London needs you
Would you like to gain experience and develop new skills and contacts by working with us in London? We are urgently seeking PO and PSO qualified volunteers to work at the Hammersmith, Fulham, Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster (HFKCW) Probation PDU for 4, 8 or 12 weeks, to provide temporary relief due to staff shortages.
It’s known as ‘Detached Duty’ (further information is available on My Hub). In addition to your existing pay, you will receive a special bonus payment of £2,000 for 12 weeks, £1,200 for 8 weeks, and £500 for 4 weeks of continuous detached duty. London Probation is happy to support the principles set out in the Smarter Working Policy during a detached duty placement – to receive the full Detached Duty payment for their placement, volunteers will need can work a minimum ratio of 60:40 [London: Home location] of their usual hours. Pro-rata amounts will be paid for part time staff and travel time and expenses will also be provided.
You must be an experienced Probation Officer or Probation Services Officer, trained in the use of OASys and n-Delius computer systems. The scheme is not open to PQiPs or agency staff.
Find out more
Further information about working at the HFKCW PDU, along with volunteer form is available from the downloads box on the right. Or to register your interest and find out more please email NPSLondonDirector@justice.gov.uk.
Why you should join us in London – an insight from Scott, a PO from the North West region
Scott undertook detached duty at the HFKCW PDU, between November 2021 and March 2022.
Why did you decide to volunteer for detached duty?
I have been a probation officer for 21 years, mainly in Preston in Lancashire. I saw this as a fantastic opportunity to do something rather unique, that would take me out of my comfort zone. I also have fond memories of visiting London, and the chance to work (and to some extent, live) there was too good to miss.
How did you benefit from the experience?
It provided me with an opportunity to really challenge myself, working with very different types of People on Probation. The pace was also very different, but I was able to prove to myself that I could adapt quickly to a different way of working, which has increased my confidence in my own skills and decision making. I also got to see first-hand what the challenges are for probation staff working in London.
Why would you encourage others to volunteer?
It was a brilliant experience, a real eye-opener. No matter what your level of experience in the probation service, working in London will undoubtedly increase your skill set. Also, a word about the staff at HFKCW; without question, they are its biggest asset. They are incredibly supportive, friendly, and hard-working, and I have been lucky enough to make some good friends.
What did you particularly enjoy about London?
All of it. Sometimes, London sometimes gets a bad press up north, but I love it – it’s busy, vibrant, and contrary to some reports, it’s a friendly place. And you can eat and drink out at a reasonable price if you know where to go. If I was offered the opportunity to return, I wouldn’t hesitate.