“The Government is increasing investment into probation and community services by up to £700 million by 2028/29. To further manage the increased pressure, we will recruit at least 1,300 trainee probation officers by March 2027, on top of the 1,389 onboarded in 2025/26, alongside introducing new digital technology.”

Where it stands

The government's response to Lord Leveson's Independent Review of the Criminal Courts accepts his recommendation on probation funding, and says the 1,300 come on top of the 1,389 taken on in 2025/26. A Ministry of Justice release on 15 October 2026 repeats the 1,300 and the £700 million, and says the recruitment happens over the next year. March 2027 is read as 31 March 2027. The card moves when the Ministry of Justice reports how many trainee probation officers it has recruited.

What has happened

1. Oct 2026The government says it will recruit at least 1,300 trainee probation officers by March 2027, Promised
2. Mar 2027At least 1,300 trainee probation officers due to be recruited by March 2027, Deadline

About the cost

Up to £700 million more for probation and community services by 2028/29. Neither source says whether that is a yearly figure or a total, so no yearly figure is shown.

More detail

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