To help address the need for more probation officers highlighted by the recent prison service crisis, His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service has opened its trainee probation officers programme course externally to non-graduates
To help address the need for more probation officers highlighted by the recent prison service crisis, His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service has opened its trainee probation officers programme course externally to non-graduates for the first time in 14 years. The recruitment window will be open from August 12th for two weeks.
For the first time in over a decade, the trainee probation officer programme at the University of Portsmouth in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, will be open to individuals with Level 3 qualifications (such as A-levels). This significant change aims to widen the pool of potential recruits, providing new career opportunities for those who may not have previously considered a career in probation.
A fundamental asset of the probation service is its people, and the new non-graduate entry route places the same emphasis on experience as academic attainment in developing its workforce. Probation officers play a pivotal role in the criminal justice system, supporting people to make positive changes. Whilst it can be challenging, being a probation officer is an interesting, varied, and fulfilling career. We are excited to see this new route open doors to a rewarding career in the probation service for many more people.
The University of Portsmouth has been the primary academic provider for probation officer training for the past 20 years, covering 50 per cent of England and Wales. The new 27-month training program is work-based, allowing recruits to gain hands-on experience while pursuing their academic studies.
This September, Portsmouth will welcome its first cohort of students without previous higher education experience, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of probation officer training.
Michelle McDermott Programme Area Leader at the University of Portsmouth has had a career spanning 18 years in the National Probation Service (NPS) and His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS). She says: “A fundamental asset of the probation service is its people, and the new non-graduate entry route places the same emphasis on experience as academic attainment in developing its workforce. Probation officers play a pivotal role in the criminal justice system, supporting people to make positive changes. Whilst it can be challenging, being a probation officer is an interesting, varied, and fulfilling career. We are excited to see this new route open doors to a rewarding career in the probation service for many more people.”
Working with our HEI partners, including the University of Portsmouth, we have designed and implemented a new pathway on the trainee probation officer program (PQiP). Upon completion, this program will allow individuals to work as qualified Probation Officers, making a positive impact on offenders’ lives and in their communities.”
Thomas Reed, Head of Probation Professional Pathways, adds: “The Ministry of Justice is pleased to announce that the new non-graduate trainee probation officer program is reopening. Those with a Level 3 qualification who aspire to be Probation Officers but have not previously studied at a Higher Education Institute will now have the opportunity. Working with our HEI partners, including the University of Portsmouth, we have designed and implemented a new pathway on the trainee probation officer program (PQiP). Upon completion, this program will allow individuals to work as qualified Probation Officers, making a positive impact on offenders’ lives and in their communities.”
The recruitment window opens on August 12th and will be available for two weeks. This is a unique opportunity for those with A-levels or equivalent qualifications to embark on a fulfilling career in probation.
For more information about the program and how to apply, please visit https://prisonandprobationjobs.gov.uk/roles-at-hmpps/overview-of-the-probation-officer-role/probation-officer-training-pqip/