Probation Perspectives

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 in...

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 pract...

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...

Most prison officers and probation practitioners overlook a simple truth: trust and genuine human connection are the real keys to reform. Andi Brierley, a former youth justice worker turned academic and editor of The Good Prison Officer, reveals how the most effective practitioners build trust not through protocol or robotic routines, but through empathy, authenticity, and understanding how their...

Most discussions about AI in probation focus on automation, but what if the real opportunity lies in enhancing human connection and ethical practice? In this episode, we uncover how technology like electronic monitoring and generative AI can support, not replace, the vital relational work that defines probation. Join Professor Mike Nellis and Louis Allgood as they explore the evolution of probatio...

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 Matthe...

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 und...

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 Madeline Petrillo...

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 Sarah Lewis, Dir...

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 In...

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. Inspector...

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-Devi...

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 , Effect...

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 introductory episode, Megan and Ceri intro...