General Chat

I'm in the process of applying to become a trainee probation officer. It's a difficult process. The application form has to be in by 15 April, I want to see it off by the end of next week. I'm having problems. It asks you to give an example of something that shows your values are diverse and not influenced by personal bias..... that your values are the same as the probation service's. Argh!!!!! I have no idea of an example. Is anyone able to fly ideas at me?? I really want to get on this course, and I really want to get onto the interview stage, which is even more scary (includes tests, group discussions and a presentation). Chloe x

Hi Chloe, You could try the equal opportunities route - sex discrimination, ethnic differences ageism etc etc. Good luck - its a very worthwhile career - give it your best shot!

Hi Chloe It all sounds very exciting, and I reckon you'll definitely get an interview....as not long ago you were scared about your driving test.....and you passed that didn't you? So, go for it!! I'm not sure what values they are expecting you to show. Is it about equal opportunites? Not sure I can help, but just wanted to wish you lots of luck. Best wishes Natalie

Thanks. How can I show my values through an example of something that happened to me? That's what I'm confused over. I do share their values but I don't see how I can give an example to prove that!

Do you know or have you any friends/acquaintances that fall into the above categories? If so, have you ever treated then any differently because of it? I suspect that you would treat them all equally - try to think of an example of when you did this - no matter how insignificant it may seem to you - it probably will make all the difference to your interviewers.

Thanks, Lucy.

Chloe I agree with both of the above. Also, if you think about it, if you became a probation officer you would have all sorts of criminals coming to your office. I think it means that you would have to treat them all equally and with the same respect, despite any personal revulsion you may feel towards the particular crime they have committed. You will not be able to show personal feeling. It would be natural to feel empathy with their victims, for instance if they had raped someone or beat up an old person, but you must treat your client in the same way as you would one who had committed a 'lesser' crime. Hope this makes sense. I have a friend who works with rapists and paedophiles. Her trick is to get to know the person and form her own opinion of them before she studies the case notes, then she does not have any pre-conception of what they are going to be like. Good luck, I hope with all my heart you are successful. This would be a really good career for you. Dianne

Thanks Dianne. That has helped too.

You're welcome Chloe Dianne

Chloe You probably know this but The values they refer to are: The beliefs which underpin our work are: People have an ability to change Everyone is capable of taking responsibility for their actions Victims and local communities have rights Behaving with respect and understanding to all people We can make a difference. You need to waffle on about how open minded you are and how you would never dream of making judgments about anyone based on their colour, sexual orientation or social status. It will help if you are a black single mother living on the 15th floor in a council slum. Good Luck Bob

The new term for equal opps is 'Diversity Awareness'. They want you to show that you are open-minded and have total respect for others' beliefs, principles, cultures etc. I agree that having to prove this at an interview is going to be quite difficult especially if you have never worked in a 'diverse' setting, you could try saying something along the lines of how you are not influenced by any colour,creed, status of a person and that equality among all is something you feel strongly about. wishing you lots of luck Chloe.

Tell them you want to understand the motives of the offender. Don,t want to jump to wrong conclusions. Some good in everybody. A court of law is not always the place for an offender. custodial sentences are not always necessary. Talking, understanding, listening, and guiding can be a more worthwhile. Tell them what they want to hear. Zero tolerance is not for you. In fACT BE THOROUGHLY WOOLLY MINDED. BEST OF LUCK. happy days