In the current recruitment exercise for probation board chairs and members we have sought to attract applicants from across the public, private and not for profit sectors. We have particularly sought to attract individuals with ‘business acumen’ in whichever sector such skills have been obtained. During the present process we have written directly to the Magistrates’ Association, and the LGA, as well as to such organisations as Lions and Rotary Clubs, to encourage applicants with diverse experiences. This has been supported by considerable additional activity to encourage applicants from BME and other traditionally under represented groups.
The skills, abilities and business acumen we are seeking during the current recruitment campaign are the same as we would wish to see represented on probation trusts.
The remuneration for trust chairs and members has not been yet been determined although presently, depending on the size of the area, probation chairs are paid between £15,400 and £27,500 and are asked to commit up to two days a week. Board members are paid at an hourly rate of £15.40 with a commitment of up to five days a month.