National Probation Service Recruitment Process

anybody had a 'yes' yet ? still heard nothing !

ah just because a few people have had a rejection e mail

I'm hoping so !

Ah I just heard back and wasn’t successful. Completed a Criminology degre (2:1), an MSc in Criminal Justice and Policing, volunteered with ex offenders, drug addicts and the homeless for over 2 years and have a side-job for income. Not really sure what other experience is necessary in order to be placed on a “training” scheme. Would like to know how they mark the competency questions yet never (on the application) asked for a list of work experience/grades/real life competencies/references? Anyone any idea what more I could do?

Ah I just heard back and wasn’t successful. Completed a Criminology degre (2:1), an MSc in Criminal Justice and Policing, volunteered with ex offenders, drug addicts and the homeless for over 2 years and have a side-job for income. Not really sure what other experience is necessary in order to be placed on a “training” scheme. Would like to know how they mark the competency questions yet never (on the application) asked for a list of work experience/grades/real life competencies/references? Anyone any idea what more I could do?

Well if you didn't get through, I very much doubt I will as I don't have any of that experience. Seems kind of crazy you didn't get further, given that wealth of experience.

My application says it's still under consideration, but I'm not holding my breath now.

I spoke to a probation officer at my volunteering and he said it could be anything including that North West was on a “low” recruitment, and there may have been a lot of current POs applying who don’t require as much 1:1 attention and training. Doesn’t seem fair though when ultimately they claim it’s a ‘training scheme’ yet don’t seem willing to train Unless you’re already seen as fully capable.. ☹️ Hopefully you’ll do fine! I genuinely don’t know how the competencies are marked. Where have you previously worked? I send so much good luck to you!

With that experience I'd have thought you would be what they're looking for. Seems more likely that North West is on a low recruitment or something, because you look like a strong candidate to me. I've applied for South West and South Central, so who knows what the state of affairs is like down this end of the country. My experience after university has only been in retail and hospitality so far, unfortunately. Although if I fail to find new work before the summer, I plan to take up some volunteering to help the community and boost my CV. Thank you very much - I'll let you know if and when I hear anything. They said they would be in contact before the end of February, so it could be any day now.

With that experience I'd have thought you would be what they're looking for. Seems more likely that North West is on a low recruitment or something, because you look like a strong candidate to me. I've applied for South West and South Central, so who knows what the state of affairs is like down this end of the country. My experience after university has only been in retail and hospitality so far, unfortunately. Although if I fail to find new work before the summer, I plan to take up some volunteering to help the community and boost my CV. Thank you very much - I'll let you know if and when I hear anything. They said they would be in contact before the end of February, so it could be any day now.

Any particular office in the SWSC you’re looking to get a placement? Or are you not too fussed?

Both are valuable experience though! I work in retail too and the customers are often harder to deal with than my clients at volunteering.. so it’s definitely good experience. It’s just a shame the four questions didn’t really ask about things like that. I felt they didn’t even care about previous grades, just the degree. Yeah, I got an email saying it was still under consideration and then heard back again two hours later. I’m quite glad this email came earlier than expected as gives me a few extra weeks to sort something else out.

I just received an email .. I have performed very well on application, but there are limited spaces at assessment centres so I am on a hold list until a space becomes available ! Just have had thousands of applications!