Probation Perspectives

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.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2014)  Comment end SAMHSA’s Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach ⁠https://library.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/sma14-4884.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 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.