We are committed to reviewing, developing and promoting the evidence base for high-quality probation services. We use both research and inspection findings to:

• inform our understanding of what helps and what hinders probation services
• develop our inspection programmes, guidance and effective practice products
• consider system-wide change that could improve public protection, support desistance, and change people’s lives for the better.

In this section, we summarise key research findings, presenting them as concisely as possible.

Introduction

Find out why we have published this evidence and how you can use this information.

Models and principles

Find out about the key concepts that underpin excellent probation delivery.

• The Risk-Need-Responsivity model
• Desistance – general practice principles
• Personal recovery
• Supervision skills
• Procedural justice

Organisational delivery

Find out more about how a probation service’s leadership, management and set-up contribute to high performance.

• Leadership
• Staff
• Services
• Information and facilities

Supervision of service users

Find out more about the factors that contribute to high-quality supervision.

• Assessment
• Planning
• Implementation and delivery
• Reviewing

Specific areas of delivery

Find out more about how different factors can support service users to desist from offending.

• Accommodation
• Education, training and employment
• Family relationships
• Substance misuse
• Mental health

Please note that this evidence is not exhaustive. Additional content is planned for publication in 2021, as well as content exploring our evidence for youth justice services.

Next: Introduction

Back to top