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Original poster

Probation Officer / PQiP ?

8 replies

afty · 11/02/2023 10:18

Hello

Are there any probation officers on here ? Am looking at applying for the PQiP programme which opens soon.

Do you have any tips? It's civil service framework of behaviour which I really hate writing.

What are your experiences of the job? I know there has been loads in the news lately about how under pressure probation officers are - should I let this put me off?

Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

OP posts:
Greenwood8 · 13/02/2023 21:13

Also in the same position, hopefully there will be some responses!

Original poster
afty · 13/02/2023 23:56

Good luck @Greenwood8 , I really struggle with the behaviour frameworks Confused 8 month long recruitment process too!

OP posts:
itsmeimtheproblem · 14/02/2023 12:52

Honest opinion don't do it. Under pressure, over worked, not enough hours in the day and it's getting worse thanks to the cost of living!

Original poster
afty · 15/02/2023 00:03

itsmeimtheproblem · 14/02/2023 12:52

Honest opinion don't do it. Under pressure, over worked, not enough hours in the day and it's getting worse thanks to the cost of living!

Thank you for replying - this seems to be the general vibe I am getting ! Have you been in the job for a long time?

OP posts:
itsmeimtheproblem · 15/02/2023 09:52

In the industry for 11 years as an officer for 4 years and in the process of leaving.

Do you have any experience in the field?

Branstonsmum · 15/02/2023 10:11

It’s certainly a challenging job but it can also be incredibly rewarding, you can support people to make positive change and turn their lives around. It can also be varied so you can many different roles within the same career.

MsInsomniac · 15/02/2023 10:44

I’ve been a probation officer for over 20 years. The service is on its knees. I have been working at 150% capacity for 2 years now and was writing a parole report until 2.30 am this morning. When things go wrong there is a culture of blame, management is terrible, it’s a miserable job overall at the moment with not much prospect of improvement. Experienced staff are leaving in droves leaving offices full of inexperienced PQIPs who have no one left to mentor or support them.

Original poster
afty · 15/02/2023 17:23

MsInsomniac · 15/02/2023 10:44

I’ve been a probation officer for over 20 years. The service is on its knees. I have been working at 150% capacity for 2 years now and was writing a parole report until 2.30 am this morning. When things go wrong there is a culture of blame, management is terrible, it’s a miserable job overall at the moment with not much prospect of improvement. Experienced staff are leaving in droves leaving offices full of inexperienced PQIPs who have no one left to mentor or support them.

Thank you for sharing your experience - I'm so sorry, it sounds bloody tough!

yet another article yesterday about it:
www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/leicester-news/probation-staff-juggle-unmanageable-workloads-8129221

The more I read and research, the less appealing the culture of the job sounds (though I think I'd really enjoy the actual job).

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