HC Deb 15 February 1996 vol 271 cc696-7W
15. Mr. Jenkin

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his Department is doing to broaden the recruitment base of the probation service to encourage the recruitment of more mature and experienced people. [13865]

Mr. Sackville

We have ended the unnecessary requirement for probation officers to hold a social work qualification for appointment. We have also put in hand action to create a new, rigorous and more flexible system of training which will recognise the experience of mature candidates.