Question 1 - Persuading & Influencing
A key part of the Probation Officers’ role is to influence others. Often this may involve challenging the person’s current way of acting or thinking, and persuading them to change. This doesn’t only apply to the offenders that you would work with, but also to the many other people you will have contact with on a day-to-day basis including probation colleagues, the police, legal professionals, social workers and those working in a wide range of voluntary and community organisations.
Please give an example of a situation where you had to challenge someone else’s way of thinking or acting in order to achieve some change in them.
In 450 words or less, describe the context, the situation, the approach you used and what the outcome was. Remember to report what role you had in this, as well as the involvement of others.
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Question 2 - Delivering at Pace
The Probation Office’s role can be very demanding as you are often dealing with complex people and situations. You will have to regularly review these situations and set challenging goals, alongside having time and patience to achieve the outcomes you are seeking. There will often be set backs and obstacles. You will often be the key person in these situations and will have to take responsibility for ensuring that problems are overcome and a positive result is achieved.
Please give an example of a situation where you faced a setback, obstacle or failure and explain how you dealt with this.
In 450 words or less, describe the context, the situation, the approach you used and what the outcome was. Remember to report what particular role you had in this.
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Question 3 - Collaborating & Partnering
Probation Officers work with a wide range of people, both on a one-to-one basis but also in teams. These people, who may include offenders, probation colleagues and external individuals and organisations such as charitable bodies or the police, can vary greatly in their views, background and goals. Sometimes the relationships can be challenging, but you will need to work co-operatively with these diverse groups.
Please give an example of a situation where you had to work co-operatively with someone who had very different perspectives, attitudes or goals to you.
In 450 words or less, describe the context, the situation, the approach you used and what the outcome was. Remember to report what particular role you had in this.
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Question 4 - Making Effective Decisions
Probation Officers have to make important and impactful decisions, often in a relatively short period of time. Some of the information that these decisions are based on may be factual, though some of it will be based on others’ subjective judgements or experience. The information on which you base your decisions may vary in its quality and reliability and there may be differences in opinion and perspective in the advice you are given.
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