Napo Podcast

Napo is balloting members on industrial action — for the first time in over a decade. In this episode, Ian Lawrence and Ben Cockburn to lay out why this moment is so critical, what options members are voting on, and how we got here. One thing is certain: participation is essential if we’re to change the direction of probation. No more running on goodwill. No more silence. It’s time to act. Present...

General Secretary Ian Lawrence and National Chair Ben Cockburn speak frankly about the current impasse in probation pay negotiations. After months of talks, no formal pay offer has been tabled despite clear, focused demands and mounting pressure from Napo. They explain what’s been achieved so far, why civil service constraints have delayed progress, and how union negotiators have pushed the case a...

Jamie’s story is one of incredible resilience. From Peckham to prison and then onto university with the support of the Longford Trust. He now runs a community art gallery, mentors others, and works to inspire change. In this episode, Jamie reflects on addiction, redemption, probation, and the life-changing power of education and creativity. Hosted and Produced by Taytula Burke | A Napo Podcast Pro...

What’s a motion? Why does AGM matter? And how can members get involved? In this episode, Jeanne from Steering Committee explains the ins and outs of Napo’s AGM — from writing clear, purposeful motions to speaking in debate and getting your idea passed. Presented and Produced by Taytula Burke | A Napo Podcast Production

In this episode, Napo General Secretary Ian Lawrence discusses the joint pay claim with UNISON, the reality behind Ofsted’s “outstanding” rating, and why retaining experienced staff is just as vital as attracting new talent. He also reflects on Pathfinder, MoJ interference, and why structural change might be necessary. Plus, a rallying message for members: unions make change — but only when member...

In this episode, Napo General Secretary Ian Lawrence gives his unfiltered take on the government’s new Sentencing Review. From the promising headlines to the worrying silences, Ian talks through what the review gets right, what it ignores, and why it’s not enough to ask probation staff to do more with less — again. He discusses electronic monitoring, AI, private sector risks, and what the governme...

The UK justice system is under extreme pressure — from rising prison numbers to an exhausted probation service and a family courts system starved of resources. In this episode, Napo General Secretary Ian Lawrence reflects on the tipping point we’ve reached, the choices ahead for the Labour government, and why proper investment — not just promises — is the only way forward. From the failure of puni...

In this episode of the Napo Podcast, we’re talking all things pay. With formal negotiations for the 2025–26 year now underway, General Secretary Ian Lawrence joins us to explain what’s in the probation pay claim, how the negotiation process works, and why this year’s talks are shaping up to be some of the toughest yet. From understanding the civil service pay remit to what happens if talks break d...

Is the MoJ delivering on its promises—or failing those who work in and rely on the justice system? Napo’s General Secretary, Ian Lawrence, joins host Tay for a candid conversation about what’s going wrong in probation and the family courts, and what must change. Hosted and produced by Taytula Burke | A Napo Podcast Production

Ever wondered how the issues facing probation and family court staff end up on the desks of MPs and ministers? In this episode, we go behind the scenes with Charley from the Justice Unions Parliamentary Group (JUPG) to uncover how the political wheels turn. From quiet lobbying to strategic pressure in Westminster, we explore how Napo’s concerns are raised at the highest levels—and why this work is...