The Ministry of Justice has launched a major UK-wide recruitment campaign to hire hundreds of new probation officers, as part of a national effort to strengthen supervision of offenders and improve public safety.
The recruitment drive comes in response to growing concerns about staffing shortages, with particular urgency in London, where the number of probation officers is currently just 550. The MoJ has set a goal to nearly double the workforce in the capital to at least 900 to meet growing demand and manage the city’s most high-risk offenders.
The campaign also aims to raise awareness of the probation officer role across England and Wales, following new research showing that more than a third of UK adults know little or nothing about what the job involves.
“Every day, probation staff across the country are working hard behind the scenes—keeping a close eye on offenders to protect the public and reduce reoffending,” said Prisons and Probation Minister Lord James Timpson.
“We urgently need more people from all backgrounds to step up and join the Probation Service in this vital work.”
Watchdog Raises Red Flags
The recruitment drive follows a critical report from HM Inspectorate of Probation, which warned that the service has too few staff with too little experience and training, leaving communities at risk.
Of the 24 probation units reviewed across England and Wales in the year to February 2025, 14 were rated “inadequate” and the remaining 10 “require improvement.” The report cited serious gaps in monitoring ex-offenders—especially in cases involving domestic abuse or child safeguarding concerns.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice acknowledged the challenges, saying:
“This government inherited a justice system in crisis, with a Probation Service that was under-staffed and overworked. These new staffing targets are part of a serious commitment to rebuild and reform the service to better protect the public.”
Shifting Perceptions of a Vital Role
In a bid to improve public understanding of the profession, Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, who spent nearly 10 years working with the Probation Service, has written a new piece titled A Life In The Day Of, reflecting on the challenges and rewards of the role.
“The job can be tough—you need resilience and a real desire to help people from all walks of life, often with complex needs,” Armitage said.
“Probation officers play a crucial part in helping people rebuild their lives after prison, and yet the role is so often misunderstood.”
The campaign is targeting candidates who are passionate about making a difference in society, with full training provided and opportunities to progress into senior roles.
Nationwide Opportunity with Local Impact
While London’s staffing crisis has drawn particular attention, the MoJ has confirmed that the recruitment drive is nationwide, aiming to increase the number of officers across England and Wales to meet rising caseloads and improve offender supervision standards.
The Probation Service is encouraging people from all backgrounds and career stages to apply, especially those who are resilient, compassionate, and committed to justice and public service.
To learn more or apply to become a probation officer, visit: https://jobs.justice.gov.uk