Publication
Enable and Ensure: The role of inspection in probation
In this briefing, former probation inspector, Joe Kuipers, discusses the current crisis in the probation service and the role of inspection in enabling improvement
News
New report highlights probation system challenges
Our latest briefing, on the challenges faced by the probation system and on the importance of robust, independent inspection, is out today.
Comment
Facing challenging behaviours
I recently read through the excellent collection of readings, Beyond...
Comment
Imprints of the past affect the present
Whilst reading the wonderfully uplifting collection of client/social work stories, I...
Comment
Rehabilitative opportunities
Recently reading a critical appraisal of some of the predictable shortcomings of the government’s Transformation Rehabilitation...
Comment
Doing it the hard way
Whilst reading Eli Sanders' truly compelling and compassionate Edgar-nominated account...
Comment
A face from the past
I recently read an article on current best practice in the delivery of domestic abuse programmes for men under supervision in the...
Comment
Acting up
Reading Julia Warrener's lively and accessible critique of Personality Disorder, I was put in mind of my work with Lindsay (not his real name) while I was a Probation Officer. Lindsay's flamboyant...
Comment
Holding fast to what probation is all about
While reading Richard Posner's insightful perspectives, How Judges Think, on judicial decision-making in the US, I experienced a flashback moment of a salutary episode near the start of...
Comment
Emerging from a troubled history
I have just read Jean Trounstine's searing account of the transformative journey of a young man coming to terms with the...
Comment
Weighing up compliance
I recently read Rob Canton’s contribution to the realities of probation practice in an excellent collection of essays, Probation and Politics, Academic Reflections from Former Practitioners....
Comment
Out of sight and out of mind
I recently read Michael Rowe's finely calibrated ethnography, Crossing the Border: Encounters Between Homeless People and Outreach Worker. It reminded me of my 'messy' professional...