Probation Officer Returners

Employer: HM Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS)
Location: East Midlands, England
Salary: £35,130 – £42,000 per year
Grade: NPS Pay Band 4 National
Contract: Permanent or fixed-term
Temporary contracts: 3, 6 or 9 months
Working pattern: Full-time, part-time, flexible working or job share
Vacancies: 25
Closing date: 25 October 2026 at 11:55 pm
Reference: 455433
Campaign reference: 16371

About the role

HM Prison & Probation Service is recruiting former qualified Probation Officers through its Probation Officer Returners Campaign in the East Midlands.

This is a rolling campaign for former qualified probation officers who left the Civil Service within the last five years and had successfully completed their probationary period and training before leaving.

Eligible applicants may be offered a fast-track return to the Probation Service without having to complete a lengthy application form, interview or repeat entry-level training and assessment.

Applications are considered based on factors including business need, location availability and previous employment history.

Who can apply

The campaign is specifically open to former qualified Probation Officers who:

• Left the Civil Service within the last five years.
• Previously worked as a qualified Probation Officer.
• Successfully completed their probationary period before leaving.
• Left through resignation or retirement.
• Were previously appointed on merit through fair and open competition.
• Are returning to the same grade or a lower grade; a return under Exception 5 cannot be on promotion.

There is no automatic right of return. Reinstatement is at the discretion of the Probation Service and depends on business need.

Applicants who left the service more than five years ago should check current vacancies through Prison and Probation Jobs.

Working arrangements

Successful applicants can choose a probation region during the application process.

HMPPS will subsequently discuss the designated work base with eligible applicants. The organisation will endeavour to offer a vacancy within a 60-minute commute of the applicant’s home location.

Available arrangements include:

• Full-time or part-time work.
• Permanent employment.
• Temporary contracts of 3, 6 or 9 months.
• Flexible contractual terms.
• Temporary contracts may be extended up to a maximum of two years where there is a continuing requirement and the individual wishes to continue.

Salary

The advertised salary range is £35,130 to £42,000.

A full-time salary of £35,130 plus a £4,250 London allowance applies to London, Staines and Watford base locations where applicable.

Higher starting salaries may be considered on a case-by-case basis in line with current policy.

Qualifications

Applicants must hold a Probation Officer qualification.

Accepted qualifications include:

• PQF Honours Degree/Graduate Diploma and Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice.
• Diploma in Probation Studies.
• Diploma in Social Work (Probation option).
• CQSW (Probation option).

Training

A personalised training needs analysis will be completed when an individual returns to the service.

This will identify previous training and determine whether any additional training is required.

Pre-employment checks

Successful applicants will be required to complete pre-employment checks, including:

• Occupational Health Review.
• Enhanced Level 2 security vetting.
• DBS Enhanced check.
• Non-Police Personnel Vetting (NPPV) Level 2 for access to the multi-agency ViSOR database.

Benefits

HMPPS offers a range of Civil Service benefits, including:

• Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
• Annual leave.
• Public holidays.
• Season Ticket Advance.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Flexible working options.
• Inclusive working environment.

Temporary staff receive the full range of Civil Service benefits other than permanent tenure and are automatically enrolled in the pension scheme, with the option to opt out.

Temporary staff are entitled to 25 days’ annual leave per year, pro rata.

Sponsorship status

The advert does not state that Skilled Worker visa sponsorship is available.

The vacancy also sets out specific Civil Service nationality and right-to-work requirements. Applicants should therefore check their eligibility before applying rather than assuming that visa sponsorship is offered.

Selection process

The vacancy uses the Civil Service Success Profiles framework and will assess:

• Experience.
• Technical skills.

Successful candidates must also complete the required security and pre-employment checks.

Application

Applications must be submitted through the official HMPPS recruitment website.

Closing date: 25 October 2026 at 11:55 pm.

Source: Civil Service Jobs / HM Prison & Probation Service