The evidence base – probation services
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.
Supervision of service users
Find out more about the factors that contribute to high-quality supervision.
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
Specific types of delivery
Find out more about a range of differing types of service delivery.
- Court reports
- Unpaid work
- Electronic monitoring
- Victim work
- Multi-agency public protection arrangements
- Integrated offender management
- Intensive community programmes
- Custody and resettlement
- Approved premises
Specific sub-groups
Find out more about working with people on probation with diverse needs and life experiences.
Next: Introduction
