Deskilling of the probation service

Your reporter was right to draw attention to the widespread academic and trade union opposition to the proposed abolition of university-based training for probation officers (THES, March 3). The profession as a whole is united in opposing these damaging and impracticable proposals. The Association of Chief Officers of Probation, the Central Probation Council and the Association of Black Probations Officers as well as the organisations you quoted are on record as condemning the idea.

Fortunately, the Government has announced a consultation period between now and mid-May. All the representative groups will be making their views known, not only to the Home Office but to sentencers and the wider public.

There is evidence of some concern among the judiciary and the magistracy about the likely consequences of deskilling the probation service, as well as in other government departments concerned with the education and training of staff in related professions, and indeed among Members of Parliament.

The existing arrangements for probation officers have been painstakingly built up over the decades. This has been done by universities and employers working collaboratively, which is why the chorus of disapproval at the prospect of destroying all this work is so strong. As with the other professional groups whose training is under attack (architects, as reported in the previous week's issue, and previously teachers), probation officers and probation academics will do all in our power to prevent this doctrinaire attack on well-regarded, research-based, intellectually demanding courses.

Brian Williams

Lecturer in probation studies

University of Keele