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 Emeritus Professor Mike Nellis, Professor of Criminal and Community Justice at the University of Strathclyde, and Louis Allgood from the AI in Justice team within government. Together, they explore the evolving role of technology in probation, with a particular focus on electronic monitoring and the growing use of artificial intelligence in justice systems. The conversation traces the historical development of electronic monitoring, considers the promises and risks associated with AI‑driven tools, and reflects on the ethical, practical, and professional implications for probation practice. Mike and Louis discuss issues of surveillance, power, accountability, and decision‑making, offering critical perspectives on how technology intersects with values such as rehabilitation, fairness, and human judgement.

This is a timely and thought‑provoking episode for PQiPs, probation practitioners, and anyone interested in how digital technologies are reshaping community justice—and what it means to practice ethically in an increasingly technologised probation landscape.

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction

00:51 – Technology’s Role in Probation

04:02 – Electronic Monitoring Explained

07:54 – Artificial Intelligence in Probation

09:58 – The Human Element

12:54 – Ethical Concerns and Risks

29:21 – Challenges of AI and Monitoring

47:28 – Envisaging the Future of Probation Technology

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:

Alegre (2024) Human rights, robot wrongs: Being human in the age of AI

Nellis, M. (2022). From electronic monitoring to artificial intelligence: technopopulism and the future of probation services. In Reimagining Probation Practice (pp. 207-224). Routledge.

AI Action plan for Justice: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ai-action-plan-for-justice/ai-action-plan-for-justice

Justice AI Unit website: https://ai.justice.gov.uk/

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 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.