Congratulations Lewis Wright

I previously held a voluntary role as a special constable with the police and then spent four years as a Prison Officer.  I thoroughly enjoyed my role but after speaking with probation colleagues from the Offender Management Unit, they sparked my interest and I felt pursuing a career in probation was the right direction for me and would enable me to support those who find themselves in the criminal justice system.

I started the 15-month route on the programme in July 2020 and graduated as an NQO in October 2021.

The importance of people

Louise Stewart my Practice Tutor Assessor (PTA) was responsible for the oversight of the vocational qualification side of the course.  Helen Amor was my Senior Probation Officer (SPO) and Sarah Turner, Probation Officer, my mentor.

I found their support invaluable throughout my experience and the structure meant that I always had someone to approach throughout the programme and openly discuss any ongoing issues/stresses within the course.

For me the best thing about the programme has been my increased sense of confidence as a result of the wide range of experiences I’ve had. And having the chance to reflect and consider the ways in which I have been able to help users under our supervision brings a great sense of pride and makes me keen to progress further within my role.

I was unfortunate to do most of my training during lockdown but given these challenges the team were with me every step of the way and I reflect positively on the structure of the course and the support given to me.

Tips for future PQiPs

The best advice I can give to anyone who joins the programme is to adopt healthy working habits and organise yourself from the start.  A healthy work/life balance is key to maintaining stability and being able to fully enjoy and take in the wide amount of learning. And never be afraid to ask questions as there will be plenty to ask, and your colleagues have such a unique blend of experiences that they’re willing to share with you.

If you’re unsure, talk to people and don’t be afraid to take a leap of faith as I don’t think you will regret it.  I’ve taken part in state-of-the-art learning, the role is incredibly rewarding and I’m looking forward to being part of the future of the probation service.