Supporting the development of professional registration: the role of education in developing a professional mindset for probation practitioners

• In Event: Professional cultures in community sanctions and measures

Abstract

In 2019, the Ministry of Justice announced plans to create ‘an independent statutory register for probation professionals’ (Ministry of Justice, 2019, p.4), and in 2024 The Probation Professional Register Policy Framework was introduced. The purpose of the register is ‘to recognise the competence and commitment of probation qualified staff to high standards of professionalism and provide assurance to HMPPS, government, stakeholders and partners that those individuals authorised to assess and manage the risk of people on probation have the right qualifications, knowledge and skills to do so’ (MoJ and HMPPS, 2024, p.4). The policy therefore has a strong focus on the professional qualification in probation (PQiP) the current training for probation officers in England and Wales.

The paper will provide a brief introduction to PQiP and will then reflect on research conducted with academic staff involved in its delivery. It will explore what the role of the the educator is in professionalism and professional registration. Consideration will be given to what the key elements of professionalism within the context of probation practice are and how professionalism is considered in the academic component. The Findings will be focussed around key challenges as outlined by O’Sullivan and colleagues (2012) that need to be considered when integrating professionalism into curricula. These are 1) the importance of nurturing the development of personal qualities, values, attitudes and behaviours 2) the importance of continuous professional development and 3) the learning, teaching and assessment of professionalism needing to be an essential part of curriculum design. The paper will conclude by presenting suggestions on how curriculums can be curated to ensure that the experience of those working towards qualified probation officer status and professional registration works to develop a mindset that extends beyond the learning experience into practice.

Authors

• Ester Louisa Ragonese, Liverpool John Moores University

• Justin Moorhead, Liverpool John Moores University