Probation Perspectives: Insights into Community Justice. This is the podcast where we explore the world of probation, rehabilitation, and community justice - diving into the key themes, challenges, and skills that shape effective probation practice. Hosted by Megan Thomas and Ceri Halfpenny from the University of Portsmouth.
Site
RSS
Apple
Recent rankings
Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.
Shared links between episodes and podcasts
Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.
Introducing Probation Perspectives: Insights into Community Justice
Season 1
Tuesday, February 11, 2025 • Duration 13:15
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 introductory episode, Megan and Ceri introduce themselves, discuss their backgrounds in probation training and academia, and outline what listeners can expect from the podcast. They provide an overview of the probation service, the Professional Qualification in Probation (PQiP), and the importance of reflective practice. Future episodes will cover topics such as professional curiosity, domestic abuse, and public protection, with expert guests offering valuable perspectives.
Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of probation and community justice, whether you're a practitioner, student, or just curious about the field. Don't forget to subscribe and join the conversation!
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:30 Meet the Hosts: Ceri Halfpenny & Megan Thomas
06:45 Understanding the Probation Service
10:15 The PQIP Programme
12:00 Future Episodes & Topics
We’d like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made Probation Perspectives: Insights into Community Justice possible:
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
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.
Professional Curiosity - Helen Amor, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation (HMIP)
Season 1 · Episode 1
Tuesday, March 4, 2025 • Duration 37:39
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 Helen Amor, Effective Practice Lead at His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation (HMIP), about professional curiosity and its key role in probation practice. Helen shares her insights into the skills, challenges, and benefits of being professionally curious and offers practical advice for probation trainees. Join us as we explore how professional curiosity can deepen relationships, improve risk assessments, and enhance practice.
Chapters
00:00 Professional Curiosity
02:40 Helen Amor & Inspectorate's Role
06:37 Grasping Professional Curiosity
14:20 Building Curiosity Skills
19:19 Applying Curiosity & Tackling Issues
31:30 Suggested Resources
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
Domestic Abuse & Stalking - Dr Kerry Ellis-Devitt & Carl Hall, Interventions Alliance
Season 1 · Episode 2
Tuesday, March 25, 2025 • Duration 41:58
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
Domestic Abuse - Noreen Wallace, His Majesty's Inspectorate of Probation (HMIP)
Season 1 · Episode 3
Tuesday, April 15, 2025 • Duration 49:05
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:
Parole - Robert McKeon, Independent Member of the Parole Board
Season 1 · Episode 5
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 • Duration 49:32
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:
Rehabilitation, Growth and Relationships - Dr Sarah Lewis
Episode 5
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 • Duration 40:51
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
Trauma-informed and gender-responsive approaches in Probation practice - Dr Madeline Petrillo
Season 1 · Episode 6
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 • Duration 43:39
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
Series 2 Trailer: Probation Perspectives: Insights into Community Justice
Season 2
Tuesday, March 3, 2026 • Duration 03:14
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: .
Rehabilitating Probation with Professor Matthew Millings and Dr Matt Tidmarsh
Season 2 · Episode 1
Tuesday, March 10, 2026 • Duration 01:01:33
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
AI and Probation with Professor Mike Nellis and Louis Allgood
Season 2 · Episode 2
Tuesday, March 31, 2026 • Duration 59:16
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
Further readings
Here are the details of the readings that were referred to within the episode:
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Discover shows related to Probation Perspectives: Insights into Community Justice, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
