Case studies: Probation officer: Adrian Jebb

Adrian has a degree in journalism from the University of Central Lancashire in Preston. After several years working for a large housing group, he decided on a change of career and undertook training to become a probation officer. He now works as a qualified probation officer for Trafford Probation Office.

I had always had an interest in the criminal justice system and this prompted me to apply to become a probation services officer (PSO) with the Greater Manchester Probation Trust . After a couple of years, I decided I wanted to become a qualified probation officer and so became a trainee probation officer. For two years I divided my time between gaining practical experience and studying for a BA Hons Criminal Justice and an NVQ Level 4 Diploma in Probation Studies. (The training route to become a probation officer has since changed; see the latest entry requirements for probation officers.)

The training period gave me the practical skills associated with becoming a probation officer, while the degree taught me all about criminal justice theory. An essential part of the training was shadowing other probation officers to get experience of writing court reports, attending multi-agency meetings, assessing risk, and delivering rehabilitative work to offenders.

On a typical day, I arrive at work and check my emails/phone messages. I might then interview somebody for a pre-sentence report - this can take up to two hours, while writing up the report can take a further four to six hours. After lunch I might see some of my cases (I have a caseload of approximately 50); some are on weekly appointments, some fortnightly and some monthly. Then I make my way to a prison to interview a custody case. The purpose of the interview may be for another pre-sentence or parole report, a sentence planning meeting or a programme review meeting. I then return to the office. If it is a Monday or a Thursday we open until 7pm and I may see another two or three cases for scheduled supervision appointments before heading home at about 6pm.

Since qualifying, I have gained more experience in dealing with complex offenders, for instance domestic violence perpetrators, gang members and people who commit serious sexual offences. I would like to sample other fields of work, for example working in either a prison or approved premises. I would also consider secondments within the Ministry of Justice (UK)  or with some of our partnership agencies. I would like to progress to become a probation operations manager, which would give me the opportunity to manage an offender management unit, although I am still relatively inexperienced and feel that I have much to learn.

While I feel that I have a significant role to play in the reduction of crime and the protection of the public, I also enjoy the analytical aspect of the job, for example writing complex reports. I also get a sense of satisfaction knowing that the work I am doing is for the benefit of the community. The best thing about working in the sector is the people you meet and work with.

The most difficult aspects of the job are dealing with challenging offenders who are resistant to change and are unwilling to accept intervention. Additionally, we are under extreme pressure due to workload and time constraints. We are also under pressure to deliver results in what is an uncertain time for the public sector.

My advice to other people interested in this profession is to work hard and to believe that people can change.