Michael Johnson - Trainee Probation Officer
I write at a time of incredible pressure; an academic and practice deadline is approaching and I am co-tutoring a Think First programme! But on reflection, I definitely made the right career decision.
In theory, 50% of my time is spent on study, 50% on practice. This is not, however, as neat a distinction in reality. I have had to learn to be more adaptable. I admit that when I joined the Service I felt that, although I couldn't 'know it all', I would hit the ground running due to my previous experience as a Probation volunteer.
In my previous roles, I simply 'did' and did not consider 'why'. Being a TPO has meant a thorough re-examination of why I do what I do. This has necessitated me thinking about issues from a wider perspective than I have in the past."
On distance learning
Hugely enjoyable although much more demanding than I had considered. At the end of the process, however, I feel that the course that I am currently on will not only have taught me the core subject areas but also how to study at a distance. This is not something a traditional university-based degree would provide. Being a TPO has also meant that I have had to honestly 'get to know myself' in a way that I have not before. In former roles I intuitively developed my own value base as I progressed. As a TPO, however, I have had to focus on my values, on how they are aligned with those of the NPS, and on the behaviours and circumstances of offenders.
The capacity of offenders to change is a paramount concept, as is the importance of ensuring that they are held accountable and responsible for their actions. As a Trainee, I have noticed the reluctance that some offenders have for taking responsibility. Indeed their resistance has on occasions been quite striking. The journey I've made from a volunteer to a TPO has been much longer than I expected. But I'm confident that the 'pot of gold at the end of the rainbow' will be worth it!
