Probation officer — Ruth Shellito

Ruth studied criminal justice at the University of Portsmouth. After being inspired by her parents' work in the field and gaining experience, she now works as a probation officer in London

What inspired you to work in the probation service? 

I was deeply inspired by my parents, who both dedicated parts of their lives to supporting individuals with convictions and helping them reintegrate into society. 

My father co-founded a housing and employment cooperative for ex-offenders back in 1983, which focused on creating real opportunities for people to rebuild their lives after prison. Growing up, I saw the influence of support, and what this impact could have, not just on individuals, but on communities as a whole. 

My mother also served as a probation officer and as an acting senior probation officer (SPO). Her commitment to the role and the way she balanced empathy with accountability made a lasting impression on me. Watching her navigate complex cases and advocate for rehabilitation helped me understand the importance of the work and its long-term value.  

How did you get your job as a probation officer? 

My journey began as an operational support grade (OSG) at HMP Belmarsh, where I gained valuable insight into the prison system. I then worked as a court usher at Wood Green Crown Court, which gave me further exposure to the criminal justice process from a different perspective.  

Wanting to support people more directly in their rehabilitation, I applied to become a probation services officer in an approved premises. I spent six years in the role and when the opportunity came up to train as a probation officer through the PQiP (Professional Qualification in Probation) programme, I jumped at the opportunity. 

I have been a qualified probation officer for nearly two years and continue to find the role both challenging and rewarding. 

What did the application process involve? 

It was quite thorough. I first had to complete a 1,500-word written assignment, which assessed my understanding of the role and key probation values. 

After that, I was invited to a formal interview where I was asked scenario-based and competency questions. The process was challenging, but it gave me a good sense of what would be expected in the role. 

What does your role involve on a day-to-day basis? 

As a probation officer, I manage a caseload of individuals on probation, assessing and reviewing their risk levels and rehabilitation needs. I conduct regular supervision sessions to monitor progress, address offending behaviour, and support positive change.  

A typical day includes writing reports for the criminal justice system, completing risk assessments, and developing sentence plans tailored to each person. I also work closely with partner agencies such as the police, mental health services, and housing providers.  

The role is all about balancing enforcement with support - holding people accountable while helping them rebuild their lives and reduce the risk of reoffending. 

What three skills are essential to your role? 

• resilience
• organisation
• good interpersonal skills. 

What part of your job gives you the most satisfaction? 

The most satisfying part of my role is seeing positive changes in the people on probation. Watching individuals take accountability, engage with support services, and make real progress toward turning their lives around is incredibly rewarding. It reinforces the value of rehabilitation, relationship-building, and the impact of consistent, person-centred support. 

What are the challenges? 

One of the main challenges is that things change all the time. Keeping up to date with new procedures and maintaining high-quality support for individuals on probation requires adaptability, strong professional judgement, and continuous learning. Balancing these changes with day-to-day responsibilities can be demanding, but it's also part of what makes the role dynamic and important. 

Can you debunk a myth about working as a probation officer? 

A common myth is that all probation officers do is recall people back to prison. Recalls are a last resort and are only used when someone poses a significant risk to the public or refuses to engage. The core of our work is focused on rehabilitation, support, and risk management - helping people make sustainable changes through supervision, referrals to services, and building trust. The aim is to reduce reoffending, not punishment.  

Probation officers have to deal with intense situations. How do you strike a healthy work/life balance? 

Maintaining a healthy work/life balance is important in this role. I make sure to take a regular lunch break and go on weekly walks with colleagues, which gives us a chance to reset.

I also take my annual leave regularly and use it effectively to rest and recharge. Self-care is vital for wellbeing at work, especially in a high-pressure environment.

When the weather is good, my colleagues and I enjoy having a picnic in the local park. We've made it a rule to ban all work talk during that time so we can fully switch off and relax. 

What are your career ambitions? 

My current ambition is to establish a residential rehabilitation centre that supports people leaving prison as well as others in the community, tailored to their individual risk levels. Ultimately, I aim to contribute to reducing reoffending by providing comprehensive support and resources for those who need it most.  

Tell us about two issues currently affecting your area of work. 

One key issue is the lack of education, training, and employment provision, both in custody and in the community. Many individuals are released without access to meaningful opportunities, which makes reintegration and reducing reoffending far more difficult.  

Another major issue is the absence of basic resettlement preparation before release, such as not having a photo ID, GP registration, or Universal Credit application in place. These are fundamental for someone to access housing, healthcare, and financial support, and without them, the individual faces an uphill struggle from day one in the community. 

What advice can you give to aspiring probation officers? 

Be realistic about the workload and make sure you're applying for the right reasons. You need to be passionate, empathetic, and understand that change takes time.   

If possible, try shadowing or volunteering in a probation office - it's a great way to understand the role and see if it's right for you. 

Find out more

• Learn more about the role of a probation officer.
• Read up on jobs in the prison and probation services.
• Visit HMP Prison and Probation Service for more information.