Understanding the barriers that students in Further and Higher Education face when considering a career in the Probation Service

Brown, Tom and Rodgers, Zoe and Hudson, Jeni and D'Arcy, Blade (2026) Understanding the barriers that students in Further and Higher Education face when considering a career in the Probation Service. Probation Journal. ISSN 0264-5505

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Abstract

Despite the Probation Service having a fundamental role within the criminal justice system, staff recruitment and retention issues remain a continuing problem regarding Qualified Probation Officers. However, at present, the focus of research endeavours is placed upon those already in the service or leaving. Applying Bourdieu’s notion of a ‘ Theory of Practice’ , in which the idea of Habitus plays a crucial role, we highlight the barriers faced by Further and Higher Education students in recognising a career as a Probation Officer (PO) as an option. The findings from the two concurrent mixed-methods studies reveal that students’ familial structures and influences at the primary socialisation stage routinely steered their career decision-making despite recruitment initiatives. Likewise, at the secondary socialisation stage, the education system often perpetuates unhelpful stereotypes about who is best suited for this form of employment.

Item Type:	Article
Identification Number:	10.1177/02645505261466104
Dates:	Date Event 1 July 2026 Accepted 28 July 2026 Published Online
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Probation officers, recruitment, retention, FE, HE
Subjects:	CAH15 - social sciences > CAH15-01 - sociology, social policy and anthropology > CAH15-01-02 - sociology
Divisions:	Law and Social Sciences > Criminology and Sociology > Criminology
Depositing User:	Gemma Tonks
Date Deposited:	26 Aug 2026 09:30
Last Modified:	26 Aug 2026 09:30
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/17191

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