Probation officers

£33,371

Average salary

Average annual salary UK 2020 | Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings

34 hours

Average weekly hours

Average weekly hours UK 2019 | Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings

0.09%

Unemployment rate

Unemployment rate UK 2020 | Labour Force Survey

Definition: Probation officers

*SOC Code (Standard Occupational Classification): 2443

Probation officers work to rehabilitate offenders. They supervise, counsel and help them before trial, during any prison or community sentence and on release from prison.

Common tasks include:

produces pre-sentence reports to the court about an individual’s crime, their personal circumstances, the suitability of sentencing, the likelihood of re-offending and the future risk to the public;
enforces court orders and serves the public by providing a wide range of supervision programmes for those in receipt of a community sentence;
draws up probation plans with offenders and helps them follow it, advises them on any work and helps them with any family or social problems;
works with prisoners in giving advice on problems such as drug and alcohol abuse, addressing training needs, finding work and getting accommodation;
keeps accurate and comprehensive records.

Qualifications

Candidates are recruited with a variety of academic qualifications or with relevant experience. In England and Wales all candidates must complete a two-year Diploma in Probation studies. There is a minimum age limit of 20 years to undertake training. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, entry requirements are the same as for social workers. Background checks including a CRB check are required.

*Introduced in 1990, SOC is a multi-purpose common classification of occupations in UK. Jobs are defined in terms of skill level and skill content, including qualifications, training and work experience.

Employment status: Probation officers

Regional employment: Probation officers

Future employment: Probation officers

Top 12 industries: Probation officers

Alternative & related job titles: Probation officers

Officer, probation Officer, justice, youth Officer, probation, chief Officer, service, community (probation service) Inspector (National Probation Service)

Equality focus: Probation officers

Breaking down the official government big data sources by gender, age and region. Hours and pay data based on full time equlivalent roles.