Probation Perspectives: Insights into Community Justice

In this episode, we examine public protection and Serious Further Offences (SFOs). Dr Andy Williams and Emeritus Professor Mike Nash discuss the challenges of managing individuals assessed as posing a high risk of serious harm, exploring how political pressures and organisational contexts shape probation practice. They highlight the importance of professional curiosity, reflective practice, and inter‑agency collaboration in effective public protection work.
The episode also features Dr Dominic Pearson, who shares findings from his research on SFO reviews, examining what they reveal about accountability, organisational learning, and how probation can better support improvement rather than blame.
This episode offers a thoughtful and evidence‑informed look at the complexities of public protection and risk management and is essential listening for PQiPs, probation practitioners, and anyone interested in serious harm prevention in 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.

Chapters
00:00 Intro to Probation Perspectives 
02:02 Defining Public Protection
04:11 The Politics of Public Protection
08:00 The History of Public Protection Agenda
12:04 Learning from Serious Further Offence Reviews
18:01 The Role of Professional Curiosity
21:56 Improving Practice in Probation
25:46 Key Learning Points from SFO Inquiries
32:39 Understanding Modern Probation Workload Challenges
36:20 Key Readings for Trainees in Probation
38:04 Reflective Exercises for Trainees
41:36 Insights from Empirical Research on SFOs
46:22 The Role of Reflective Practice in Risk Management
51:26 Influencing Outcomes in High-Risk Cases
54:05 Building Confidence in Managing High-Risk Cases
57:12 The Importance of Offender Perspectives in Reviews
01:00:07 Final Reflections on Risk Management and Practice

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 experience

Here are the readings that were referred to in the episode:
Ansbro, M. (2010). The nuts and bolts of risk assessment: When the clinical and actuarial conflict. The Howard Journal of Criminal Justice, 49(3), 252-268. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2311.2010.00614.x
Harrison, K. (2012). Dangerousness, risk and the governance of serious sexual and violent offenders. Routledge.
Kemshall, H. (2008). Understanding the management of high-risk offenders. McGraw-Hill Education (UK).
Nash, M. (1999). Police, probation, and protecting the public. London: Blackstone.
Nash, M. (2006). Public protection and the criminal justice process. Oxford University Press.
Nash, M., & Williams, A. (2008). The anatomy of serious further offending. Oxford University Press.
Nash, M., & Williams, A. (Eds.). (2010). Handbook of public protection. Willan
Nash, M. & Williams, A. (2024) Politics and Public Protection. Emerald Publishing Limited.
Pearson, D. A., & Carey, G. (2025). Independent serious case reviews relating to serious further offences since 2005: A thematic review. Probation Journal, 02645505241301012.
Pearson, D., & Molino, D. (2025). Probation staff reflective practice: Can it impact on outcomes for clients with personality difficulties? In J. Grant, L. Haggar, & M. McDermott (Eds.), Reflections on probation: A companion resource for developing practitioners (pp. 44–62). Policy Press.

In this episode, we are joined by Dr Sarah Waite and Dr Alexandria Bradley from Leeds Beckett University to discuss their research on women’s problem‑solving courts and women’s experiences of the criminal justice system. They explore what makes these courts distinct, why gender‑responsive approaches matter, and how communication, meaningful participation, and strengths‑based, trauma‑informed practice can support positive engagement and change for women in contact with probation.

This thoughtful and evidence‑led episode highlights what women’s problem‑solving courts can teach us about better supporting women in contact with probation, offering valuable insights for PQiPs, practitioners, and anyone interested in developing more responsive and humane justice practices.

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.

Chapters:
00:00 Intro to Probation Perspectives
02:04 Trauma-Informed & Gender-Responsive Practices
05:02 Exploring Problem-Solving Courts
09:47 Environment's Role in Court Experiences
15:06 Probation Officers & Women's Centres
20:00 Effective Communication in Courts
24:53 Collaboration for Better Outcomes
30:08 Reflective Practice Importance
35:13 Final Thoughts & Recommendations

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:
Padmanabhan, K. (2025). Thinking Intersectionally about State Power and Resistance in the Breddon Women’s Center in England. Social Politics: International Studies in Gender, State & Society, jxaf061.
Waite, S., & Rutter, N. (Eds.). (2026). Women, Relationships & Criminal Justice: The Personal and Professional. Policy Press.

Listening to Women, Learning for Justice: A Time to Reflect and Reimagine | Leeds Beckett University Co-authored by Dr Sarah Waite and Dr Alexandria Bradley

In this episode, we are joined by Jennifer Walmsley, Co‑Director of BearFace Theatre, a Hampshire‑based organisation working exclusively in the local area through applied theatre. BearFace’s work supports people on probation, women in the justice system, and criminal justice practitioners within Hampshire.  Jennifer discusses how creative and participatory theatre approaches can open up new ways of understanding identity, agency, and change. The conversation explores how creativity can support desistance, build confidence and resilience, and create space for reflection, not only for people on probation, but also for the practitioners who work alongside them.
This inspiring episode shines a light on the human side of rehabilitation and the value of locally rooted, creative practice. It invites PQiPs, probation practitioners, and local justice professionals to consider how creativity can support meaningful change and help people imagine more positive futures.

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.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Probation Perspectives
02:01 Jennifer Walmsley's Journey into Applied Theatre
06:41 Understanding Applied Theatre in Probation Settings
11:31 The Role of Creativity in Desistance
14:39 Transformative Moments in Creative Activities
20:16 Supporting Probation Practitioners through Creativity
26:07 Reflection, Self-Care, and Vicarious Trauma in Practice
36:06 Cultural Shifts for Better Rehabilitation

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:
Bearface theatre website - https://www.bearfacetheatre.org/ 
Brene Brown - details about her books and podcasts on this website https://brenebrown.com/ 
Maté, G. (2022). The myth of normal: Trauma, illness and healing in a toxic culture. Knopf Canada.
Walmsley, J., & Haggar, L. (2025). Creating space for reflection and connection: learning from the creative arts and the third sector. In Reflections on Probation (pp. 134-154). Policy Press.
Waite, S., & Rutter, N. (Eds.). (2026). Women, Relationships & Criminal Justice: The Personal and Professional. Policy Press.
National Criminal Justice Arts Alliance website: https://artsincriminaljustice.org.uk/
Geece Theatre Handbook, details available here: https://www.geese.co.uk/the-geese-handbook/ 
Kasia Urbaniak (2021) Unbound: A Woman’s Guide to Power. Penguin
Thompson, J. (2012) Applied Theatre, Bewilderment and Beyond. Peter Lang

Most prison officers and probation practitioners overlook a simple truth: trust and genuine human connection are the real keys to reform. Andi Brierley, a former youth justice worker turned academic and editor of The Good Prison Officer, reveals how the most effective practitioners build trust not through protocol or robotic routines, but through empathy, authenticity, and understanding how their own behaviour impacts others. This episode challenges you to rethink the way justice professionals form relationships, because the difference is in how you make people feel.

Andi’s own life story, rising from substance addiction and multiple prison sentences to becoming an influential voice in community justice, shapes his bold perspective on reform. He shares powerful insights on how lived experience deepens practice, why trust is the foundation of desistance, and how bureaucratic systems can hinder genuine connection. Discover practical ways to foster compassion in challenging environments, from prison corridors to probation meetings, and how small shifts in practice can reshape outcomes at every level of the criminal justice system. If you want to see systems through the eyes of those they serve and lead with compassion, this episode is for you.

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.

Chapters:
00:00 - Intro to Probation Perspectives
01:45 - Andi Brierley's Youth Justice Journey
06:47 - Building Trust in Probation Practices
13:30 - Challenges in Developing Trust
17:37 - Impact of Prison on Individuals
20:52 - Insights into Justice Systems
27:04 - Adversity, Change, and Growth
32:58 - 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

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:
Brierley, A. (2019). Your honour can I tell you my story?. Waterside Press.
Brierley, A. (2023). The good prison officer. New York: Routledge.
Brierley, A., & Dennehy, M. (2025). The rehabilitation industry: Lived experience and performance. Probation Journal, 72(3), 317-324.
Brierley, A. (2026). ‘I sit somewhere in that sort of sweet spot’: Liminal legitimacy in criminal justice practice. Punishment & Society, 14624745261436432.
Brierley, A., & Best, D. (2025). Desistance habitus: Strategically Using experience in practice. Incarceration: An International Journal of Imprisonment, Detention and Coercive Confinement, 6.https://doi.org/10.1177/26326663241310603
Foucault, M. (2019). Discipline and punish: the birth of the prison. Penguin
Johns, D. (2017). Being and becoming an ex-prisoner. Taylor & Francis Group.
van der Kolk, B. A. (2015). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Penguin Books

Most discussions about AI in probation focus on automation, but what if the real opportunity lies in enhancing human connection and ethical practice? In this episode, we uncover how technology like electronic monitoring and generative AI can support, not replace, the vital relational work that defines probation. Join Professor Mike Nellis and Louis Allgood as they explore the evolution of probation technology, from GPS ankle bracelets to speech AI, and reveal how the future of community justice hinges on balancing innovation with moral responsibility.
You'll discover the origins and limitations of electronic monitoring, and what lessons Europe offers for ethical implementation. Learn how generative AI like ChatGPT can support professional judgement, active listening, and relationship-building. We discuss practical frameworks for evaluating AI tools to ensure they serve public safety and human dignity, and why meaningful human control is critical in a rapidly digitalising environment. This episode argues that the most effective, ethical probation practice in the digital age remains rooted in human connection, professional judgement, and thoughtful implementation.

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.

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/