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
✅ Professional identity in probation
✅ Staff safety and workplace violence
✅ Probation culture and organisational values
✅ Public protection and risk management
✅ Trade unions and workers' rights
✅ The impact of workloads and staffing pressures
✅ What makes effective probation practice

Sean reflects on carrying a gun as a probation and parole officer in Idaho, while Andi explains the social work traditions that continue to shape probation in England and Wales. Together they discuss whether rehabilitation or punishment is more effective at reducing reoffending and how staff can be better supported in increasingly challenging circumstances.

This is a fascinating conversation for probation professionals, criminal justice practitioners, trade unionists, students and anyone interested in how justice systems operate around the world.

🎧 Listen now and join the conversation.

In this episode, Tay speaks with Hardman Trust Chief Executive Annette So, Products and Partnership Officer Kirsty Hepburn, and Trustee Gareth Richards about how the directory was developed, what it contains, and why it has become an important rehabilitation and resettlement tool.

The discussion explores how probation practitioners can use the directory to save time, widen access to support services, and help people build positive futures beyond the criminal justice system. The guests also discuss the importance of hope, second chances and community support in reducing reoffending and supporting successful rehabilitation.

Whether you work in probation, prisons or wider criminal justice services, this episode offers practical insights into a resource designed to make support easier to find and easier to access.

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 realities of visible and hidden disabilities, the emotional impact of adjustment reviews, workplace culture, discrimination, supportive colleagues, and the importance of union representation. The conversation also explores ageing in the workforce, mental health, neurodiversity and why disabled staff should be seen as valued assets — not problems to be managed.

This episode offers an honest insight into disability and inclusion within probation, and why support, understanding and effective workplace adjustments matter for both staff wellbeing and public service delivery.

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 further, this is a conversation about where we are now as a union.

Crucially, it’s also about what comes next.

How do we build on this moment? How do we bring members back together? And how do we make sure this level of energy leads to real change?

A short, immediate response to a big moment for probation staff.

Produced and Presented by Taytula Burke

From historic decline and anti-union legislation to grassroots organising, strike action, and the risks of becoming a “service model”, this conversation goes beyond the surface.

Presented and Produced by Taytula Burke

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 union is calling for urgent action — including transitional protections for existing staff.

This is a conversation about fairness, solidarity, and what it really means to value public service.

Presented and Produced by Taytula Burke

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 Christine discuss what motivated them to take part.

They share their experiences of writing about probation practice, the importance of reflecting on professional values, and offer practical advice for anyone thinking of submitting an essay this year.

The discussion highlights something often missing in today’s busy probation service: the space to think, reflect and share the real experiences of the profession.

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 through the National Health Service, and the pivotal moment when she realised she needed to forgive herself.

A thoughtful and honest conversation about rebuilding confidence, finding purpose, and proving that your past does not define your future.

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 Produced By Taytula Burke

He discusses electronic monitoring, AI, private sector risks, and what the government must do if it wants real reform. Plus: how Napo is campaigning to protect members, restore professional standards, and push for a probation service rooted in communities — not prisons.

Hosted and produced by Taytula Burke | A Napo Podcast Production

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 explore what staff say is a safe caseload, why so many are no longer recording their TOIL, the impact of vacancies and rising case complexity, and what Napo is calling on Cafcass and government to do now.

Essential listening for Cafcass staff and anyone concerned about professional standards, wellbeing and public confidence in the family justice system.

Presented and Produced by Taytula Burke | A Napo Podcast Production

Hosted and Produced by Taytula Burke | A Napo Podcast Production

Hosted and produced by Taytula Burke | A Napo Podcast Production

They explain what’s been achieved so far, why civil service constraints have delayed progress, and how union negotiators have pushed the case at the highest levels of government. But with goodwill exhausted and political intervention now the only way forward, could we be heading towards industrial action?

Whether you’re on the frontline, a new member, or simply want to understand where we go from here. This is essential listening. Solidarity starts with information.

Presented and Produced by Taytula Burke | A Napo Podcast Production

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 punitive policy to the hope of sentencing reform, this is a must-listen for anyone working in or concerned about the future of justice in the UK.

Hosted and produced by Taytula Burke | A Napo Podcast Production

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.Presented and Produced by Taytula Burke | A Napo Podcast Production

If you would like to find out more about the work of the Longford Trust, visit https://www.longfordtrust.org/

Presented and Produced by Taytula Burke | A Napo Podcast Production

Produced and Presented by Taytula Burke | A Napo Podcast Production

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’t voted yet this episode tells you why you should.

Presented and Produced by Taytula Burke

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 negotiations, morale and the long-term strength of the profession.

This is a democratic union. Whether you agree or disagree with the recommendation, the most important thing is to vote.

Your voice. Your pay. Your future.

Presented and Produced by Taytula Burke

From understanding the civil service pay remit to what happens if talks break down, this episode gives a clear and honest breakdown of what’s at stake — and how members will have the final say.

Hosted and produced by Taytula Burke | A Napo Podcast Production

Produced and Presented by Taytula Burke

Hosted and Produced by Taytula Burke | A Napo Podcast Production

Presented and Produced by Taytula Burke | A Napo Podcast Production

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 more essential than ever.

Plus, a rallying message for members: unions make change — but only when members get involved.

Hosted and Produced by Taytula Burke | A Napo Podcast Production

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 membership, this episode looks ahead to the lessons learned from the campaign so far, the importance of member engagement, and how collective pressure may shape what comes next.

Presented and Produced by Taytula Burke