Thames Valley Probation

Tel: 01869 255300
Email: info@thames-valley.probation.gsi.gov.uk

Who we are

Thames Valley Probation is 1 of 35 Probation Trusts in England and Wales.

What we do

Provides reports on people charged with an offence - this helps Magistrates and Judges decide on the sentence they pass in court.

• Enforces community sentences by ensuring offenders:
1. Carry out unpaid work (Community Payback) thatbenefits the community and/or attend supervision witha probation officer and
2. Attend an offending behaviour programmeand/or attend substance abuse treatment.
• Returns offenders to court for further punishment if they don't co-operate with probation staff. This may lead to an additional community sentence, a fine or imprisonment.
• Delivers specialist programmes for offenders, which are proven to reduce further offending
• Provides Prison Governors with specialist reports about prisoners' suitability for release into the community. Probation staff will recommend what conditions e.g. curfew/tagging order or probation supervision should be imposed.
• Works with prisoners before and after their release from prison. Probation staff tackle the causes of offending and help offenders re-integrate into the community on their release.
• Liaises with victims of serious crime. Keeps them informed about a prisoner's progress in prison. Obtains feedback about any concerns they have about proposed release and liaises about restriction zones which may be imposed.
• Offers employment, education and accommodation services to help offenders live crime-free lives. Support in these areas has been shown to reduce the chances of people offending again
• Works with other agencies and organisations for local crime reduction and community safety e.g. police, courts, local authorities, health services, substance misuse/drug services, voluntary agencies, Youth Offending Teams.

Jobs

More than 60% of our 800 staff work directly with offenders.
This includes:

• Probation Officer - working directly with offenders
• Probation Services Officer - assisting the work of probation officers
• Administrative staff - providing administrative support to probation staff
• Placement Managers - supervising offenders on Community Orders carrying out Community Payback
• Prison-based probation staff - working to prepare prisoners for their release into the community

Other staff work in specialist/supporting roles such as training, research, information technology, admin & clerical, finance, human resources and communications.

Thames Valley Probation website