Alarm at plan for less-qualified probation staff to deal with sex offenders in England and Wales

There are also plans to cut the number of low- and medium-risk offenders required to sit through the twice-weekly rehabilitation courses. Photograph: Graeme Robertson/The Guardian

Domestic abusers and sex offenders in England and Wales will be rehabilitated by less-experienced staff with fewer qualifications from June, prompting warnings from a watchdog that the plans must be closely monitored to ensure public safety.

Proposals approved by ministers will roll out behaviour programmes for offenders to be delivered by “band 3” staff who are not fully qualified probation officers.