The reflective practitioner in transition. Probation work during reintegration of probation services in England and Wales

Abstract

This article evaluates the recent history of probation services in England and Wales. The author – currently working as a Practice Teacher Assessor in the Probation Service – considers the politicisation of probation, identified as one outcome of a rhetorical narrative to ‘act tough’ on crime and the impact of the New Public Management model of organisational accountability, its focus on performance and targets, and, arguably, the diminution of the professional role. Following semi-privatisation, and currently reintegration, of probation services, the article puts forward an argument for a realignment of practice, to focus on the supervisory relationship, professional autonomy, and the reflective practitioner.

The challenges of re-entry for men and women under probation supervision

“…There are further resonances in King's study where participants were referred to external organisations to overcome challenging situations. The tendency to refer people to external sources can be understood as part of a broader contextual shift to privatise the criminal justice system, where third-party agencies and associated bodies work in tandem to increase cost-savings, efficiency, and streamline services to provide quick, easy-access solutions to certain issues in the release process (Burrell, 2022; Tidmarsh, 2020). Elias’ narrative illustrates the pains resulting from the lack of first-hand support needed from probation:The hardest thing I’ve had to deal with is housing.…”

Contemporary probation practice: Some reflections on social class

“…If prejudice amounting to classism in practice is to be avoided then bespoke training would appear requisite, especially in such a currently challenging reflective environment (Burrell, 2022). This would be particularly so should class become a protected characteristic within any future equality legislation (LSE, 2022).…”