Probation Perspectives

About Probation Perspectives

Probation Perspectives: Insights into Community Justice. This is the podcast where we explore the world of probation, rehabilitation, and community justice - diving into the key themes, challenges, and skills that shape effective probation practice. Hosted by Megan Thomas and Ceri Halfpenny from the ⁠University of Portsmouth⁠.

Publisher

Community Justice Learning

Category

science

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

11 Feb 2025

Latest episode

23 Jun 2026

Latest episodes

14 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   23 Jun 2026

   Public Protection and Serious Further Offences with Dr Mike Nash, Dr Andy Williams & Dr Dominic Pearson

   In this episode, we examine public protection and Serious Further Offences (SFOs). Dr Andy Williams and Emeritus Professor Mike Nash discuss the challenges of managing individuals assessed as posing a high risk of serious harm, exploring how political pressures and organisational contexts shape probation practice. They highlight the importance of professional curiosity, reflective practice, and inter‑agency collaboration in effective public protection work. The episode also features Dr Dominic Pearson, who shares findings from his research on SFO reviews, examining what they reveal about accountability, organisational learning, and how probation can better support improvement rather than blame. This episode offers a thoughtful and evidence‑informed look at the complexities of public protection and risk management and is essential listening for PQiPs, probation practitioners, and anyone interested in serious harm prevention in 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. Chapters 00:00 Intro to Probation Perspectives 02:02 Defining Public Protection 04:11 The Politics of Public Protection 08:00 The History of Public Protection Agenda 12:04 Learning from Serious Further Offence Reviews 18:01 The Role of Professional Curiosity 21:56 Improving Practice in Probation 25:46 Key Learning Points from SFO Inquiries 32:39 Understanding Modern Probation Workload Challenges 36:20 Key Readings for Trainees in Probation 38:04 Reflective Exercises for Trainees 41:36 Insights from Empirical Research on SFOs 46:22 The Role of Reflective Practice in Risk Management 51:26 Influencing Outcomes in High-Risk Cases 54:05 Building Confidence in Managing High-Risk Cases 57:12 The Importance of Offender Perspectives in Reviews 01:00:07 Final Reflections on Risk Management and Practice 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 producer Jill Dealey – Podcast development and content support Lauren Meredith – Logo and jingle development Jenn Grant & Michelle McDermott – Management and support All of our guests for sharing their expertise and experience Here are the readings that were referred to in the episode: Ansbro, M. (2010). The nuts and bolts of risk assessment: When the clinical and actuarial conflict. The Howard Journal of Criminal Justice, 49(3), 252-268. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2311.2010.00614.x (https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2311.2010.00614.x) Harrison, K. (2012). Dangerousness, risk and the governance of serious sexual and violent offenders. Routledge. Kemshall, H. (2008). Understanding the management of high-risk offenders. McGraw-Hill Education (UK). Nash, M. (1999). Police, probation, and protecting the public. London: Blackstone. Nash, M. (2006). Public protection and the criminal justice process. Oxford University Press. Nash, M., & Williams, A. (2008). The anatomy of serious further offending. Oxford University Press. Nash, M., & Williams, A. (Eds.). (2010). Handbook of public protection. Willan Nash, M. & Williams, A. (2024) Politics and Public Protection. Emerald Publishing Limited. Pearson, D. A., & Carey, G. (2025). Independent serious case reviews relating to serious further offences since 2005: A thematic review. Probation Journal, 02645505241301012. Pearson, D., & Molino, D. (2025). Probation staff reflective practice: Can it impact on outcomes for clients with personality difficulties? In J. Grant, L. Haggar, & M. McDermott (Eds.), Reflections on probation: A companion resource for developing practitioners (pp. 44–62). Policy Press.

2. 

   2 Jun 2026

   Women’s Problem-Solving Courts with Dr Sarah Waite and Dr Alexandria Bradley

   In this episode, we are joined by Dr Sarah Waite and Dr Alexandria Bradley from Leeds Beckett University to discuss their research on women’s problem‑solving courts and women’s experiences of the criminal justice system. They explore what makes these courts distinct, why gender‑responsive approaches matter, and how communication, meaningful participation, and strengths‑based, trauma‑informed practice can support positive engagement and change for women in contact with probation. This thoughtful and evidence‑led episode highlights what women’s problem‑solving courts can teach us about better supporting women in contact with probation, offering valuable insights for PQiPs, practitioners, and anyone interested in developing more responsive and humane justice practices. 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. Chapters: 00:00 Intro to Probation Perspectives 02:04 Trauma-Informed & Gender-Responsive Practices 05:02 Exploring Problem-Solving Courts 09:47 Environment's Role in Court Experiences 15:06 Probation Officers & Women's Centres 20:00 Effective Communication in Courts 24:53 Collaboration for Better Outcomes 30:08 Reflective Practice Importance 35:13 Final Thoughts & Recommendations 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 producer Jill Dealey – Podcast development and content support Lauren Meredith – Logo and jingle development Jenn Grant & Michelle McDermott – Management and support All of our guests for sharing their expertise and experiences Here are the details of the resources and readings that were referred to within the episode: Padmanabhan, K. (2025). Thinking Intersectionally about State Power and Resistance in the Breddon Women’s Center in England. Social Politics: International Studies in Gender, State & Society, jxaf061. Waite, S., & Rutter, N. (Eds.). (2026). Women, Relationships & Criminal Justice: The Personal and Professional. Policy Press. Listening to Women, Learning for Justice: A Time to Reflect and Reimagine | Leeds Beckett University (https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/blogs/leeds-law-school/2025/06/listening-to-women-learning-for-justice/) Co-authored by Dr Sarah Waite and Dr Alexandria Bradley

3. 

   12 May 2026

   Creative Rehabilitation and Partnership Working: Jennifer Walmsley from BearFace Theatre

   In this episode, we are joined by Jennifer Walmsley, Co‑Director of BearFace Theatre, a Hampshire‑based organisation working exclusively in the local area through applied theatre. BearFace’s work supports people on probation, women in the justice system, and criminal justice practitioners within Hampshire.  Jennifer discusses how creative and participatory theatre approaches can open up new ways of understanding identity, agency, and change. The conversation explores how creativity can support desistance, build confidence and resilience, and create space for reflection, not only for people on probation, but also for the practitioners who work alongside them. This inspiring episode shines a light on the human side of rehabilitation and the value of locally rooted, creative practice. It invites PQiPs, probation practitioners, and local justice professionals to consider how creativity can support meaningful change and help people imagine more positive futures. 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 (port.ac.uk), this series delves into key issues affecting probation practice, featuring expert insights, research, and real-world experiences. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Probation Perspectives 02:01 Jennifer Walmsley's Journey into Applied Theatre 06:41 Understanding Applied Theatre in Probation Settings 11:31 The Role of Creativity in Desistance 14:39 Transformative Moments in Creative Activities 20:16 Supporting Probation Practitioners through Creativity 26:07 Reflection, Self-Care, and Vicarious Trauma in Practice 36:06 Cultural Shifts for Better Rehabilitation 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 producer Jill Dealey – Podcast development and content support Lauren Meredith – Logo and jingle development Jenn Grant & Michelle McDermott – Management and support All of our guests for sharing their expertise and experiences Here are the details of the resources and readings that were referred to within the episode: Bearface theatre website - https://www.bearfacetheatre.org/ (https://www.bearfacetheatre.org/) Brene Brown - details about her books and podcasts on this website https://brenebrown.com/ (https://brenebrown.com/) Maté, G. (2022). The myth of normal: Trauma, illness and healing in a toxic culture. Knopf Canada. Walmsley, J., & Haggar, L. (2025). Creating space for reflection and connection: learning from the creative arts and the third sector. In Reflections on Probation (pp. 134-154). Policy Press. Waite, S., & Rutter, N. (Eds.). (2026). Women, Relationships & Criminal Justice: The Personal and Professional. Policy Press. National Criminal Justice Arts Alliance website: https://artsincriminaljustice.org.uk/ Geece Theatre Handbook, details available here: https://www.geese.co.uk/the-geese-handbook/ (https://www.geese.co.uk/the-geese-handbook/) Kasia Urbaniak (2021) Unbound: A Woman’s Guide to Power. Penguin Thompson, J. (2012) Applied Theatre, Bewilderment and Beyond. Peter Lang

4. 

   21 Apr 2026

   Lived Experience and Desistance with Andi Brierley

   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 Andi Brierley, Senior Lecturer at Leeds Trinity University and editor of The Good Prison Officer, a book that challenges conventional ideas about what effective prison practice looks like in contemporary justice systems. Drawing on academic research, professional experience, and insights from lived experience, Andi reflects on the central role of values, trust, and legitimacy in both prison and probation practice. The conversation explores the importance of reflective practice, relational work, and collaboration across custodial and community settings, highlighting the shared ethical foundations of prison and probation work. This powerful and thought‑provoking episode invites PQiPs, probation practitioners, and those working across the criminal justice system to reflect on what it means to be a “good” practitioner in complex and demanding environments and how humane, values‑led practice can support rehabilitation, legitimacy, and meaningful change. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro to Probation Perspectives 01:45 - Andi Brierley's Youth Justice Journey 06:47 - Building Trust in Probation Practices 13:30 - Challenges in Developing Trust 17:37 - Impact of Prison on Individuals 20:52 - Insights into Justice Systems 27:04 - Adversity, Change, and Growth 32:58 - Reflective Practice in Probation 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 producer Jill Dealey – Podcast development and content support Lauren Meredith – Logo and jingle development Jenn Grant & Michelle McDermott – Management and support All of our guests for sharing their expertise and experiences Here are the details of the resources and readings that were referred to within the episode: Brierley, A. (2019). Your honour can I tell you my story?. Waterside Press. Brierley, A. (2023). The good prison officer. New York: Routledge. Brierley, A., & Dennehy, M. (2025). The rehabilitation industry: Lived experience and performance. Probation Journal, 72(3), 317-324. Brierley, A. (2026). ‘I sit somewhere in that sort of sweet spot’: Liminal legitimacy in criminal justice practice. Punishment & Society, 14624745261436432. Brierley, A., & Best, D. (2025). Desistance habitus: Strategically Using experience in practice. Incarceration: An International Journal of Imprisonment, Detention and Coercive Confinement, 6.https://doi.org/10.1177/26326663241310603 (https://doi.org/10.1177/26326663241310603) Foucault, M. (2019). Discipline and punish: the birth of the prison. Penguin Johns, D. (2017). Being and becoming an ex-prisoner. Taylor & Francis Group. van der Kolk, B. A. (2015). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Penguin Books

5. 

   31 Mar 2026

   AI and Probation with Professor Mike Nellis and Louis Allgood

   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 – Introduction 00:51 – Technology’s Role in Probation 04:02 – Electronic Monitoring Explained 07:54 – Artificial Intelligence in Probation 09:58 – The Human Element 12:54 – Ethical Concerns and Risks 29:21 – Challenges of AI and Monitoring 47:28 – Envisaging the Future of Probation Technology 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 producer Jill Dealey – Podcast development and content support Lauren Meredith – Logo and jingle development Jenn Grant & Michelle McDermott – Management and support All of our guests for sharing their expertise and experiences Here 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 AI Nellis, 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 (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/ (https://ai.justice.gov.uk/)

6. 

   10 Mar 2026

   Rehabilitating Probation with Professor Matthew Millings and Dr Matt Tidmarsh

   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 - Introduction 01:50 - Matthew Millings & Dr Matt Tidmarsh 05:03 - Impact of Organisational Change 12:06 - Motivations for Rehab Project 25:50 - Defining Rehabilitation in Probation 37:30 - Continuous Learning & Reflection 45:23 - Building Relationships & Engagement 54:38 - Reimagining Probation: Health View 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 producer Jill Dealey – Podcast development and content support Lauren Meredith – Logo and jingle development Jenn Grant & Michelle McDermott – Management and support All of our guests for sharing their expertise and experiences Here 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/ (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/ (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 (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/adults-on-probation-health-and-social-care-needs-assessment)

7. 

   3 Mar 2026

   Series 2 Trailer: Probation Perspectives: Insights into Community Justice

   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 producer Jill Dealey – Podcast development and content support Lauren Meredith – Logo and jingle development Jenn Grant & Michelle McDermott – Management and support All of our guests for sharing their expertise and experiences For more information about PQiP training at the University of Portsmouth, visit: https://www.port.ac.uk/study/studying-while-working/probation-officer-training (https://www.port.ac.uk/study/studying-while-working/probation-officer-training).

8. 

   17 Jun 2025

   Trauma-informed and gender-responsive approaches in Probation practice - Dr Madeline Petrillo

   Dr. Madeline Petrillo, Associate Professor of Criminology, discusses trauma-informed and gender-responsive approaches in probation practice, reflecting on frontline work's emotional impact and compassionate supervision in this interview with Megan Thomas and Ceri Halfpenny.

9. 

   27 May 2025

   Rehabilitation, Growth and Relationships - Dr Sarah Lewis

   Dr. Sarah Lewis, Director of Penal Reform Solutions, discusses therapeutic relationships and cultural transformation within probation and prisons, emphasizing hope and emotional resilience in this interview with Megan Thomas and Ceri Halfpenny.

10. 

    7 May 2025

    Parole - Robert McKeon, Independent Member of the Parole Board

    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. Chapters 0:00 Introduction 1:24 Robert Mckeon 4:35 Life in Probation 9:15 High-Risk Offenders 13:02 Role of Parole Boards 17:18 Parole Misconceptions 21:46 Success Stories 26:32 Systemic Challenges 41:21 Hopes for Reform 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 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 experiences Here 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. Aurum Gallant, 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-board (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/parole-board)

11. 

    15 Apr 2025

    Domestic Abuse - Noreen Wallace, His Majesty's Inspectorate of Probation (HMIP)

    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. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:00 Noreen Wallace 06:44 Probation's Role in Abuse Cases 19:27 Thematic Inspection Insights 23:43 Domestic Abuse Key Insights 26:08 Training & Practitioner Confidence 29:52 Professional Curiosity in Probation 38:02 User Feedback Importance 40:52 Future Directions in Abuse Prevention 44:12 Reflective Practice in Probation 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 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 experiences Further readings: Here are the details of the readings that were referred to within the episode HMIP Effective Practice Guide: Working with domestic abuse (https://www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmiprobation/effective-practice/case-supervision/effective-practice-guide-domestic-abuse-2023/) Women's Aid Website: www.womensaid.org.uk (http://www.womensaid.org.uk) Safe Lives Organisation: www.safelives.org.uk (http://www.safelives.org.uk) Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (UK): Legal framework and advancements in domestic abuse prevention. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2021/17 (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2021/17)

12. 

    25 Mar 2025

    Domestic Abuse & Stalking - Dr Kerry Ellis-Devitt & Carl Hall, Interventions Alliance

    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. Chapters 00:00 Domestic Abuse & Stalking 02:24 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 Takeaways 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 experiences Further readings: Link to the Interventions Alliance website: https://interventionsalliance.com (https://interventionsalliance.com/about/) Here 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/azae003 (https://doi.org/10.1093/bjc/azae003) Renehan, 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/10.1080/01639625.2024.2319638 (https://doi.org/10.1080/01639625.2024.2319638) Carl 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_535 (https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-5690-2_535) Parkhill, 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.2598 (https://doi.org/10.1002/bsl.2598)

13. 

    4 Mar 2025

    Professional Curiosity - Helen Amor

    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. 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 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 experiences Here are the details of the readings that were referred to within the episode: HMIP Effective Practice Guides: Practitioners – professional curiosity insights (https://www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmiprobation/effective-practice/case-supervision/pc-practitioners/) Middle managers – professional curiosity insights (https://www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmiprobation/effective-practice/case-supervision/pc-managers/) Kemshall, H. (2021). Bias and error in risk assessment and management. HM Inspectorate of Probation Academic Insights, 14. https://www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmiprobation/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/Academic-Insights-Kemshall-1.pdf (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 (https://www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmiprobation/research/reflections-from-research/). 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 (https://www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmiprobation/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/Academic-Insights-Phillips-et-al.pdf)

14. 

    11 Feb 2025

    Introducing 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 (https://www.port.ac.uk/), 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! Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:30 Meet the Hosts: Ceri Halfpenny & Megan Thomas 06:45 Understanding the Probation Service 10:15 The PQIP Programme 12:00 Future Episodes & Topics We’d like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who madeProbation Perspectives: Insights into Community Justice possible: Freddie Hunt – Podcast producer Jill Dealey – Podcast creator 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 experiences

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

11 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 16 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

20

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32