6th International Training School opens in Barcelona with a focus on digital probation

Organised by the Confederation of European Probation (CEP) and the Centre for Legal Studies and Specialised Training (CEJFE), the week-long school brings together probation professionals and international experts under the theme “Clicks and Empathy: Core Correctional Skills in Digital Probation.” The opening reflected the strong support of the Catalan Government and CEJFE for CEP and their shared commitment to professional training and international exchange.

Participants were welcomed by Penelope Torres Moreno, Head of the Research and Training Area for Penal Enforcement at CEJFE; Maria-Paz Vallès Creixell, Director General of Probation and Juvenile Justice at the Catalan Department of Justice and Democratic Quality; Domingo Estepa Camacho, Director General of Prison Services at the same Department; and Professor Ioan Durnescu of the University of Bucharest, who is the author of the Core Correctional Skills manual and coordinates the Training School.

The opening was followed by a keynote round table that brought perspectives from Finland, Croatia and the United Kingdom to a high-level discussion of digital probation. Pia Andersson, Senior Specialist at the Finnish Prison and Probation Service and former CEP Board member; Vesna Zelić Ferenčić, Head of the Development Service at Croatia’s Ministry of Justice, Public Administration and Digital Transformation; and Michael Arnold, Head of AI and Innovation at His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service, explored what technological change means for everyday probation practice. The discussion was chaired by Iuliana Carbunaru, Probation Inspector at Romania’s National Probation Directorate and former CEP Vice-President, together with Professor Durnescu.

The programme then moved from discussion to practice. In a session led by Professor Durnescu, participants examined how to build a working alliance with a person who is required to engage with probation services. A practice lab on the first interview gave them an immediate opportunity to apply and discuss these skills.

The Training School runs until 2 October. Through expert sessions, practice labs and peer exchange, participants will explore how to use core correctional skills, including pro-social modelling, motivational interviewing and problem-solving, in both face-to-face and digital settings. As the ways we communicate change, skilled human relationships remain essential to effective probation work.

Follow CEP on social media for updates and highlights throughout the week.