Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many people who complete the Professional Qualification in Probation then receive one of their preferred work placements as a qualified Probation Officer.

The allocation of trainee Probation Officers (PQIPs) into their first Probation Officer role as a Newly Qualified Officer is completed locally by the Probation Region. We do not hold data on this centrally to share. PQIPs are asked to identify three Probation Delivery Unit preferences and to note any personal circumstances that they would like to be considered. Whilst allocations must be completed in accordance with business need, individual preferences are always considered and as far as possible are granted. Any allocations will always take into account existing policy such as travel and subsistence.

As of Spring 2025, a new, automated system will be used to manage Newly Qualified Officer allocations which will improve efficiency of the process.