Probation Perspectives: Insights into Community Justice

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 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.