THE Probation Service has launched its summer recruitment drive to find diverse candidates ready to train as the next generation of probation officers across the East of England. 

The Trainee Probation Officer Programme Professional Qualification in Probation (PQiP) offers a unique opportunity for people to embark on a career protecting the public while supporting rehabilitation – with full salary and a fully-funded qualification provided while you train. 

People from all backgrounds and walks of life from careers in education, retail, the armed forces, or customer service roles are particularly encouraged to apply, as the service looks to build a workforce that reflects the East of England’s diverse communities. 

Alex Osler, Regional Director for East of England Probation Service, said: 

“We’re looking for people with resilience, ability to build working relationships and good organisational skills to join our team in the East of England.   

“This recruitment campaign comes at a crucial time when our local communities need skilled professionals who can help reduce reoffending and harm while supporting rehabilitation. 

“The Probation Service offers a challenging but incredibly rewarding career where you can make a genuine difference to public safety and individual lives.”

Lily Hamer, 26, from Hertfordshire, has been a Probation Officer for three years and is based in Harlow, Essex. She studied psychology at undergraduate level before specialising in forensic psychology for her master’s degree. With parents who worked in public service—her father was a police officer and her mother a nurse—conversations about crime and rehabilitation were commonplace in her house growing up.  

Lily said she discovered the Probation Service through her studies. She applied for the Professional Qualification in Probation (PQiP) programme during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in 2020-2021 and has now been qualified for nearly three years. 

Her daily responsibilities include tasks such as conducting client appointments, communicating with partner agencies including police, drug and alcohol services, and housing departments, delivering intervention work and attending multi-agency meetings to assess and manage risk. Lily said:

“It’s very rewarding when people do succeed. You really do feel that you’ve made a difference. 

“If you’re interested in people and believe that people can change and have a fundamental desire to support people in reaching their potential, then probation is 100% the role for you.”

The trainee probation officer programme combines academic learning with hands-on experience through working as a probation services officer during the programme, allowing trainees to earn while they learn and develop the practical skills needed to succeed. Upon qualification, officers can apply for a role to work with offenders to address the root causes of criminal behaviour, from substance misuse to employment challenges, while ensuring court orders are fulfilled. 

Key benefits of the PQiP programme include: 

• Starting salary of £26475 while training (an additional allowance of £4,249 is applied in London) 
• Fully funded Professional Qualification in Probation (Level 6 equivalent) 
• Structured mentoring and development 
• Excellent civil service pension and benefits package 

Applications close on August 18th. Candidates can apply via Prison and Probation Jobs.