Practice Development Assessors

All Trainee Probation Officers have a Practice Development Assessor (PDA).

The role of the PDA

The role of the PDA (Practice Development Assessor) can be equated to that of a holiday rep! The holiday rep is on hand at the resort to ensure you have a good time, deal with any problems and ensure you get the maximum out of your holiday. Similarly your PDA is based alongside you to provide support and guidance through your training programme.

Most PDA's are based in your office although some will be located in other offices with the responsibility of providing equal support to those located on site. They are all experienced Probation Officers who have been specifically trained for the PDA role.

Perhaps the key component of the PDA task is to help link theory to practice. This is achieved through regular supervision and oversight of work undertaken. The PDA also liases with other colleagues including managers to ensure maximum learning opportunities and support are provided. They also help you to identify personal learning needs throughout the programme and ensure that these are met by the Probation Area within which you are employed.

Apart from supervision, PDA's lead practice workshops throughout the two year programme. These differ from academic modules in that they are very practice based and skills focussed.

The PDA has a somewhat unique role in that, apart from supervision and training, they also assess the Foundation Portfolio at the end of the first year and the 12 NVQ units in the second year. The Portfolio, along with two key academic assignments is jointly marked with the tutor.

To return to the "holiday rep" analogy, don't expect to be greeted by a row of men and women in bright red coats and insincere gleaming smiles but a group of practitioners who want you to get the most out of your training programme and become successful and well qualified Probation Officers.

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