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/

• 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/

• 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

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.

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, Associate Professor of Criminology at the University of Greenwich and former probation officer. Madeline shares her journey into trauma-informed practice, reflecting on the emotional impact of frontline work, the gendered nature of trauma, and the power of compassionate supervision. She explores the challenges and potential of embedding trauma-informed approaches within probation, offers insights from her work on the innovative Hope Street project, and highlights the importance of reflective practice and practitioner wellbeing. With powerful stories, practical examples, and critical reflections, this episode is essential listening for PQiPs, probation officers, and anyone committed to building a more responsive and humane justice system.

Please be aware that this episode includes discussion of sexual violence and abuse, which some listeners may find distressing. Take care while listening, and feel free to pause or step away if you need to.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:15 Dr Madeline Petrillo

05:03 Realities for women

07:32 Trauma-informed meaning

13:13 Writing on trauma

17:00 Why trauma matters

20:25 Pathways to crime

25:48 Hope Street project

30:33 Trauma principles

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:

• Corston, J. (2007) The Corston Report: a review of women with particular vulnerabilities in the criminal justice system. https://prisonreformtrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/The-Corston-Report.pdf

• Herman, J. L. (2015). Trauma and recovery: The aftermath of violence--from domestic abuse to political terror. Hachette UK.

• Ministry of Justice. (n.d.). Women’s Justice Board. GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/womens-justice-board

• Petrillo, M., & Bradley, A. (2022). Working with trauma in adult probation: HM Inspectorate of Probation research and analysis bulletin 2022/02. Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Probation.

• Petrillo, M. (2023). Women, trauma, and journeys towards desistance: Navigating the labyrinth. Routledge.

• Phillips, J., Westaby, C., & Fowler, A. (2020). Emotional labour in probation. https://hmiprobation.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/document/emotional-labour-in-probation/

• Shepherd, B. (2022). Women working with women–vicarious trauma in the probation service. Probation Quarterly, 24, 24-28.

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, Director of Penal Reform Solutions and Grow Transform Belong. Sarah shares her journey from PSO to reform advocate and researcher, reflecting on the power of therapeutic relationships, the influence of culture, and the role of hope in probation and prisons. She introduces the concept of “Justice 2.0,” a global campaign for cultural transformation, and offers practical insights on managing professional boundaries, ruptures in relationships, and reflective practice. With powerful messages on rehabilitation, lived experience, and emotional resilience, this episode is essential listening for PQiPs, probation officers, and anyone interested in meaningful and humane rehabilitation within the criminal justice system.

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

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:40 Dr Sarah Lewis

04:52 Therapeutic Alliance

08:40 Red & Green Spaces

10:50 Mending Relationships

13:00 Justice 2.0 Launch

16:45 Reforming Prisons

19:30 Advice for Trainees

32:00 Reflective Practice

Here are the details of the resources and readings that were referred to within the episode:

• Penal Reform Solutions: https://penalreformsolutions.com/

• Grow, Transform, Belong: https://www.growtransformbelong.com/

• Albom, M. (2002). Tuesdays with Morrie: An old man, a young man, and life's greatest lesson. Crown.

• Akerman, G., Needs, A., & Bainbridge, C. (2017). Transforming environments and rehabilitation. Taylor & Francis.

• Rogers, C. R. (1995). On becoming a person: A therapist's view of psychotherapy. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

• Wakeman, S. (2014). Fieldwork, biography and emotion: Doing criminological autoethnography. British Journal of Criminology, 54(5), 705-721.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Portsmouth, the podcast hosts, or any affiliated organisations or employers.

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

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Portsmouth, the podcast hosts, or any affiliated organisations or employers.

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

Women's Aid Website: www.womensaid.org.uk

Safe Lives Organisation: 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

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Portsmouth, the podcast hosts, or any affiliated organisations or employers.

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 Hall

06:26 Defining Domestic Abuse & Stalking

16:30 Trauma-Informed Approaches

26:10 Challenges in Rehabilitation

31:40 Probation Practitioner Strategies

37:50 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

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

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

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

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

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Portsmouth, the podcast hosts, or any affiliated organisations or employers.

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.

Chapters

00:00 Professional Curiosity

02:40 Helen Amor & Inspectorate's Role

06:37 Grasping Professional Curiosity

14:20 Building Curiosity Skills

19:19 Applying Curiosity & Tackling Issues

31:30 Suggested Resources

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 Guides:

• Practitioners – professional curiosity insights

• Middle managers – professional curiosity insights

• Kemshall, H. (2021). Bias and error in risk assessment and management. HM Inspectorate of Probation Academic Insights, 14. https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20230905165421/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.

• 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

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Portsmouth, the podcast hosts, or any affiliated organisations or employers.

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 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 made Probation Perspectives: Insights into Community Justice possible:

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

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Portsmouth, the podcast hosts, or any affiliated organisations or employers.