Services Officer

Probation Services Officer – Cornwall (South West)

UK Job Opportunity – Ministry of Justice

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is recruiting a Probation Services Officer (PSO) in Cornwall, South West England.

This is a permanent opportunity available on both full-time and part-time working patterns, with opportunities across Bodmin, Camborne, St Austell and Truro.

Job Overview

Salary: £28,064 – £33,549

Successful new entrants are expected to start at the minimum of the advertised pay band, £28,064, with part-time roles paid on a pro-rata basis.

Eligible employees may progress through the Competency Based Framework (CBF) as their competence develops.

Locations

Potential locations include:

• Bodmin
• Camborne
• St Austell
• Truro

The advertised locations are not an exhaustive list of possible base locations. The Ministry of Justice will endeavour to offer a vacancy within approximately a 60-minute commute of the candidate’s home location, subject to business needs.

About the Probation Services Officer Role

As a Probation Services Officer, you will work with people on probation both before and after sentencing.

Responsibilities can include:

• Managing a caseload of people on probation.
• Assessing and managing risks.
• Supporting offender management.
• Implementing sentences.
• Preparing reports.
• Providing case management support.
• Working with agencies across the criminal justice system.
• Supporting people with housing and employment issues.
• Listening to and supporting people as they work towards changing their lives.

No Degree Required

You do not need a degree for this role.

The Probation Service is particularly interested in candidates who demonstrate the right personal qualities and relevant experience.

Ideal candidates should be:

• Empathetic
• Patient
• Resilient
• Organised
• Good communicators
• Able to work with people experiencing social or personal difficulties
• Able to produce clear and accurate reports
• Able to work to deadlines

Training and Career Development

The role provides on-the-job training and opportunities to develop a career within the Probation Service.

Some PSO positions may require successful candidates to complete an apprenticeship as part of their learning and development.

Working Hours

Standard full-time working hours are:

37 hours per week, excluding unpaid breaks.

Part-time, flexible and job-sharing arrangements may also be considered, subject to business needs.

Hybrid Working

The Ministry of Justice offers hybrid working where business needs allow.

Working may be blended between:

• Your base location
• Other MoJ sites
• Home

This role can only be worked within the UK and cannot be performed overseas.

Recruitment Process

The application process includes:

• A short application form
• Civil Service Behaviour questions
• Experience questions
• Civil Service Judgement Test (CSJT)

Application behaviours include:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Developing Self and Others
• Making Effective Decisions

The stated application question word limit is 250 words.

Civil Service Judgement Test

The Civil Service Judgement Test (CSJT) is part of stage one of the recruitment process.

The test assesses your ability to make decisions in situations relating to Civil Service behaviours.

Applicants can complete a practice test before taking the actual assessment.

Candidates who pass the required stages may progress to interview.

Interview Assessment

Candidates may be assessed against:

Abilities

• Verbal communication
• Written communication

Behaviours

• Delivering at Pace
• Managing a Quality Service
• Working Together

Strengths

Strengths will also be assessed, although these are not disclosed in advance.

Right to Work in the UK

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and meet the relevant Civil Service nationality requirements.

Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship – Important

This vacancy is NOT eligible for a new Skilled Worker visa.

The Ministry of Justice states that HMPPS cannot consider sponsoring a Probation Services Officer who did not already hold a Skilled Worker visa before the 22 July 2025 immigration changes.

Applicants who have continuously held a Skilled Worker visa should raise this during pre-employment checks so their eligibility can be assessed under the applicable transitional provisions.

If you require a new Skilled Worker visa from outside the UK, do not treat this vacancy as a new sponsorship opportunity.

Civil Service Nationality Eligibility

The vacancy is broadly open to eligible:

• UK nationals
• Republic of Ireland nationals
• Commonwealth nationals with the right to work in the UK
• Certain EU, Swiss, Norwegian, Icelandic and Liechtenstein nationals
• Eligible individuals with settled or pre-settled status
• Certain individuals with limited or indefinite leave to remain
• Eligible Turkish nationals and certain family members

Applicants should check the official Civil Service nationality rules before applying.

Benefits

The Ministry of Justice offers a range of benefits.

Annual Leave

25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years’ service, plus public holidays.

Part-time and job-share entitlement is calculated pro-rata.

Pension

The vacancy states that the National Probation Service is covered by the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).

Training

Access to extensive training and professional development opportunities.

Flexible Working

Depending on business requirements, employees may have access to:

• Flexible working
• Reduced hours
• Job sharing
• Family-friendly policies

Additional Benefits

• Voluntary benefits
• Retail vouchers and discounts
• Paid maternity leave
• Paid paternity leave
• Paid adoption leave
• Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens

Security Clearance

Successful candidates will be subject to security and identity checks.

Security Level: DBS Enhanced

VISOR vetting will also be required after a successful job offer.

Reserve List

A reserve list may be maintained for up to 12 months.

Candidates who meet the required benchmark but are not immediately appointed may remain on a location-specific reserve list.

Artificial Intelligence and Applications

Applicants must ensure that all examples and statements submitted are:

• Truthful
• Factually accurate
• Based on their own experience

The Ministry of Justice warns that applications may be withdrawn where plagiarism or misrepresentation is identified, including presenting AI-generated experiences as personal experience.

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity could suit applicants who:

• Want to work in the UK justice system.
• Have experience supporting people with personal or social difficulties.
• Are patient and empathetic.
• Can handle challenging situations.
• Have strong written communication skills.
• Can prepare accurate reports.
• Want a career with the Probation Service.
• Do not have a university degree but have relevant skills and experience.
• Already have the legal right to work in the UK.

Important Sponsorship Warning

This is NOT a standard new Skilled Worker visa sponsorship opportunity.

The vacancy specifically states that it is not eligible for a new Skilled Worker visa following the immigration changes introduced on 22 July 2025.

Applicants applying from outside the UK who require a new Skilled Worker visa should therefore not assume this position can provide sponsorship.

How to Apply

Job Reference: 21247

Closing Date: 3 September 2026

Official Job Information

Download the official Job Description

Final Reminder for Applicants

This is a permanent Ministry of Justice opportunity paying up to £33,549, with full-time and part-time working patterns available across several Cornwall locations.

No degree is required, but applicants should demonstrate empathy, resilience, good communication skills and the ability to work effectively with people facing difficult circumstances.

Check your UK right-to-work status before applying because this vacancy is not open to new Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.