Community Justice Learning (Professional Qualification in Probation)

These contracts will deliver Community Justice Learning (CJL), which forms the academic component of the Professional Qualification in Probation (PQiP) programme - the mandatory training route for all Probation Officers employed by the Probation Service. CJL comprises a BA (Hons) Degree or Graduate Diploma in Community Justice, alongside a Level 5 Vocational Qualification in Probation Practice, which is delivered in-house by His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) staff.

Under Section 10 of the Offender Management Act 2007, the Secretary of State for Justice may determine the qualifications, experience and training required to practise as a Probation Officer. Since 1 April 2016, the PQiP has been the sole statutory route to qualification. HMPPS is the only employer of Probation Officers in England and Wales, and the PQiP programme is the only route to train and qualify for this profession.

The Authority holds a CJL Course Design Framework, which defines the academic structure, outcomes and learning standards that all suppliers will be required to adopt and implement during the Mobilisation Phase. Suppliers will be required to design their academic course content in accordance with this framework and secure appropriate accreditation through the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) or Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ).

The academic elements of the PQiP to be delivered under this contract include:

Learning will be delivered through biannual cohorts across four standard entry routes:

Course duration will vary from between 15-30 months, depending on learners' prior learning and the appropriate entry route identified.

From time to time, the Authority may commission ‘optional services’ from the suppliers, which would be related and complementary to the contracted Services but incidental and discrete in nature and could, for example, include (without limitation) specific short term academic research projects and mapping of qualifications.

The estimated annual volume is approximately 1,200 learners (not guaranteed), divided across the below-stated four regional Lots:

The delivery model is 100% virtual, with all learning conducted through live, synchronous online teaching (e.g. Microsoft Teams). Suppliers may offer face-to-face sessions at their own discretion and cost where they deem beneficial to learners.

The contract term is 10.5 years, anticipated to commence in September 2026, structured as follows: