In the early 1980s, having just completed an MPhil in Criminology, I very nearly became a Probation Officer, and had a job lined up with what was called the ‘new careers movement’ in Bristol (a strand of radical probation practice I seem to remember). But it was not to be, I was persuaded to do a PhD (on women and criminal justice) so remained in Cambridge for a while, thinking that I would turn to probation again later. I did turn to probation, but not as a professional probation officer. Rather, I developed an academic career with a focus on alternatives to custody for young people, decision-making regarding young people within the Crown Prosecution Service, pre-sentence reports, race and gender issues in the composition of pre-sentence reports, community punishments (and the benefits of skills training as part of unpaid work, for instance), plus work on provision for women in the community and generally, on what works in the community. Thus my heart has remained with probation in a number of ways.

It was a great privilege to be invited to be the Chair of the Probation Institute earlier this year (from April 1st), and I am slowly getting to grips with its mission and operation. I am grateful to Helen Schofield, Chief Executive, and to MaryAnne McFarlane as the former Chair, and to Andy Smith (Vice Chair)  in particular, for their guidance and support. During the last few months the trustees have given a good deal of attention to the Institute’s vision for the future and there is strong commitment to championing probation work – in all its forms. One big change concerning the future is that in April 2022 the Probation Institute became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation. This makes it possible to apply for a wider range of grants although we are finding  this an extremely competitive field.

The Probation Institute’s Probation Quarterly showcases practitioner contributions and provides accessible summaries of new themes and debates.   We produce Position Papers (recently on race equality, remote working, PSRs and probation court work for example) with new papers in prospect regarding the effectiveness of probation work, and wider diversity issues.  

The Institute continues to hold biannual Research Events and Trainees Events, also monthly lunchtime seminars for practitioners and supporters - all of which contribute to professional development – whether learning from the Magistrates’ Association about their questions and concerns or from the Northern Ireland Care Commission about how they manage professional development and registration. The Probation Institute has carried out important research regarding veterans in the justice system, and offers the annual Sir Graham Smith Awards (opportunities for practitioners to do research). We respond to consultations (most recently the Shadow Front Bench Review of the Justice System, the Home Affairs Committee Review of Community Sentences and we have added our voice to concerns about IPP sentences). We have been consistently and strenuously arguing for external independent professional registration of practitioners and managers. We have a robust group of Fellows who support and help to steer our work, also very strong relationships with the academic community in the justice system. We are members of the European Probation Confederation and we are building links with the Criminal Justice Overseas Territories Network and the International Network for Community Justice. Our website is an excellent one stop shop for reports and news, including an expanding suite of learning resources which are accessible to all at no charge. 

Joining the Probation Institute is a statement of commitment to work towards a strong professional future for probation, rehabilitation and resettlement. Please join us if you haven’t already done so, and tell colleagues about the Probation Institute too. The bigger we are, the stronger we are, and the stronger we are - the more we can contribute to debates about probation, discussions with the Magistrates’ Association, with HMPPS, with the voluntary sector and with the Ministry of Justice. We are holding our AGM online for members, on Thursday 25th January.

With all good wishes,

Loraine Gelsthorpe (lrg10@cam.ac.uk)