The Professional Qualification in Probation PQi P Sarah

The Professional Qualification in Probation (PQi. P) Sarah Winwin Sein Isobel Cartledge De. Montfort University Leicester 2

Overview of the PQi. P To apply for the PQi. P applicants require: • Relevant experience of working with individuals whose lives are in crisis and display challenging behaviour • A recognised qualification in any subject at level 5 or above Two programmes: • 21 months: first six months for completion of 4 required knowledge modules at Level 5 • 15 months for those who have at least three of the four required Level 5 modules Two intakes a year 3

Those who do not hold Level 5 qualification • Level 4 Learning and Assessment for Advanced Standing (LAAS) to QCF Level 5 Community Justice Learning HE Award. • Level 5 Diploma in Higher Education (Dip. HE) comprises five modules: Adult Learning and Reflective Practice; Criminal Justice System; Understanding Crime and Criminal Behaviour; Penal Policy and the Punishment of Offenders; Rehabilitation of Offenders. • Individuals can self-sponsor the Level 4 and Level 5 qualifications. 4

Level 5 Required Knowledge Modules • The Criminal Justice System (15 credits) • Understanding Crime and Criminal Behaviour (30 credits) • Rehabilitation of Offenders (30 credits) • Penal Policy and the Punishment of Offenders (30 credits) 5

The PQi. P Modules Level 6 Values & Risk of Offender Practice Professional Serious Management, Development Practice Harm and Approaches (includes Public & completion of Protection Interventions VQ level 5/6) VPP Ro. SHPP OMAI Isobel Sarah Winwin Roz Morrison Cartledge Sein 15 Credits 30 Credits PD Kath Wilson 45 Credits 6

PQi. P Learners in the Midlands • PQi. P 1 - 23 commenced programme and practice Sept 2016 and academic studies February 2017; 17 successfully completed in November 2017 • PQi. P 2 - 37 (inc. 7 CRC) commenced programme and practice in April 2017 and academic studies Sept 2017; 2 deferred to PQi. P 3; 3 have withdrawn. Complete programme July 2018 • PQi. P 3 – 51 (inc 8 CRC) commenced programme and practice Nov 2017 and academic studies May 2018; complete Feb 2019 • PQi. P 4 - 100 + learners due to commence programme and practice in Autumn 2018. 7

Integration of Values • VPP focuses on understanding the concept of values and how values have affected the role of POs. Looks at issues of power and discrimination; POs’ personal identity and value base; importance of reflective practice • Ro. SHPP asks students to critically analyse how methodological and human sources of error, bias and discrimination can affect risk assessment and management with different groups of offenders. 8

Integration of Values • OMAI asks students to critically reflect upon their own practice and learning, with specific focus upon addressing the responsivity and diversity needs of offenders. • PD asks students to demonstrate awareness and conceptual understanding of issues of diversity, power and discrimination and provide examples of working with diversity in order to combat discrimination. 9

PQi. P 1 Profile - Gender Male 34. 78% (8) Female 15 Female 65. 22% (15) Male 8 10

PQi. P 1 Profile - Disability 8. 70% (2) students have a learning difference 91. 30% (21) None known 91. 30% 11

PQi. P 1 Profile - Ethnicity 4. 35% 8. 70% White 13. 04% Black Asian 73. 91% Dual heritage 12

PQi. P 1 Profile –Age group 26. 09% 25 yrs + 21 -24 yrs 73. 91% 13

PQi. P 1 - Highest Qualification on Entry Post Grad 21. 74% BA(Hons) 78. 26% 14

How is the programme going • Students continue to be well motivated and people centred • Successful completions are increasing as organisational flux reduces and programme matures • Distance learning does work, although we (and some of the students) would prefer more face to face teaching • Diversity well integrated into programme: “All modules reviewed this topic and is directly related to my work which has been helpful” 15

How is the programme going • Feedback about the programme is generally positive, especially in relation to support offered by the probation team “friendly, approachable and quick to respond to queries” • Students understand the importance of developing their practice, underpinned by theory “The programme is good as it really gets you to link theory to practice, and helps you understand ‘why we do what we do’ “ • Students appreciate the opportunity to work together as a regional learning group, NPS and CRC together, and generally report supportive, learning workplaces “I have personally developed during the programme” Feedback comments from PQIP 1 16

Current issues • Speed and intensity of programme are problematic for some students • Limited study time possible, especially in context of high caseloads • Learning disability issues - seems to take a long time to get workplace support • Students report anxiety about level of skills learning available • Academic programme and organisational context could link better • IT continues to be problematic for some students in the workplace • Current contract completes in 2021 – what will be required of probation staff in the future? 17

Reflections – what matters in probation training? • Knowledge and skills, which equip practitioners for the job they are doing • Professional values deeply embedded in core knowledge base, demonstrated in practice • Academic underpinning – ability to question, critically analyse and think things through • Ability to learn and reflect on self, organisation and social/political context • Organisational environment conducive to learning and professional development. • Tools for building personal resilience and maintaining professional curiosity 18

Any Questions or comments? 19