Probation Practice qualifications

We offer the following qualifications for probation staff:

• The Level 3 Diploma in Probation Practice
• The Level 3 Certificate in Probation Practice

Level 3 Diploma in Probation Practice

A qualification for staff working in various capacities with individuals who have offended. Probation Service Officers employed by the Probation Service undertake this qualification but it is also eminently suitable for staff working in other organisation where their primary work is either with individuals who have offended or the victims of crime.

VQAS take a carefully planned and structured approach to assessment which involves:

• A workbook through which Learners can explore and demonstrate their knowledge and understanding
• Observations
• Inspection of confidential assessments and case records
• Professional discussions
• Witness testimony from the Learners Line Manager, and if necessary
• Assessor Set Questions

As a result of this approach most competent and knowledgeable Learners are able to complete their qualifications within 6 months.

To gain the qualification the Learner must achieve the three mandatory units plus three optional units. Unit selection is dependent on the work undertaken by the particular Learner.

Using Expert Witness Testimony and/or internet technology this qualification can now largely be delivered remotely.

VQAS have been delivering this qualification for a number of years to a large number of Probation Organisations and receive excellent feedback from those who have taken part and from their employing organisations.

“I’d never attempted an NVQ before so this way of learning and providing evidence was completely new to me. (My Assessor) immediately made me feel at ease about the whole process by explaining everything clearly and answering all my questions. She scheduled regular calls with me and kept me updated on my progress. I really enjoyed working with (my Assessor), it was so useful to talk about my work and gain insight and constructive criticism from someone so experienced. It wasn’t ideal having covid restrictions in place on top of the unpredictability of the job and the service users as well as a tight timeframe. But I never felt that I was getting a lower standard service or being rushed to complete the work. It was hard work but I enjoyed it and (my Assessor) has inspired me to keep on learning and to be the best PSO I can.

PSO Learner CRC

The fee for this qualification may vary according to numbers and locations but a guide price would be £2150 per Learner. Fees negotiable for larger groups of staff.

Level 3 Certificate in Probation Practice

An excellent entry level qualification for staff either at the commencement of their career or for those who have some contact with service users who have offended but whose role does not cover all the competences of the Level 3 Diploma in Probation Practice. The qualification consists of the following 3 mandatory units of the Level 3 Diploma and will be extremely helpful to staff who later go onto undertake the Level 3 Diploma.

As ever, VQAS has developed a carefully planned structured approach to the assessment of the certificate which involves:

• A workbook through which Learners can explore and demonstrate their knowledge and understanding
• An observation and inspection of confidential work products which we would suggest is undertaken by an Expert Witness e.g. Line Manager
• A professional discussion and if necessary some Assessor Set Questions

Using Expert Witness Testimony and/or internet technology this qualification can now largely be delivered remotely.

The fee for this qualification may vary according to numbers and locations but a guide price would be £980 per Learner.