To work as a Probation Officer it is necessary to hold the Diploma in Probation Studies, a Diploma in Social Work, or an equivalent qualification.

The majority of Probation Officers work within teams in the community which are managed by a Senior Probation Officer. Probation Officers are responsible for offenders who are assessed by OASys as presenting a high risk of harm to others and/or who have a high likelihood of reoffending (Tier 3 and 4 Offenders).

Probation Officers may also work within accredited programmes, Courts, Approved Premises or be seconded to Prison Offender Management Units and local Youth Offending Teams. From time to time there may be career development opportunities provided by new development projects such as the current Integrated Offender Management Pilots in Lancashire, London, Nottinghamshire and West Yorkshire.