Jackie's story

"I previously worked in the finance sector but whilst I took a career break to raise my children I worked part time in a day centre for people with physical disabilities and also studied with the Open University.

"One of the courses I studied was Criminology and when I saw my local Probation Service was holding an open morning I thought that this could provide me with an interesting perspective for my studies. I did not expect to leave the open morning with an application for the post of Trainee Probation Officer, nor had I foreseen that aged 40 I would be starting a new career and undertaking the DipPs course, but I did!

"Undertaking the role of a Trainee Probation Officer has been both challenging and rewarding.  Whilst the academic study has been tough going at times, it has been interesting, thought provoking, and has made me question myself, my views and those of society.

"Other members of staff have been a great source of support and inspiration to me and working with offenders has presented me with new challenges, which have enabled me to develop existing skills and learn new ones.

"Reflecting back on my training so far I realise how much I have achieved both personally and professionally during the past year.  Part 2 of the DipPs course will present further challenges to me, both academically and in practice.

"I know that ultimately the role of Probation Officer is one in which I will be continually increasing my knowledge and developing my practice, and will be a career that I will find stimulating and rewarding."