You can register your interest now, and you will be alerted by email once the application window opens. By registering your interest you will also have the opportunity to join webinars and live chat sessions with existing Probation Officers, giving you the opportunity to find out more about the role before you apply.
The recruitment process
The recruitment process usually takes six months. So, if you apply in January you can expect to start in July. Apply in July, and you will usually start the following January.
If you’re successful, we’ll send you a provisional offer letter. However, our vacancies are linked to teams’ needs. So, unfortunately, we can’t guarantee you a placement during an intake. PQiP roles are assigned on merit from assessment scores, each team’s preferences and the length of your commute.
If we can’t place you, we’ll defer your application to following intakes until a suitable vacancy is available – for a maximum of 12 months. After this, you would have to reapply.
Are you eligible?
To apply, you’ll need at least a relevant degree, foundation degree, diploma of higher education, higher apprenticeship or equivalent qualification. You’ll also need to have studied a number of particular modules.
Alternatively, you could have experience working with challenging individuals whose lives are in crisis and display challenging behaviour. It doesn’t matter whether it’s paid or voluntary – just that it involves the kind of behaviour we see from offenders.
Security clearance
If you’re successful, you’ll need to get HMPPS security clearance.
All of our positions are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, which means you’ll have to declare any and all convictions, cautions and absolute or conditional discharges – however long ago they occurred.
Obviously, we believe people can change. A conviction doesn’t mean you can’t be a Probation Officer. But not disclosing one will put an end to your application.
The application form
The first stage of the recruitment process involves filling out our application form.
As well as asking you about your education and career, there are a number competency questions.
These are your chance to demonstrate your expertise. The examples you give and way you explain them will help us decide whether to invite you to the next stage.
Application form tips
- Make sure you know all about our work, purpose and structure.
- Match the job’s purpose and required skills to your abilities.
- Tailor your answers to each competency question.
- Talk about how you’ve solved relevant problems or met targets.
- Only list professional qualifications relevant to the job profile
- Get a friend to read your application.
- When you think you’re done, leave it for an hour and check it again.