Probation Perspectives: Insights into Community Justice

Probation Perspectives: Insights into Community Justice is a podcast exploring the world of probation, rehabilitation, and community justice. Hosted by Megan Thomas and Ceri Halfpenny from the University of Portsmouth, this series delves into key issues affecting probation practice, featuring expert insights, research, and real-world experiences.In this episode, we are joined by Emeritus Professor Mike Nellis, Professor of Criminal and Community Justice at the University of Strathclyde, and Louis Allgood from the AI in Justice team within government. Together, they explore the evolving role of technology in probation, with a particular focus on electronic monitoring and the growing use of artificial intelligence in justice systems. The conversation traces the historical development of electronic monitoring, considers the promises and risks associated with AI‑driven tools, and reflects on the ethical, practical, and professional implications for probation practice. Mike and Louis discuss issues of surveillance, power, accountability, and decision‑making, offering critical perspectives on how technology intersects with values such as rehabilitation, fairness, and human judgement.This is a timely and thought‑provoking episode for PQiPs, probation practitioners, and anyone interested in how digital technologies are reshaping community justice—and what it means to practice ethically in an increasingly technologised probation landscape.Chapters:00:00 – Introduction00:51 – Technology’s Role in Probation04:02 – Electronic Monitoring Explained07:54 – Artificial Intelligence in Probation09:58 – The Human Element12:54 – Ethical Concerns and Risks29:21 – Challenges of AI and Monitoring47:28 – Envisaging the Future of Probation TechnologyShow notes and readings:We’d like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made Probation Perspectives: Insights into Community Justice possible.Freddie Hunt – Podcast producerJill Dealey – Podcast development and content supportLauren Meredith – Logo and jingle developmentJenn Grant & Michelle McDermott – Management and supportAll of our guests for sharing their expertise and experiencesHere are the details of the resources and readings that were referred to within the episode:Alegre (2024) Human rights, robot wrongs: Being human in the age of AINellis, M. (2022). From electronic monitoring to artificial intelligence: technopopulism and the future of probation services. In Reimagining Probation Practice (pp. 207-224). Routledge.AI Action plan for Justice: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ai-action-plan-for-justice/ai-action-plan-for-justice Justice AI Unit website: https://ai.justice.gov.uk/ 

Probation Perspectives: Insights into Community Justice is a podcast exploring the world of probation, rehabilitation, and community justice. Hosted by Megan Thomas and Ceri Halfpenny from the University of Portsmouth, this series delves into key issues affecting probation practice, featuring expert insights, research, and real-world experiences.In this episode, we are joined by Professor Matthew Millings, who shares insights from his recent project, Rehabilitating Probation, and Associate Professor Matt Tidmarsh from the Probation Institute. Together, they explore what it means to rehabilitate not only those supervised by Probation, but the Probation Service itself. The conversation examines the evolving identity of Probation as a profession, the impact of continual organisational change, and the challenges facing practitioners working within a complex and pressurised system. Matthew and Matt reflect on the role of research, professional values, and collective voice in shaping Probation’s future, and consider how Probation can reclaim a sense of purpose, coherence, and legitimacy.This rich and reflective episode invites PQiPs, Probation practitioners, and anyone interested in Community Justice to think critically about Probation’s past, present, and future and what it means to imagine Probation as a values‑led profession with a clear and confident identity.Chapters:00:00 - Introduction01:50 - Matthew Millings & Dr Matt Tidmarsh05:03 - Impact of Organisational Change12:06 - Motivations for Rehab Project25:50 - Defining Rehabilitation in Probation37:30 - Continuous Learning & Reflection45:23 - Building Relationships & Engagement54:38 - Reimagining Probation: Health ViewShow notes and readings:We’d like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made Probation Perspectives: Insights into Community Justice possible.Freddie Hunt – Podcast producerJill Dealey – Podcast development and content supportLauren Meredith – Logo and jingle developmentJenn Grant & Michelle McDermott – Management and supportAll of our guests for sharing their expertise and experiencesHere are the details of the resources and readings that were referred to within the episode:You can find out more about the Rehabilitating Probation project on their website here: https://rehabilitating-probation.org.uk/The Probation Institute offers professional membership, leadership, and evidence‑based resources for the sector. Find out more or join here: https://www.probation-institute.org/Tidmarsh, M. (2025). Probation Governance, Identity, and Practice: Making, Unmaking, Remaking. Taylor & Francis.Dominey, J. (2019). Probation supervision as a network of relationships: aiming to be thick, not thin. Probation Journal, 66(3), 283-302.Public Health England (2020). Health and social care needs assessment of adults under probation service supervision in the community. A guidance document. London: Public Health England. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/adults-on-probation-health-and-social-care-needs-assessment

Probation Perspectives: Insights into Community Justice returns for its second series, continuing to explore the world of probation, rehabilitation, and community justice. Hosted by Megan Thomas and Ceri Halfpenny from the University of Portsmouth, the podcast brings together voices from practice, research, and lived experience to reflect on the realities of probation work and the values that underpin it.In this trailer, Megan and Ceri introduce what’s ahead for Series 2, building on the reflective, practice‑focused conversations of the first series while widening the lens to consider some of the major developments shaping probation today. This season will explore topics such as the rehabilitation of the Probation Service itself, the opportunities and risks of emerging technologies and AI, the role of lived experience in professional identity, and how the service learns from serious incidents and public protection work.With contributions from leading researchers, practitioners, and thinkers, Series 2 invites listeners to reflect on probation’s past, present, and future and to engage with honest, thoughtful conversations about how the profession continues to evolve. Whether you’re a practitioner, PQiP, educator, student, or simply interested in Community Justice, we’re excited to welcome you back.We’d like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made Probation Perspectives: Insights into Community Justice possible.Freddie Hunt – Podcast producerJill Dealey – Podcast development and content supportLauren Meredith – Logo and jingle developmentJenn Grant & Michelle McDermott – Management and supportAll of our guests for sharing their expertise and experiencesFor more information about PQiP training at the University of Portsmouth, visit: https://www.port.ac.uk/study/studying-while-working/probation-officer-training.

Probation Perspectives: Insights into Community Justice is a podcast exploring the world of probation, rehabilitation, and community justice. Hosted by Megan Thomas and Ceri Halfpenny from the University of Portsmouth, this series delves into key issues affecting probation practice, featuring expert insights, research, and real-world experiences.In this episode, we speak with Dr Madeline Petrillo, Associate Professor of Criminology at the University of Greenwich and former probation officer. Madeline shares her journey into trauma-informed practice, reflecting on the emotional impact of frontline work, the gendered nature of trauma, and the power of compassionate supervision. She explores the challenges and potential of embedding trauma-informed approaches within probation, offers insights from her work on the innovative Hope Street project, and highlights the importance of reflective practice and practitioner wellbeing. With powerful stories, practical examples, and critical reflections, this episode is essential listening for PQiPs, probation officers, and anyone committed to building a more responsive and humane justice system.Please be aware that this episode includes discussion of sexual violence and abuse, which some listeners may find distressing. Take care while listening, and feel free to pause or step away if you need to.Chapters00:00 Introduction02:15 Dr Madeline Petrillo05:03 Realities for women07:32 Trauma-informed meaning13:13 Writing on trauma17:00 Why trauma matters20:25 Pathways to crime25:48 Hope Street project30:33 Trauma principlesShow notes and readings:We’d like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made Probation Perspectives: Insights into Community Justice possible.Freddie Hunt – Podcast producerJill Dealey – Podcast development and content supportLauren Meredith – Logo and jingle developmentJenn Grant & Michelle McDermott – Management and supportAll of our guests for sharing their expertise and experiencesHere are the details of the resources and readings that were referred to within the episode:Corston, J. (2007) The Corston Report: a review of women with particular vulnerabilities in the criminal justice system. https://prisonreformtrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/The-Corston-Report.pdfHerman, J. L. (2015). Trauma and recovery: The aftermath of violence--from domestic abuse to political terror. Hachette UK.Ministry of Justice. (n.d.). Women’s Justice Board. GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/womens-justice-boardPetrillo, M., & Bradley, A. (2022). Working with trauma in adult probation: HM Inspectorate of Probation research and analysis bulletin 2022/02. Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Probation.Petrillo, M. (2023). Women, trauma, and journeys towards desistance: Navigating the labyrinth. Routledge.Phillips, J., Westaby, C., & Fowler, A. (2020). Emotional labour in probation. https://hmiprobation.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/document/emotional-labour-in-probation/Shepherd, B. (2022). Women working with women–vicarious trauma in the probation service. Probation Quarterly, 24, 24-28.Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2014)  Comment end SAMHSA’s Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach ⁠https://library.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/sma14-4884.pdf ⁠Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Portsmouth, the podcast hosts, or any affiliated organisations or employers.

Probation Perspectives: Insights into Community Justice is a podcast exploring the world of probation, rehabilitation, and community justice. Hosted by Megan Thomas and Ceri Halfpenny from the University of Portsmouth, this series delves into key issues affecting probation practice, featuring expert insights, research, and real-world experiences.In this episode, we speak with Robert McKeon, an Independent Member of the Parole Board, about the realities of parole decision-making and the vital role probation officers play in assessing and managing risk. Rob reflects on the evolution of the parole process, the framework used to assess whether someone can be safely released, and offers invaluable advice for trainee probation officers preparing for oral hearings. We explore key concepts such as risk, reflective practice, and professional curiosity, and discuss how transparency, fairness, and a whole-person approach are critical to public protection.Chapters0:00 Introduction1:24 Robert Mckeon4:35 Life in Probation9:15 High-Risk Offenders13:02 Role of Parole Boards17:18 Parole Misconceptions21:46 Success Stories26:32 Systemic Challenges41:21 Hopes for ReformShow notes and readings:We’d like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made Probation Perspectives: Insights into Community Justice possible:Freddie Hunt – Podcast producerJill Dealey – Podcast development and content supportRob Hobbs – Technical supportLauren Meredith – Logo and jingle developmentJenn Grant & Michelle McDermott – Management and supportAll of our guests – For sharing their expertise and experiencesHere are the details of the readings that were referred to within the episode:McKeon, R (2024) Parole: The Fate of Prisoners in My Hands and the High-stakes Risks of Getting it Wrong. AurumGallant, S. (2023). The Road to London Bridge: How I went from a life of violence to stopping the terror attack Fishmongers’ Hall. Seven Dials.Atkins, C. (2020). A Bit of a Stretch: The diaries of a prisoner. Atlantic Books.Link to the Parole Board website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/parole-boardDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Portsmouth, the podcast hosts, or any affiliated organisations or employers.

Probation Perspectives: Insights into Community Justice is a podcast exploring the world of probation, rehabilitation, and community justice. Hosted by Megan Thomas and Ceri Halfpenny from the University of Portsmouth, this series delves into key issues affecting probation practice, featuring expert insights, research, and real-world experiences.In this episode, Noreen Wallace from H.M. Inspectorate of Probation unpacks the complexities of addressing domestic abuse within probation services. From defining abuse under the 2021 Domestic Abuse Act to highlighting challenges in inter-agency collaboration and practitioner training, Noreen provides actionable insights for probation officers and agencies working to protect victims and rehabilitate offenders. Tune in to learn about the critical role of professional curiosity, reflective practice, and targeted interventions in achieving meaningful change.Chapters00:00 Introduction02:00 Noreen Wallace06:44 Probation's Role in Abuse Cases19:27 Thematic Inspection Insights23:43 Domestic Abuse Key Insights26:08 Training & Practitioner Confidence29:52 Professional Curiosity in Probation38:02 User Feedback Importance40:52 Future Directions in Abuse Prevention44:12 Reflective Practice in ProbationShow notes and readings:We’d like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made Probation Perspectives: Insights into Community Justice possible:Freddie Hunt – Podcast producerJill Dealey – Podcast development and content supportRob Hobbs – Technical supportLauren Meredith – Logo and jingle developmentJenn Grant & Michelle McDermott – Management and supportAll of our guests – For sharing their expertise and experiencesFurther readings:Here are the details of the readings that were referred to within the episodeHMIP Effective Practice Guide: Working with domestic abuseWomen's Aid Website: www.womensaid.org.ukSafe Lives Organisation: www.safelives.org.ukDomestic Abuse Act 2021 (UK): Legal framework and advancements in domestic abuse prevention. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2021/17Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Portsmouth, the podcast hosts, or any affiliated organisations or employers.

Probation Perspectives: Insights into Community Justice is a podcast exploring the world of probation, rehabilitation, and community justice. Hosted by Megan Thomas and Ceri Halfpenny from the University of Portsmouth, this series delves into key issues affecting probation practice, featuring expert insights, research, and real-world experiences.In this episode, we speak with Dr. Kerry Ellis-Devitt and Carl Hall from Interventions Alliance about domestic abuse and stalking. They explore the evolution of interventions, the importance of evidence-based practice, and strategies to support both victims and practitioners. Tune in for insights into trauma-informed approaches, the 5 typologies of stalkers, and how probation practitioners can foster meaningful change.Chapters00:00 Domestic Abuse & Stalking02:24 Dr Kerry Ellis-Devitt and Carl Hall06:26 Defining Domestic Abuse & Stalking16:30 Trauma-Informed Approaches26:10 Challenges in Rehabilitation31:40 Probation Practitioner Strategies37:50 Final Reflections & Key TakeawaysWe’d like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made Probation Perspectives: Insights into Community Justice possible:Freddie Hunt – Podcast producerJill Dealey – Podcast development and content supportRob Hobbs – Technical supportLauren Meredith – Logo and jingle developmentJenn Grant & Michelle McDermott – Management and supportAll of our guests – For sharing their expertise and experiencesFurther readings:Link to the Interventions Alliance website: https://interventionsalliance.comHere are the details of the readings that were referred to within the episode:Kerry recommended the following readings:Gadd, D., Fox, C. L., Corr, M. L., Alger, S., & Butler, I. (2015). Young men and domestic abuse. Routledge.Renehan, N., & Gadd, D. (2024). For Better or Worse? Improving the Response to Domestic Abuse Offenders on Probation. The British Journal of Criminology, 64(5), pp1171–1188, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/bjc/azae003Renehan, N. (2024). Foregrounding Meaning and Motive in the Domestic Abuse Perpetration of and Response to Neurodivergent Men. Deviant Behavior, 45(12), pp1682–1697. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01639625.2024.2319638Carl recommended the following reading:McEwan, T. E., Galietta, M., & Underwood, A. (2024). Treating stalking: A practical guide for clinicians. John Wiley & Sons.McEwan, T. E., & Pathé, M. (2013). Stalking. In G. Bruinsma, & Weisburd, D. (Eds.), Encyclopedia of criminology and criminal justice (pp. 5026–5038). Springer. DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-5690-2_535Parkhill, A. J., Nixon, M., & McEwan, T. E. (2022). A critical analysis of stalking theory and implications for research and practice. Behavioral Sciences & the Law, 40(5), pp.562–583. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/bsl.2598Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Portsmouth, the podcast hosts, or any affiliated organisations or employers.

Probation Perspectives: Insights into Community Justice is a podcast exploring the world of probation, rehabilitation, and community justice. Hosted by Megan Thomas and Ceri Halfpenny from the University of Portsmouth, this series delves into key issues affecting probation practice, featuring expert insights, research, and real-world experiences.In this episode, we speak with Helen Amor, Effective Practice Lead at His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation (HMIP), about professional curiosity and its key role in probation practice. Helen shares her insights into the skills, challenges, and benefits of being professionally curious and offers practical advice for probation trainees. Join us as we explore how professional curiosity can deepen relationships, improve risk assessments, and enhance practice.Chapters00:00 Professional Curiosity02:40 Helen Amor & Inspectorate's Role06:37 Grasping Professional Curiosity14:20 Building Curiosity Skills19:19 Applying Curiosity & Tackling Issues31:30 Suggested ResourcesShow notes and readingsWe’d like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made Probation Perspectives: Insights into Community Justice possible:Freddie Hunt – Podcast producerJill Dealey – Podcast development and content supportRob Hobbs – Technical supportLauren Meredith – Logo and jingle developmentJenn Grant & Michelle McDermott – Management and supportAll of our guests – For sharing their expertise and experiencesFurther readingsHere are the details of the readings that were referred to within the episode:HMIP Effective Practice Guides:Practitioners – professional curiosity insightsMiddle managers – professional curiosity insightsKemshall, H. (2021). Bias and error in risk assessment and management. HM Inspectorate of Probation Academic Insights, 14. https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20230905165421/https://www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmiprobation/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/Academic-Insights-Kemshall-1.pdf Reflective Practice Resources: HMIP’s Five-Minute Reflection Videos.Research on Professional Curiosity:Phillips, J., Westaby, C., Fowler, A., & Ainslie, S. (2022). Putting professional curiosity into practice. Criminal Justice Inspectorates. https://www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmiprobation/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/Academic-Insights-Phillips-et-al.pdf Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Portsmouth, the podcast hosts, or any affiliated organisations or employers.

Probation Perspectives: Insights into Community Justice is a podcast exploring the world of probation, rehabilitation, and community justice. Hosted by Megan Thomas and Ceri Halfpenny from the University of Portsmouth, this series delves into key issues affecting probation practice, featuring expert insights, research, and real-world experiences.In this introductory episode, Megan and Ceri introduce themselves, discuss their backgrounds in probation training and academia, and outline what listeners can expect from the podcast. They provide an overview of the probation service, the Professional Qualification in Probation (PQiP), and the importance of reflective practice. Future episodes will cover topics such as professional curiosity, domestic abuse, and public protection, with expert guests offering valuable perspectives.Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of probation and community justice, whether you're a practitioner, student, or just curious about the field. Don't forget to subscribe and join the conversation!Chapters00:00 Introduction 01:30 Meet the Hosts: Ceri Halfpenny & Megan Thomas 06:45 Understanding the Probation Service 10:15 The PQIP Programme12:00 Future Episodes & TopicsWe’d like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made Probation Perspectives: Insights into Community Justice possible:We’d like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made Probation Perspectives: Insights into Community Justice possible: Freddie Hunt – Podcast producer Jill Dealey – Podcast development and content support Rob Hobbs – Technical support Lauren Meredith – Logo and jingle development Jenn Grant & Michelle McDermott – Management and support All of our guests – For sharing their expertise and experiencesDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Portsmouth, the podcast hosts, or any affiliated organisations or employers.

Probation Perspectives: Insights into Community Justice is a podcast exploring the world of probation, rehabilitation, and community justice. Hosted by Megan Thomas and Ceri Halfpenny from the University of Portsmouth, this series delves into key issues affecting probation practice, featuring expert insights, research, and real-world experiences.In this episode, we speak with Dr Sarah Lewis, Director of Penal Reform Solutions and Grow Transform Belong. Sarah shares her journey from PSO to reform advocate and researcher, reflecting on the power of therapeutic relationships, the influence of culture, and the role of hope in probation and prisons. She introduces the concept of “Justice 2.0,” a global campaign for cultural transformation, and offers practical insights on managing professional boundaries, ruptures in relationships, and reflective practice. With powerful messages on rehabilitation, lived experience, and emotional resilience, this episode is essential listening for PQiPs, probation officers, and anyone interested in meaningful and humane rehabilitation within the criminal justice system.Show notes and readings:We’d like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made Probation Perspectives: Insights into Community Justice possible:Freddie Hunt – Podcast producerJill Dealey – Podcast development and content supportLauren Meredith – Logo and jingle developmentJenn Grant & Michelle McDermott – Management and supportAll of our guests – For sharing their expertise and experiencesChapters00:00 Introduction01:40 Dr Sarah Lewis04:52 Therapeutic Alliance08:40 Red & Green Spaces10:50 Mending Relationships13:00 Justice 2.0 Launch16:45 Reforming Prisons19:30 Advice for Trainees32:00 Reflective PracticeHere are the details of the resources and readings that were referred to within the episode:Penal Reform Solutions: https://penalreformsolutions.com/Grow, Transform, Belong: https://www.growtransformbelong.com/Albom, M. (2002). Tuesdays with Morrie: An old man, a young man, and life's greatest lesson. Crown.Akerman, G., Needs, A., & Bainbridge, C. (2017). Transforming environments and rehabilitation. Taylor & Francis.Rogers, C. R. (1995). On becoming a person: A therapist's view of psychotherapy. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.Wakeman, S. (2014). Fieldwork, biography and emotion: Doing criminological autoethnography. British Journal of Criminology, 54(5), 705-721.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Portsmouth, the podcast hosts, or any affiliated organisations or employers.