LJMU to educate hundreds more much-needed public servants

LJMU is once again leading the way in preparing professionals for one of the country’s most needed public services.

Probation officers are hugely in demand and at the front line in public protection and supporting safer communities.

LJMU’s School of Law and Justice Studies will train hundreds more of them across the Northwest and Greater Manchester and, for the first time, into Wales after extending its partnership with HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) to deliver the Professional Qualification in Probation (PQiP).

The new contract, which will run for up to 10 years, recognises the university's growing reputation for excellence and its commitment to developing a skilled, reflective and resilient workforce for the justice sector.

Leading provider

The Professional Qualification in Probation is the recognised qualification required to practice as a probation officer in England and Wales and runs in parallel with on-the-job training delivered by HMPPS.

LJMU has become one of the leading academic centres for probation education, enrolling almost 700 trainees since 2022 with 274 learners successfully completing the programme to date, 179 achieving a Merit (2:1 equivalent) or above. Probation officers work with people who have committed offences, supporting rehabilitation, reducing reoffending and protecting the public.

Ester Ragonese, Academic Lead for the programme at LJMU, said: "We are delighted to be preparing future probation professionals across the Northwest, Greater Manchester and now Wales.

“Probation officers work in a complex environment and high-quality education has never been more important. Through close collaboration with HMPPS, we will continue to ensure that our curriculum remains relevant, innovative, and responsive to the needs of practitioners and the communities they serve.

“We are proud to play a role in preparing practitioners who will support rehabilitation, reduce reoffending and help create safer communities.”

Deep commitment to skills

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice said: "Following a competitive and comprehensive procurement process, the Probation Service is very pleased to once again be working with Liverpool John Moores University.

“The qualification forms a significant part of the Professional Qualification in Probation, which is the recognised statutory qualification required to work as a Probation Officer in England and Wales."

Professor Dan Silverstone, Director of LJMU’s School of Law and Justice Studies, said: "We are delighted to secure this expanded contract which broadens the educational contribution the School of Law and Justice Studies is making to the Ministry of Justice and deepens our commitment to providing educational support for key agencies across the Criminal Justice System."