HM Prisons and Probation Service is hiring new probation services officers across Surrey. With no prior experience necessary, those that enjoy working with others and want to make a positive impact in their local community are being encouraged to apply for this rewarding role at the heart of the probation service.

Probation services officers work directly with offenders, helping to rehabilitate them into the community safely. Their roles and responsibilities include:

Managing offenders on probation throughout their conviction
Writing and preparing reports
Supporting courts with sentencing decisions
Assessing risks and organising interventions, as needed
Supporting victims impacted by crimes in the local area

The role is varied, and your area of focus might differ depending on the needs of the local probation team that you join. With no two days the same, this is a challenging but rewarding opportunity for individuals who are motived to support positive change and help build safer places to live.

There are several probation services officer roles available across Kent, Surrey and Sussex. This recruitment drive builds on the announcement from the Lord Chancellor last week where HM Prisons and Probation Service committed to recruiting at least 1,000 new trainee probation officers by the end of March 2025*.

The regional probation director for Kent, Sussex and Surrey, Linda Neimantas says: “The probation services officer role is a critical one within the heart of the Probation Service. Every day you’ll get the opportunity to make a positive impact by supporting people to make better life choices and working to minimise the risk of further offending. Being such a people-first role, it’s vital candidates are able to connect with individuals regardless of their situation. In particular, we’re looking for candidates that are empathetic, patient and resilient. The job can be challenging as you deal with people that often have complex social and personal needs, but it’s also extremely rewarding.”

“Alongside job security and ample progression opportunities, life as a probation services officer will contribute to personal growth, whilst helping you to make your community a better and safer place. We value diversity and welcome individuals from varied backgrounds and experiences to join our team. For more information, search ‘Probation Jobs’ today.”

Whilst there is no requirement for previous experience in the Probation Service, applicants must have two GCSEs at grade C or the ability to evidence a good level of numeracy and literacy as well as sufficient writing skills and experience of working with a diverse range of people.

The role comes with a starting salary of £25,310, plus a London weighting allowance of £4,249 where this applies.

Visit https://prisonandprobationjobs.gov.uk/roles-at-hmpps/overview-of-the-pso-role/ to find out more and begin your journey into the Probation Service today.