Andrew B.
About me
| Andrew B. | |
| History | |
| History | |
| Undergraduate | |
| Goodricke | |
| 1972 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Strategic Director | |
| Trade association | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Armed forces and emergency services |
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A day in the life of a Strategic Director in the United Kingdom
In all my roles, I have not lost sight of the fact that this work is about providing for anyone who wants the opportunity to change the course of their own lives.
Briefly describe the organisation you work for
This, my post-retirement job, is for the 'trade association' that is the eyes, ears and voice for those "Approved Premises" - i.e. 'probation hostels' - that are managed independently, usually by charities (and not directly by the state).
What do you do?
While my current post-retirement work is mainly online management, in my previous roles I was a Probation Officer, both in offices and in prisons, then as a manager became a Chief Probation Officer, and subsequently Chief Inspector of Probation for England & Wales.
Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?
In all my roles, I have not lost sight of the fact that this work is about providing for anyone who wants the opportunity to change the course of their own lives away from their previous anti-social behaviour - and every individual who has offended is a unique individual 'case'.
Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?
I decided on this sector at the end of my second year at York
Describe your most memorable day at work
As Chief Probation Officer, I learned from an Inspector that my area was the third best out of 54 areas - no one outside my area expected this, because others were better at 'talking a good job' for their area, while the staff in my area actually got on with doing a good job.
Are there any challenges associated with your job?
Few outsiders have any real understanding about what Probation is about.
What’s your work environment and culture like?
Very very mixed - depends who you ask!
What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?
No claims there.
What would you like to do next with your career?
I'm retired!
What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?
Explore and think through your planned career. Ultimately, do you want to be a 'do-er' or a 'commentator'? Commentators tend to be better rewarded, for reasons that are unfair, but there's more satisfaction in being a 'do-er' (I've been both)
What topics from students are you happy to answer questions on?
Crime, punishment, rehabilitation, risk management, Probation, prisons
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?
My website is andrewbridgesprobation.com
Next steps...
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