Napo Podcast

The pressure on probation staff has reached breaking point. In this episode, Napo National Chair Ben Cockburn and General Secretary Ian Lawrence discuss the staffing crisis, burnout, unpaid overtime, public safety and why negotiations alone have failed to deliver meaningful change on workloads. They explain why Napo is asking members to vote in the workloads indicative ballot and how a strong coll...

In this episode of the Napo Podcast, host Tay is joined by Napo activist and probation officer Andi Kocsondi and former probation and parole officer turned criminology professor Sean Blackwell . The discussion explores the striking differences between probation practice in England and Wales and parole supervision in the United States. Topics include: ✅ Rehabilitation versus enforcement ✅ Profess...

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. In this episode, Tay speaks with Hardman Trust Chief Executive Annette So, Products and P...

What is it really like to work in probation as a disabled member of staff? 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. Charron discusses the realitie...

The results are in. With an 84% turnout, Napo members have voted to accept the latest probation pay offer — with 75.2% in favour and 24.8% against. It’s a decisive outcome, but not a simple one. In this episode, Ian and Ben reflect honestly on what the result means — not just in numbers, but in how members are feeling. From the strength of engagement to the frustrations of those who wanted to go f...

In this extended episode, we bring together Sarah Woolley (BFAWU), Henry Fowler (GFTU), and Ranjit Singh (NAPO) to explore one of the defining questions facing the movement today: what really builds power? Is it membership numbers or active, organised workers? From historic decline and anti-union legislation to grassroots organising, strike action, and the risks of becoming a “service model”, this...

New immigration rules are putting experienced probation staff at risk of losing their jobs — or even their right to stay in the UK. In this episode, Napo member Stefani explains how recent visa changes, including a £38,700 salary threshold, are affecting overseas colleagues working in probation. We explore the human impact behind the policy, the risks to an already stretched workforce, and why the...

The Mike Guilfoyle Essay Prize was created to honour the legacy of a respected probation practitioner who believed deeply in reflection, professionalism and the human side of the job. In this episode, we explore how the prize came about and why it matters. Richard and Mimi from the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies explains the inspiration behind the award, while previous entrants Anne, Ben and...

In this episode, we are joined by Lisa, a former accountant who found herself starting again after prison — unsure of what came next. With support from the Longford Trust , she secured a scholarship, gained a mentor, and began studying clinical animal behaviour. In this episode, Lisa talks openly about the importance of education, the impact of a supportive probation officer, accessing counselling...

What makes the Family Court Journal such an important professional space? In this episode, John and Catrina from the editorial board talk about how the journal brings together practitioners, researchers, judges and people with lived experience to reflect on practice, challenge assumptions and explore new ways of working with children and families. Read the Family Court Journal Presented and Produc...

As the indicative ballot reaches its crucial final stretch, Ian and Ben speak directly to members about what’s at stake. They discuss turnout so far, the employer’s controversial “mythbuster” claims, and why the union believes the 4% offer falls short of what probation staff deserve. They also explain the real consequences of accepting a sub-standard pay deal — not just now, but for future negotia...

What is the indicative ballot and why does it matter? In this episode, Ian and Ben break down the 2025–2026 Probation pay offer, explain why Napo is recommending rejection, and outline what happens next depending on how members vote. From the reality of the 4% offer to the power of collective action, this is a clear, honest discussion about pay, value, and the future of the campaign. If you haven’...

Napo’s latest Cafcass workloads and toil survey paints a stark picture of life on the frontline. In this episode, Adam Harmsworth (Vice Chair, Family Court Section) and Nicki Kenny (Section Chair) talk through the findings: long unpaid hours, growing caseloads, part-time staff working full-time hours, and practitioners being pushed into performance processes because of excessive workload. We explo...

In this episode of the Napo Podcast, National Vice Chair for the Family Court Section Adam Harmsworth is joined by section executive member Nicki Kenney to unpack a turbulent year for Cafcass staff. From the pay dispute and unsafe workloads to performance management, sickness absence and retention, they explain what Napo is raising with senior leaders — and why member involvement has never been mo...

It has been 334 days since Napo submitted its pay claim and members are still waiting for an offer. In this final pay-focused episode of 2025, Napo General Secretary Ian Lawrence and National Chair Ben Cockburn give an honest update on where things stand, why delays have dragged on for so long, and what happens the moment an offer finally arrives. With frustration running high across Napo membersh...

In this episode, we speak with Napo Assistant General Secretary Ranjit Singh about the barriers created by current industrial action laws, the impact on our members, and how the Employment Rights Bill could transform the landscape for working people. Essential listening for anyone navigating the challenges of organising in today’s political climate. Produced and Presented by Taytula Burke

Overtime has quietly become the glue holding the probation service together... but at what cost? In this episode, Napo’s Ian Lawrence and Ben Cockburn unpack the sheer scale of unpaid and paid overtime, the exploitation of staff goodwill, and the alarming strain on a service already pushed to breaking point. We talk about fear, vacancy rates, burnout, and why so many members can’t finish their wor...

An exclusive update on the probation pay campaign. Ten months after Napo submitted the claim, still no formal offer is on the table. Ben and Ian explain the delay, how we’re applying pressure, the truth behind the ballot result, and what’s next in the push for fair pay and safer workloads. Essential listening for every probation professional. Produced and Presented by Taytula Burke | A Napo Podcas...

The National Audit Office has delivered a stark warning: the probation service is under-resourced, under-staffed, and under intense pressure. In this episode, Napo General Secretary Ian Lawrence joins us to unpack the findings. From staff shortages and soaring workloads to political accountability and the risks to public safety. Hosted and Produced by Taytula Burke | A Napo Podcast Production

In this episode we’re joined by Elliott, a probation staff member and trustee of the Longford Trust. He explains how scholarships and mentoring support people leaving prison to rebuild their lives, why education is such a powerful route to rehabilitation, and what needs to change in the justice system to make second chances a reality. If you would like to find out more about the work of the Longfo...

In this episode, we speak to Neil, a Longford Trust scholar whose journey from prison back to postgraduate study is a powerful story of resilience, reflection and second chances. He shares how education transformed his future and why he now works to inspire others. If you thin the Longford Trust could help you or someone you know, visit https://www.longfordtrust.org/ Presented and Produced by Tayt...

Napo’s General Secretary Ian Lawrence and National Vice-Chair Ben Cockburn tell it straight: if we don’t hit 50% turnout in this ballot, we can’t take action. They talk about pay, workloads, newer staff, and the bigger fight to save probation. This is our moment — return your ballot and vote YES to both questions. Presented and Produced by Taytula Burke | A Napo podcast production

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...