Probation service launches drive to recruit next generation of officers in Hertfordshire

People across England and Wales can now apply to become trainee probation officers, earning a salary from day one while completing fully funded training equivalent to a degree-level qualification.

Probation Officers supervise people on probation, manage risk and support rehabilitation. They work across the justice system to tackle the root causes of reoffending, including substance misuse, housing instability and unemployment.

The Government is recruiting an additional 1,300 trainee probation officers across 2026/27, on top of the 2,300 already pledged to be brought in since 2024. The recruitment drive is aimed particularly at people with transferable skills from education, health, social care, the military and other public-facing roles.

New research for the Ministry of Justice found that only one in five adults (21%) correctly identified the Probation Service as mainly responsible for supervising offenders serving sentences in the community.

After reading about what the role involves, more than half of adults (55%) said they would be interested in finding out more about a career as a Probation Officer, including almost a quarter (24%) who were very interested.

Rebecca Dale, 43, works as a Sexual Harm Practitioner in Hertfordshire and has spent more than 21 years in probation, having joined straight after university.

Rebecca studied criminology at university and says a former probation officer turned lecturer inspired her to pursue a career helping people change their lives while protecting the public.

She said: “I remember saying to my dad that if I could help one person change their life and move away from crime, I would feel fulfilled. I’ve now been doing this for more than 21 years and have helped lots of people. That’s rewarding and it was really my mission statement when I started my career.

“I realised I could combine my interest in crime with a desire to help other people.

“Every role I’ve done has been different. I’ve worked with people with complex issues and a range of needs. I was always keen to develop and specialise in different areas.

“The reality is that people do not stay in prison forever. We all want to live in a community that feels safe, and probation has a huge role to play in helping reduce risk and preventing future victims.

“Throughout most of my career I worked directly with convicted offenders, but now I also work closely with partners and families. Every case is different and it’s incredibly interesting work.

“Resilience is really important. You need to be reflective about your practice and kind to yourself. Having good relationships with colleagues helps, and it’s also important to have hobbies and interests outside work. You have to be able to switch off.

“If you want a career where every day is different, where you can challenge yourself and make a real difference to people and communities, probation is a fantastic profession.”

Trainees complete the Professional Qualification in Probation (PQiP) over 15, 21 or 27 months, depending on existing qualifications. To apply for PQiP candidates must hold a minimum Level 3 qualification in any subject, including A levels, a diploma or a degree. Applications are open now here.