Government signs new agreement for probation and parole officers<\/p>\n
A new sectoral agreement signed between the government and UHM Voice of the Workers will introduce improved working conditions, stronger career opportunities and additional benefits for probation and parole officers, while aiming to strengthen community services and reduce recidivism.<\/p>\n
The Ministry for Home Affairs, Security and Employment said that the new agreement represents another investment in probation and parole professionals and is intended to further strengthen services within the community.<\/p>\n
The agreement includes substantial improvements in career structures and employee benefits, while also addressing the need for increased human resources within the Probation and Parole Department to ensure services become more efficient and effective.<\/p>\n
Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri said the agreement reflects the government’s commitment to continue investing in workers and recognising the important role probation officers play within the criminal justice system and in helping individuals reintegrate into society.<\/p>\n
“This agreement not only strengthens workers’ conditions but also continues improving the quality of service provided to society. We are investing in more professionals, more training and more tools so these workers can carry out their duties in the best possible way,” Camilleri said.<\/p>\n
Through the agreement, two new grades were introduced within the probation officers’ class, including the grade of Assistant Probation Officer, allowing individuals interested in the profession to enter the sector at an earlier stage while gaining training and workplace experience.<\/p>\n
The agreement also provides substantial increases in existing allowances, alongside the introduction of a new performance bonus linked to officers’ performance and additional work carried out.<\/p>\n
Among the main measures is an increase in the Continuous Professional Development Allowance aimed at supporting ongoing training and professional development for probation officers, while the Probation and Parole Allowance was also significantly increased.<\/p>\n
Camilleri said the agreement builds further on government efforts to strengthen probation and parole services, particularly in relation to reducing recidivism and supporting the reintegration of individuals into society.<\/p>\n
Probation and Parole Department Director Carmen Borg said the service provided by the department has been strengthened through the agreement, which addressed the needs of probation officers while ensuring a more efficient service.<\/p>\n
She said service efficiency is particularly important given the department’s role in reducing recidivism and explained that, together with other entities operating in the sector, the department works collaboratively to address the needs of individuals under supervision to encourage greater social reintegration and reduce repeat offending.<\/p>\n
Borg added that the new sectoral agreement continues strengthening these efforts through improved working conditions for probation officers.<\/p>\n