfolk work with a range of local community partners to improve local environments and public spaces.
Community Payback roles offer job security, career progression opportunities and competitive benefits. Supervisors and Coordinators start on salaries of £28,064 with enhanced rates of pay for weekend and unsocial hours. There are also opportunities to progress into operational management roles, where salaries reach upwards of £46,746 No qualifications are required, and full training will be provided.
Community Payback placement coordinators are responsible both for working with local charities and organisations to agree the projects and for ensuring they are carried out – from planning rotas to making sure everyone has what they need.
Applicants should be comfortable working outdoors, have basic IT skills and be willing to work one weekend day as part of the role's working pattern with additional pay for weekend working.
Full training, including health and safety, is provided.
Some locations may be able to accommodate part-time working.
