16/06/2023
Cachella Smith
A study has been completed by Laura Haggar and Michelle McDermott from the University of Portsmouth and published in Probation Quarterly.
Former probation staff have cited lack of psychological support as well as management style as reasons for their resignation.
It forms part of a study conducted by Laura Haggar and Michelle McDermott from the University of Portsmouth and published in Probation Quarterly into probation officers' reasons for resignation.
47 participants (who had resigned since May 2019) responded to the study and were asked to complete a mix of fixed and open-ended responses as well as interviews.
Within the survey element of the study, the five highest rated reasons for leaving were stress of the job, high workload, organisational change, morale and the impact of job on emotional wellbeing.
Meanwhile other reasons were given through the qualitative responses – with management style being a recurring theme as well as “process over people” whereby staff felt a contrast between a “target-driven culture” and their front facing work.
Laura Haggar and Michelle McDermott wrote: “Whilst there were reflections of the challenges previously discussed, the fondness for the work and the people (both those on probation and colleagues) could not be overstated.
"Participants talked about how being a probation practitioner was part of their identity, (previously identified by Mowby and Worrall, 2013) and that the work had shaped their character and values.
“It is perhaps this deep-rooted connection to probation work then, that offers some explanation as to why over half (57%) of respondents would consider a return to the Service, and thus presents some optimism to attracting ex practitioners back into the fold.”
Recommendations include the availability of fractional and alternative posts.