Applications for the Probation Officer training programme will be opening in June.

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.

Live Q&A sessions

If you’re interested in training to become a Probation Officer but want to know more about the role and application process, join our live Q&A sessions where you’ll be able to speak with our resourcing and training teams and current Probation Officers.

Register now for the following sessions:

• Joining the PQiP – what to expect (6pm, Tuesday 9 June): This session will provide an introduction to the PQiP programme and what kind of cases and support you can expect day-to-day, as well as giving you hints and tips. Register here.

• Applying to be a Probation Officer – the dos and don’ts (6pm, Monday 15 June): This session will guide you through the assessment process and help you make your application stand out. You’ll learn about the process itself, including vetting and documentation, assessment centres and allocations, and gain an insight into what makes a successful applicant. Register here.

• Working as Probation Officer – do I belong? (6pm, Monday 22 June): This session will show you the diverse group of people who belong to our workforce and the ways in which we ensure we are reflective of the diverse public we serve. Register here.

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.

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.

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.

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.