Trainee Probation Officer – Professional Qualification in Probation (PQiP) London
UK-based applicants only — Right to work in the UK required
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is recruiting Trainee Probation Officers for its London Probation Delivery Units through the Professional Qualification in Probation (PQiP) programme.
This is an excellent opportunity for people who want to build a career in probation, criminal justice and rehabilitation while earning a salary and completing a fully funded professional qualification.
The campaign is specifically for external candidates who are not currently employed by the Ministry of Justice.
Job Overview
| Job Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Trainee Probation Officer – Professional Qualification in Probation |
| Campaign | Intake 21 – External Campaign |
| Employer | Ministry of Justice / Probation Service |
| Department | Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) |
| Location | London |
| Civil Service Grade | Executive Officer (EO) |
| Job ID | 19543 |
| Salary | £28,064 per year |
| London Allowance | Additional £4,505 per year for eligible workplaces within the M25 |
| Successful Qualification Salary | £37,238 starting salary, plus London weighting where applicable |
| Working Pattern | Full-time and eligible part-time options |
| Full-time Hours | 37 hours per week |
| PQiP Start Date | 8 March 2027 |
| Published | 13 July 2026 |
| Closing Date | 24 August 2026 at 23:55 |
| Job Type | Trainee / Professional Qualification |
| Security Checks | Enhanced Level 2 vetting and DBS |
| Minimum Qualification | Level 3 |
| Visa Sponsorship | Not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship |
About the Trainee Probation Officer Role
Working in probation is a challenging but highly rewarding career. Probation officers play an important role in the criminal justice system by helping to protect the public, support victims and reduce reoffending.
The Probation Service works with individuals who may have complex and varied needs. As a trainee probation officer, you will work directly with people who have offended, helping them address behaviours and circumstances that may contribute to offending.
You could support individuals in areas including:
- Education
- Employment
- Treatment
- Rehabilitation
- Counselling
- Behaviour change
- Resettlement
- Community support
Your work can have a direct impact on people’s lives and help individuals move away from offending behaviour towards a more positive future.
Fully Funded Professional Qualification in Probation
Successful candidates will undertake the Professional Qualification in Probation (PQiP).
The programme combines:
- University-based learning
- Practical workplace experience
- Professional development
- Work-based learning
- Criminal justice knowledge
- Probation practice
The programme allows successful applicants to earn while they learn, with the opportunity to qualify as a professional probation officer.
The PQiP programme is fully funded by the employer.
PQiP Programme Length
The length of the programme depends on your existing qualifications and academic background.
15-Month Programme
Graduates with a Level 5 qualification or above may be eligible for the 15-month programme if their previous studies include knowledge modules covering at least three of the following four areas:
- Understanding Crime and Criminal Behaviour
- The Criminal Justice System
- Penal Policy and the Punishment of Offenders
- Rehabilitation of Offenders
21-Month Programme
Applicants with a Level 5 qualification or above who do not meet the subject requirements for the 15-month programme will most likely undertake the 21-month PQiP programme.
This route includes the required knowledge modules and Level 6 elements needed to qualify as a probation officer.
27-Month Programme
Non-graduates with a Level 3 qualification, such as an A Level, Advanced Apprenticeship, International Baccalaureate Diploma or Level 3 NVQ, will undertake the 27-month programme.
The programme includes Level 4 study, required knowledge modules, a Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice, a Diploma in Community Justice and the Level 6 Professional Qualification in Probation.
Part-Time Study Option
Eligible applicants with a Level 5 qualification or above may be able to complete the PQiP learning placement on a part-time basis.
Part-time learners must work a minimum of 22.2 hours per week.
The programme duration is extended for part-time learners:
- Standard 15-month programme → up to 21 months
- Standard 21-month programme → up to 30 months
Part-time learners must still attend required live university and Learning and Development events, even when these take place on a non-working day.
Applicants with a Level 3 qualification are not eligible for the part-time programme.
Who Can Apply?
To apply for this Trainee Probation Officer position, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Hold a minimum Level 3 qualification in any subject.
- Have experience working with challenging individuals.
- Be able to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
- Have the legal right to work in the UK.
- Meet the relevant Civil Service nationality requirements.
- Be willing to undergo the required security vetting.
- Be able to provide the required evidence of qualifications.
- Be willing to undertake NPPV2 vetting once in post.
Experience Working With Challenging Individuals
Applicants should have some experience of working with challenging individuals.
This experience can help demonstrate your ability to:
- Remain calm in difficult situations.
- Communicate effectively.
- Build professional relationships.
- Demonstrate empathy.
- Set appropriate boundaries.
- Handle challenging behaviour.
- Support people with complex needs.
- Encourage positive behavioural change.
Salary and Career Progression
The starting salary for the trainee position is:
£28,064 per year
Eligible London workplaces within the M25 boundary attract an additional:
£4,505 per year
After successfully completing the required training and qualifying as a probation officer, the starting salary is:
£37,238 per year, plus London weighting where applicable.
This makes the role an opportunity to enter the probation profession while receiving structured training, professional development and a recognised qualification.
Benefits
The role includes a range of benefits, including:
- Competitive salary.
- Fully funded professional qualification.
- 25 days’ annual leave.
- Public holidays.
- Pension scheme membership.
- Structured professional development.
- Practical workplace experience.
- Support from experienced colleagues.
- Opportunities for career progression.
- Inclusive working environment.
- Reasonable adjustment support for eligible candidates.
Working Hours
The standard position is a full-time role of 37 hours per week.
Trainees will also need to dedicate personal time to study. The amount of personal study required will depend on individual learning needs and circumstances.
Eligible Level 5+ applicants may be considered for part-time working arrangements.
Where Will You Work?
Successful applicants will rank their preferred Probation Delivery Units (PDUs) within their selected region.
London locations covered by this campaign include:
- Barking, Dagenham and Havering
- Brent
- Camden and Islington
- Croydon
- Ealing and Hillingdon
- Enfield and Haringey
- Greenwich and Bexley
- Hackney and City
- Hammersmith, Fulham, Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster
- Harrow and Barnet
- Kingston, Richmond and Hounslow
- Lambeth
- Lewisham and Bromley
- Newham
- Redbridge and Waltham Forest
- Southwark
- Tower Hamlets
- Wandsworth, Merton and Sutton
Applicants should carefully consider their preferred locations because transfers to another PDU or region may not be possible once training begins.
Allocation decisions are based on:
- Business need
- Assessment performance
- Candidate merit
- PDU preferences
Depending on operational requirements, trainees may be allocated to a community or prison setting.
Recruitment Process
The recruitment process takes approximately 7–8 months.
Applicants can expect the process to include:
- Application form
- Online assessment/test
- Assessment centre
- Qualification verification
- Pre-employment checks
- Security vetting
- Appointment and training
Online assessment centres are scheduled for September and October 2026.
Interviews may be available in Welsh, subject to the availability of Welsh-speaking assessors.
Qualification Evidence
Candidates who progress to the online assessment centre must provide evidence of their completed qualification.
Acceptable evidence may include:
- Fully completed qualification certificate.
- Exit award showing at least 120 Level 5 credits where a degree was not completed.
- Valid academic transcript.
- Confirmation of a pass mark from the education provider where the certificate is not yet available.
If the required qualification cannot be verified or does not meet the eligibility requirements, the candidate’s place may be withdrawn.
Security and Vetting Requirements
Successful applicants must complete the required pre-employment checks.
These include relevant DBS and security vetting requirements.
Trainee probation officers require access to the ViSOR database and must complete Non-Police Personnel Vetting Level 2 (NPPV2).
Applicants must provide evidence of UK residency for the previous three years.
Failure to pass the required vetting may prevent a candidate from accessing ViSOR, completing the role requirements or completing the PQiP programme.
Applicants are responsible for providing accurate and up-to-date documentation promptly when requested.
Criminal Convictions and Rehabilitation of Offenders
The roles covered by this campaign are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.
Applicants must therefore declare relevant spent and unspent convictions, cautions and discharges, regardless of how long ago they occurred.
Cases are considered individually.
Importantly, the Probation Service states that having a conviction does not necessarily prevent someone from becoming a probation officer.
The organisation welcomes applications from people with lived experience and recognises the value this can bring to service outcomes.
Right to Work and Visa Sponsorship
Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK and meet the relevant Civil Service nationality requirements.
Important Visa Sponsorship Information
This position is not eligible for a Skilled Worker visa.
The vacancy specifically states that, under current immigration rules, the role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.
Therefore, applicants who require a new Skilled Worker visa sponsorship to take up this position should not assume that the Ministry of Justice can sponsor them for this role.
Applicants must have and maintain the legal right to live and work in the UK and work within the Civil Service.
Important Information for International Applicants
This vacancy may be of interest to people searching for UK probation careers, but the employer requires applicants to already have the appropriate right to work in the UK.
No Skilled Worker visa sponsorship is available for this role.
Applicants should therefore check their immigration and right-to-work status before applying.
Artificial Intelligence and Applications
The Ministry of Justice acknowledges that AI tools can be useful when preparing applications.
However, candidates must ensure that everything submitted represents their own skills, experience and abilities.
Applications may be reviewed for AI-generated content during the initial screening process.
Using AI to create false, misleading or inaccurate information may result in the application being withdrawn.
Candidates should use AI tools responsibly and ensure that all examples and statements are truthful and based directly on their own experience.
Veterans
The Civil Service’s Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative provides a guaranteed interview scheme for eligible former members of the Armed Forces who meet the required minimum criteria.
This provides eligible veterans with opportunities to apply their existing skills and experience to Civil Service careers.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The Ministry of Justice welcomes applications from people from all backgrounds.
The organisation aims to build a diverse and inclusive workforce where employees feel valued and able to belong.
The Civil Service recruits on the basis of merit through fair and open competition.
Disability Support
The Ministry of Justice is a Disability Confident employer and provides reasonable adjustment support to candidates who need it.
Applicants who require adjustments should request them as early as possible before online tests or assessment centres.
When completing the application, select the relevant option if you believe you may require reasonable adjustment support.
Public Interest Transfer Scheme
A bespoke Public Interest Transfer scheme may be available to support certain relocation costs for eligible applicants who are willing to permanently relocate to:
- Kent, Surrey & Sussex
- East of England
- London
- South Central
Further information will be provided to eligible candidates at the appropriate stage.
Applicants interested in this opportunity should indicate this on their application form.
What Happens If You Are Not Successful?
Candidates who attend the assessment centre but do not successfully complete the PQiP application process may automatically be considered for a Probation Services Officer position.
If you do not want to be considered for this alternative opportunity, you can select the opt-out option on the application form.
Due to candidate volumes and wider recruitment policy, individual feedback is not available at the sift stage.
PQiP Start Date
The scheduled PQiP start date for this campaign is:
8 March 2027
The university study component of the PQiP programme begins twice yearly, in March and September, although some candidates may have the opportunity to begin working as a trainee probation officer before the course starts.
Key Dates
Campaign Opens: 13 July 2026
Closing Date: 24 August 2026 at 23:55
Online Assessment Centres: September–October 2026
PQiP Start Date: 8 March 2027
Job Reference
Job ID: 19543
Candidates contacting the recruitment team should quote job reference 19543.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted through the official Ministry of Justice recruitment portal.
Apply for Trainee Probation Officer – PQiP London:
https://jobs.justice.gov.uk/careers/ApplicationMethods?jobId=19543&record=19543
Applicants should carefully review the eligibility requirements, qualification criteria, right-to-work requirements and visa information before submitting an application.
Official Job Information
Employer: Ministry of Justice / Probation Service
Position: Trainee Probation Officer – Professional Qualification in Probation
Location: London
Salary: £28,064 + eligible London allowance of £4,505
Qualified Probation Officer Salary: £37,238 + London weighting where applicable
Contract: Full-time, with eligible part-time options
Qualification: Fully funded Professional Qualification in Probation
Minimum Qualification: Level 3
PQiP Start: 8 March 2027
Closing Date: 24 August 2026
Visa Sponsorship: Not eligible for Skilled Worker visa
Job Reference: 19543
Final Reminder for Applicants
This is a significant opportunity for candidates interested in building a long-term career in the UK Probation Service.
The programme combines paid employment, practical experience and professional study, allowing successful applicants to work towards becoming qualified probation officers.
However, candidates should pay particular attention to the right-to-work and visa requirements. The vacancy confirms that it is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, so applicants must already have the appropriate legal right to work in the UK.
Closing date: 24 August 2026 at 23:55.
Apply early and ensure all qualification and right-to-work evidence is accurate and available when requested.
SEO Meta Description
Trainee Probation Officer jobs in London with the Ministry of Justice. Earn £28,064 plus eligible London allowance while completing the fully funded PQiP programme. Apply by 24 August 2026. Skilled Worker visa sponsorship is not available.
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Suggested URL Slug
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Important Application Note
This vacancy is an external campaign. Current employees of the Probation Service or wider Ministry of Justice may instead need to apply through the relevant internal PQiP campaign.
Always verify the vacancy details and eligibility requirements on the official Ministry of Justice recruitment portal before applying.