A collaborative approach to developing probation practice

Abstract

This article reports our experience of developing a skills-based practice framework for effective engagement with offenders. The project began with extensive engagement with probation staff at every level. This was followed by collaborative pilots in 22 probation trusts on effective engagement by practitioners and reflective supervision by managers, using the best available international research and insights from research on desistance. The learning and feedback from these pilots was used to bring together the two complementary elements into a single evidence-based model. Feedback from managers and practitioners gathered in external evaluation of the pilots was very positive, with the vast majority seeing the approaches as having a positive impact on their practice and seeing it as important that the model continued to be used. Observation of practice and constructive feedback was particularly valued as was positive leadership and support by senior managers. The external evaluation of the pilots continues, and we are conducting an internal evaluation of the integrated model, which will look at practitioners’ and offenders’ experiences in three probation trusts over this year and next.