Probation Service Officer

Role overview

This post is based at HM Prison Styal, Wilmslow, SK9 4HR. The Probation Service is seeking empathetic, patient, organised and resilient people for a role that supports public protection while helping people rebuild their lives. It offers varied day-to-day work, opportunities to learn, and the chance to develop a long-term career in the Probation Service.

Successful applicants start on a salary of £28,064. New starters normally begin at the minimum point of the pay band, and progression is possible each year through a Competency Based Framework, subject to eligibility. Pay bands may also be increased annually in line with Civil Service pay guidance.

What the role involves

The post holder will work with people on probation both before and after sentencing. The job includes assessment, implementing sentence requirements, offender management, producing reports, and providing case management support in line with service procedures and professional judgement.

As a Probation Services Officer, you will manage a caseload of medium and lower risk people on probation. You will assess and manage risk, prepare information for courts, work with agencies across the justice system, and support individuals with practical and emotional needs such as housing, employment and motivation.

Recruitment and assessment

To apply, candidates must complete a short application form and provide responses based on Civil Service behaviours and experience. The process also includes the Civil Service Judgement Test, a two-part assessment that measures decision-making against specific Civil Service behaviours. A practice test is available before the live test. If applicants pass the test and sift stage, they may be invited to interview. In high-volume campaigns, only the lead behaviour may be assessed, and progression to later stages is not guaranteed.

The vacancy uses the Success Profiles framework and may assess behaviours, strengths, ability and experience. Feedback is only offered to candidates who attend an interview or assessment.

Right to work and immigration

Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK and in the Civil Service. This role is not eligible for a new Skilled Worker visa. From 22 July 2025, HM Prison and Probation Service cannot sponsor new probation services officers under the Skilled Worker route unless the person held a Skilled Worker visa before that date. Candidates who have held such a visa continuously should raise this during pre-employment checks so eligibility can be reviewed under the transitional rules.

If successful, you must maintain the legal right to live and work in the UK and in the Civil Service throughout employment.

About the organisation

The Probation Service helps protect the public by supervising offenders in the community and giving people the chance to make positive changes. The team shares knowledge and expertise, and successful candidates may be placed at different office, court, team or prison locations within the region depending on business need.

About you

A degree is not required. The service is looking for people with strong personal qualities and, ideally, experience supporting people facing social or personal difficulties. Clear writing is essential, along with the ability to produce accurate reports to tight deadlines. The role suits someone who is patient, resilient, empathetic and able to work in an organised way.

Selection, security and nationality rules

Selected candidates must complete a criminal record check, and those working with government assets must also pass baseline personnel security standard checks. The vacancy is broadly open to UK nationals, Irish nationals, Commonwealth nationals with UK work rights, certain EU/Swiss/Norwegian/Icelandic/Liechtenstein nationals and family members with settled or pre-settled EUSS status or a valid EUSS application, some individuals with limited or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020, and Turkish nationals and certain family members with the right to work in the Civil Service.

The Civil Service recruits on merit through fair and open competition, supports diversity and equal opportunities, and offers schemes including Disability Confident and redeployment support for eligible civil servants at risk of redundancy.

Working arrangements and benefits

The role is full time and based on site. Benefits mentioned include access to learning and development, a working environment that supports flexible working options to improve work-life balance, an inclusive and diverse workplace culture, a Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%, annual leave, public holidays and Season Ticket Advance.

Artificial intelligence guidance

Artificial intelligence may be used as a support tool for applications, but all examples and statements must be truthful, accurate and drawn directly from the applicant’s own experience. Using copied or AI-generated content as if it were personal experience may lead to withdrawal of the application, and internal candidates may face disciplinary action.

Additional information

The job summary states that applicants should refer to the full job description for more detail. A Candidate Information Page is available for further information on recruitment, benefits, allowances and general queries.