Access to Probation Qualifications

POs and PSOs will also be able to demonstrate

• Knowledge of probation policy and enforcement procedures, and of the key legislation setting out the framework of custodial and community sentences.

• Understanding of the causes of crime and management of offending behaviour.

How do you access the qualifications?

To qualify as a PSO the Vocational Qualification Level 3 Diploma in Probation Practice* needs to be gained.

Access to this qualification is open to all PSOs.

To apply for Probation Officer posts:

either

The Honours Degree in Community Justice and Vocational Qualification*

or

(For graduates with a relevant honours degree) The Graduate Diploma in Community Justice and Vocational Qualification Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice* needs to be gained.

Access to the Honours Degree or Graduate Diploma is subject to recruitment and selection.

* All qualifications are undertaken whilst candidates are based in the work place and integrate both theory and practice.

For further information contact your local Probation Headquarters

Probation Qualifications Framework – towards a Qualified Workforce

The new Probation Qualifications Framework provides work-based pathways to qualify as either a Probation Services’ Officer (PSO) or as Probation Officer (PO).

What will a Probation Services’ Officer be able to do on the first day after qualification?

At the point of qualification, a Probation Services’ Officer should be able to demonstrate the ability to:

• assess risk of harm to others and need for interventions

• promote equality and value diversity

• communicate effectively with people

• support offenders to change

• work effectively with others

• develop own knowledge and skills

• work towards performance outcomes in one of the specialist pathways.

What will a Probation Officer be able to do on the first day of appointment?

In addition to the skills acquired as a PSO, a PO will need to demonstrate an ability to:

• protect the public and manage offenders who present a high risk of harm to others

• influence offenders to change harmful behaviour

• continuously develop professionally

• promote equality and diversity

• work to the principles of evidence based practice.

VQ3CommunityJusticeVocational Qualificationlevel 3

Pathway Employee Type

For those who need it

No previousVQ units

Some previous(N)VQ units (APEL)

12 months from appointment

2 years (plus or minus)

10 days

9 months

9 months

6 months

Hons DegreeIn CommunityJustice

GraduateDiploma in Community Justice

2

3

4

5

6

SelectionGateway forPO vacancies

Qualified PSO

1

Existing PSO withVQ3

Newly appointedPSO with VQ3

Existing PSO with relevant Honours Degree

Newly appointedPSO with no qualification

Existing PSO (with no qualification)

Qualified to level5 VQ + Honours Degree

Newly appointedwith relevant Honours Degree

Recruitment& Selection

Register for VQ

Assessment Activity

Employers Selection Gateway

Completefirst six unitsof VQ5

Recruitment& Selection

Recruitment& Selection

Qualify at VQ3

Foundation degree and part 1 VQ5

Degree part 3 and part 2 VQ5

Graduate Diplomaand part 2 VQ5

Employers Selection Gateway

Gateway to Practice

Gateway to Practice

Gateway to Practice

Employers Selection Gateway

Probation Qualifications 2010 Employer options –

Routes to Qualified Workforce

Diagram: Catherine Holland