Trainee Probation Officer - Professional Qualification in Probation East Midlands (Intake 21 )

Trainee Probation Officer - Professional Qualification in Probation (Intake 21 - External Campaign)

Please note that this campaign is targeted to external candidates not currently employed by the Ministry of Justice. If you are directly employed, you may be eligible to apply to the Internal Campaigns.

Train to be a Probation Officer

Salary

£28,064 p.a. London Probation Delivery, within the M25 boundary attract an additional allowance of £4,505 p.a.

Role and programme overview

Working in probation is a career like no other. Probation officers protect the public, support victims and help reduce reoffending by working directly with offenders in the community and in prison. The Trainee Probation Officer Programme, including the Professional Qualification in Probation (PQiP), is a fully funded, work-based programme, combining university learning with practical experience.

We’re looking for empathetic, resilient individuals who want to help people change. The role is both rewarding and challenging, working with individuals with complex and varied needs. From the start, you’ll make a positive impact, your decisions can help people move away from offending behaviour and build a better future, supporting individuals to access education, employment, treatment or counselling to reduce reoffending.

You’ll join a supportive team who will guide you throughout your training and support your career development. In addition, we offer a competitive salary, and benefits package, including 25 days’ annual leave, public holidays and membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme

On successful completion, you’ll qualify as a Probation Officer starting salary of £37,238p.a.

Eligibility requirements

We offer different learning programmes dependant on the level of qualification you hold.

Graduates with a level 5 qualification, or above, e.g. an honours degree, a foundation degree, a diploma of higher education, a Level 5 vocational qualification or a higher apprenticeship will complete a 15- or 21-Month Programme

Non-Graduates with a level 3 qualification e.g. A Level, Advanced apprenticeship, International Baccalaureate Diploma or Level 3 NVQ will complete a 27-month Programme.

To apply, you must have some experience of working with challenging individuals in order to be able to demonstrate your suitability for the post. For more information visit Skills and qualifications you need - Prison and Probation Jobs

This is a full-time post of 37 hours per week. Part-time placements are available (min 22.2 hours per week) for applicants who hold a level 5 qualification. The working days are not fixed but learners are required to attend all learning events. The programme length will be extended, taking up to 30 months to complete.

Recruitment Process

Involves an application form, online test and half day assessment centre. Further information is available through How to apply - Prison and Probation Jobs.

Online assessment centres are scheduled for September & October 2026.Those invited must provide evidence of their completed qualification, if unavailable, acceptable evidence may include an exit award showing at least 120 credits at Level 5 if you did not complete your degree, or a valid transcript or confirmation of your pass mark from your education provider. If your qualification cannot be confirmed or does not meet the requirements, your place may be withdrawn.

Pre-employment checks

If successful, you must complete pre-employment checks, including Enhanced Level 2 vetting and DBS. The role also requires Non-Police Personnel Vetting Level 2; you must provide evidence of UK residency for the last 3 years.

All roles are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, so spent and unspent convictions, cautions and discharges must be declared. Cases are considered individually, but failure to disclose relevant information may end your application.

Artificial Intelligence

We understand that AI tools can be useful when preparing your application, it’s important that anything you submit reflects your own skills and experience.

For full guidance visit

Artificial intelligence and recruitment | Civil Service Careers

Right to work in the UK You must have the right to work in the UK and

Civil Service (Civil Service recruitment

nationality rules - GOV.UK). In accordance with current immigration rules, this role is not eligible for a Skilled Worker visa. If your application is successful, you will need to ensure that you have and maintain the legal right to live and work in the Civil Service and in the UK.

Disability support As a Disability Confident employer, the MoJ offers reasonable adjustment support so candidates can demonstrate their skills and abilities.

Closing date

Monday 10th August 2026 (23:55 pm)

If you require assistance, please call 0345 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am-6pm) or e-mail MoJ-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk. Please quote the job reference 19511.