The official podcast from the trade union for probation and family court staff in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Join us as we dive into the real issues facing justice professionals and trade unionists today—on the frontline, in the workplace, and across the wider system. With interviews, insights and honest conversations, we’re here to champion public safety, fairness and professional standards
Napo Podcast
Claim This Podcastby Napo the Union
31 episodes
Updated Daily
Accepts GuestsHas SponsorsLocation 🇬🇧
Podcast Overview
The official podcast from the trade union for probation and family court staff in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Join us as we dive into the real issues facing justice professionals and trade unionists today—on the frontline, in the workplace, and across the wider system. With interviews, insights and honest conversations, we’re here to champion public safety, fairness and professional standards
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
5/8/2025
1 verified contact email on file for Napo Podcast
Pitch yourself as a guest, propose sponsorships, or reach out directly to the host.
Recent Episodes
June 9, 2026
Probation Across the Pond: What the UK and US Can Learn From Each Other
<p>In this episode of the Napo Podcast, host Tay is joined by Napo activist and probation officer <b>Andi Kocsondi</b> and former probation and parole officer turned criminology professor <b>Sean Blackwell</b>.</p><p>The discussion explores the striking differences between probation practice in England and Wales and parole supervision in the United States. Topics include:</p><p>✅ Rehabilitation versus enforcement<br />✅ Professional identity in probation<br />✅ Staff safety and workplace violence<br />✅ Probation culture and organisational values<br />✅ Public protection and risk management<br />✅ Trade unions and workers' rights<br />✅ The impact of workloads and staffing pressures<br />✅ What makes effective probation practice</p><p>Sean reflects on carrying a gun as a probation and parole officer in Idaho, while Andi explains the social work traditions that continue to shape probation in England and Wales. Together they discuss whether rehabilitation or punishment is more effective at reducing reoffending and how staff can be better supported in increasingly challenging circumstances.</p><p>This is a fascinating conversation for probation professionals, criminal justice practitioners, trade unionists, students and anyone interested in how justice systems operate around the world.</p><p>🎧 Listen now and join the conversation.</p>
June 3, 2026
The Hardman Directory: A Practical Tool for Rehabilitation, Resettlement and Hope
<p>The Hardman Trust is the UK's only charity dedicated to supporting people serving long prison sentences. One of its most valuable resources is the Hardman Directory, a comprehensive guide to funding opportunities, support services and practical information for people in prison, on probation and after release.</p><p></p><p>In this episode, Tay speaks with Hardman Trust Chief Executive Annette So, Products and Partnership Officer Kirsty Hepburn, and Trustee Gareth Richards about how the directory was developed, what it contains, and why it has become an important rehabilitation and resettlement tool.</p><p>The discussion explores how probation practitioners can use the directory to save time, widen access to support services, and help people build positive futures beyond the criminal justice system. The guests also discuss the importance of hope, second chances and community support in reducing reoffending and supporting successful rehabilitation.</p><p></p><p>Whether you work in probation, prisons or wider criminal justice services, this episode offers practical insights into a resource designed to make support easier to find and easier to access.</p>
May 27, 2026
Navigating Probation with a Disability
<p>What is it really like to work in probation as a disabled member of staff?</p><p>In this episode of the Napo Podcast, National Vice-Chair Charron Culnane speaks openly about her experiences of developing physical disabilities during her probation career, later discovering she was neurodivergent, and navigating workplace adjustments across more than 20 years in the service.</p><p>Charron discusses the realities of visible and hidden disabilities, the emotional impact of adjustment reviews, workplace culture, discrimination, supportive colleagues, and the importance of union representation. The conversation also explores ageing in the workforce, mental health, neurodiversity and why disabled staff should be seen as valued assets — not problems to be managed.</p><p>This episode offers an honest insight into disability and inclusion within probation, and why support, understanding and effective workplace adjustments matter for both staff wellbeing and public service delivery.</p>
31 total episodes available
Deep-dive analytics for Napo Podcast
Frequently asked questions
Have a different question and can't find the answer you're looking for? Reach out to our support team by sending us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
- What is Napo Podcast?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
Legal Disclaimer
Pod Engine is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected with any of the podcasts displayed on this platform. We operate independently as a podcast discovery and analytics service.
All podcast artwork, thumbnails, and content displayed on this page are the property of their respective owners and are protected by applicable copyright laws. This includes, but is not limited to, podcast cover art, episode artwork, show descriptions, episode titles, transcripts, audio snippets, and any other content originating from the podcast creators or their licensors.
We display this content under fair use principles and/or implied license for the purpose of podcast discovery, information, and commentary. We make no claim of ownership over any podcast content, artwork, or related materials shown on this platform. All trademarks, service marks, and trade names are the property of their respective owners.
While we strive to ensure all content usage is properly authorized, if you are a rights holder and believe your content is being used inappropriately or without proper authorization, please contact us immediately at hey@podengine.ai for prompt review and appropriate action, which may include content removal or proper attribution.
By accessing and using this platform, you acknowledge and agree to respect all applicable copyright laws and intellectual property rights of content owners. Any unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or commercial use of the content displayed on this platform is strictly prohibited.