The results are in.

With an 84% turnout, Napo members have voted to accept the latest probation pay offer — with 75.2% in favour and 24.8% against. It’s a decisive outcome, but not a simple one.

In this episode, Ian and Ben reflect honestly on what the result means — not just in numbers, but in how members are feeling. From the strength of engagement to the frustrations of those who wanted to go further, this is a conversation about where we are now as a union.

Crucially, it’s also about what comes next.

How do we build on this moment? How do we bring members back together? And how do we make sure this level of energy leads to real change?

A short, immediate response to a big moment for probation staff.

Produced and Presented by Taytula Burke

In this extended episode, we bring together Sarah Woolley (BFAWU), Henry Fowler (GFTU), and Ranjit Singh (NAPO) to explore one of the defining questions facing the movement today: what really builds power? Is it membership numbers or active, organised workers?

From historic decline and anti-union legislation to grassroots organising, strike action, and the risks of becoming a “service model”, this conversation goes beyond the surface.

Presented and Produced by Taytula Burke

New immigration rules are putting experienced probation staff at risk of losing their jobs — or even their right to stay in the UK.

In this episode, Napo member Stefani explains how recent visa changes, including a £38,700 salary threshold, are affecting overseas colleagues working in probation.

We explore the human impact behind the policy, the risks to an already stretched workforce, and why the union is calling for urgent action — including transitional protections for existing staff.

This is a conversation about fairness, solidarity, and what it really means to value public service.

Presented and Produced by Taytula Burke

The Mike Guilfoyle Essay Prize was created to honour the legacy of a respected probation practitioner who believed deeply in reflection, professionalism and the human side of the job.

In this episode, we explore how the prize came about and why it matters. Richard and Mimi from the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies explains the inspiration behind the award, while previous entrants Anne, Ben and Christine discuss what motivated them to take part.

They share their experiences of writing about probation practice, the importance of reflecting on professional values, and offer practical advice for anyone thinking of submitting an essay this year.

The discussion highlights something often missing in today’s busy probation service: the space to think, reflect and share the real experiences of the profession.

In this episode, we are joined by Lisa, a former accountant who found herself starting again after prison — unsure of what came next.

With support from the Longford Trust, she secured a scholarship, gained a mentor, and began studying clinical animal behaviour.

In this episode, Lisa talks openly about the importance of education, the impact of a supportive probation officer, accessing counselling through the National Health Service, and the pivotal moment when she realised she needed to forgive herself.

A thoughtful and honest conversation about rebuilding confidence, finding purpose, and proving that your past does not define your future.

What makes the Family Court Journal such an important professional space?

In this episode, John and Catrina from the editorial board talk about how the journal brings together practitioners, researchers, judges and people with lived experience to reflect on practice, challenge assumptions and explore new ways of working with children and families.

Read the Family Court Journal

Presented and Produced By Taytula Burke

In this episode, Napo General Secretary Ian Lawrence gives his unfiltered take on the government’s new Sentencing Review. From the promising headlines to the worrying silences, Ian talks through what the review gets right, what it ignores, and why it’s not enough to ask probation staff to do more with less — again.

He discusses electronic monitoring, AI, private sector risks, and what the government must do if it wants real reform. Plus: how Napo is campaigning to protect members, restore professional standards, and push for a probation service rooted in communities — not prisons.

Hosted and produced by Taytula Burke | A Napo Podcast Production

Napo’s latest Cafcass workloads and toil survey paints a stark picture of life on the frontline.

In this episode, Adam Harmsworth (Vice Chair, Family Court Section) and Nicki Kenny (Section Chair) talk through the findings: long unpaid hours, growing caseloads, part-time staff working full-time hours, and practitioners being pushed into performance processes because of excessive workload.

We explore what staff say is a safe caseload, why so many are no longer recording their TOIL, the impact of vacancies and rising case complexity, and what Napo is calling on Cafcass and government to do now.

Essential listening for Cafcass staff and anyone concerned about professional standards, wellbeing and public confidence in the family justice system.

Presented and Produced by Taytula Burke | A Napo Podcast Production