Probation Across the Pond: What the UK and US Can Learn From Each Other

Probation Across the Pond: What the UK and US Can Learn From Each Other

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 ✅ 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.

The Hardman Directory: A Practical Tool for Rehabilitation, Resettlement and Hope

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 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.

Navigating Probation with a Disability

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 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.

After the Vote: Unity, Reflection, and the Road Ahead

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 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

Numbers, power and the future of trade unionism

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 conversation goes beyond the surface. Presented and Produced by Taytula Burke