Previous Article
News
Education and Training in Probation – presentations are available
In 2017 the European Commission – Directorate General for Justice and Consumers, highlighted their interest in the training of probation professionals. CEP was encouraged to work on creating a network of experts on the training of probation professionals at European level. This interest was formalized in the report prepared by the European Commission, “Evaluation of the 2011 European Judicial Training Strategy and preparation of the future 2019-2025 strategy”, which expanded the range of professional categories to be included in the new European Commission’s Judicial Training Strategy for the coming years and included probation professionals.
CEP members also highlighted their interest in the topic of education and training of probation staff. In a context of a rapid development of the criminal justice field and the growing importance of probation measures as more effective and with less economic cost, the training of Probation professionals has become crucial and challenging. In addition, the transfer of probation supervision orders between Member States has emphasised the need for comparable and equivalent practice across jurisdictions. In these circumstances, it is important to share knowledge and training expertise across Europe, train probation staff as specialized professionals and to share good practices, training methodologies and materials to assure quality training and practice.
Meeting programme of the Expert Network
CEP established a programme of meetings of the Expert Network on Education and Training in Probation with the following objectives:
- to create a solid expert network in the field of education and training of probation staff at a pan-European level;

- to exchange experiences and best practices between countries and bodies in the field of education and training;
- to share knowledge updates in relation to legislative developments, intervention Guidelines from the European Commission and the Council of Europe and other research findings;
- to have an information data base and central resource point on innovation and good practices presented at CEP expert network and other meetings on the CEP website.
The Covid-19 Pandemic has unfortunately disrupted the work of the network and prevented in-person meetings over the last two years.
Fourth meeting of the Expert Network on Education and Training in Probation
On 1st July 2022 CEP organised the fourth meeting of the Expert Network on Education and Training in Probation at the Centre for Legal Studies in Barcelona.
CEP invited key education and training leaders and representatives of probation bodies in Europe to participate in this Network meeting.
This meeting aimed at enhancing the knowledge on education and training in the field of Probation, exchange experiences and good practices between different countries in the field of education and training, share recent updates in relation to both legislative developments and interventions and to create a solid expert network in the field of education and training of probation staff at European Level.
Representatives from twelve different European Jurisdictions participated at the expert network meeting. CEP also invited the following three expert speakers:
Ms. Emmanuelle Cretin-Magand, European judicial training, Directorate General for Justice and Consumers, European Commission.
Dr. Nicola Carr, University of Nottingham, U.K presented on the Council of Europe Guidelines on Education and Training for Probation Staff.
Professor Ioan Durnescu, University of Bucharest, Romania presented on Basic skills for probation staff.
After presentations there was a World Café discussion on different questions related to Education and Training of Probation staff.
All presentations plus the conclusions of World Café discussion and the programme can be downloaded below.
- Shaping the Future: Education and Training for Practice, Nicola Carr, University of Nottingham
- ‘Better staff has better clients’, Ioan Durnescu, University of Bucharest
- Conclusions of World Café
- Programme
Related News
Keep up to date with the latest developments, stories, and updates on probation from across Europe and beyond. Find relevant news and insights shaping the field today.
Recap
ITSCCS
Core Correctional Skills in Digital Probation: highlights from the 6th ITSCCS in Barcelona
05/10/2026
The sixth International Training School on Core Correctional Skills (ITSCCS) took place in Barcelona from 28 September to 2 October 2026, bringing together 26 participants for a week of learning, practical training and international exchange. Organised by the Confederation of European Probation (CEP) and the Centre for Legal Studies and Specialised Training (CEJFE), the programme focused on “Clicks and Empathy: Core Correctional Skills in Digital Probation.”
Recap
Framework Decisions
Recap: ERA workshop on Framework Decisions 829 and 947 in Bucharest
02/10/2026
CEP Vice-President Daniel Danglades, Ambassador Gerry McNally and Policy Officer Mirka Jakesova participated in the Seminar on Framework Decisions 829 and 947 and their Impact on Alternatives in the EU organized under the EU project run by the Academy of European Law on 28-29 September in Bucharest, Romania. The seminar brought together judges, prosecutors, probation practitioners, academics, and policy experts to discuss the growing role of alternatives to detention within European criminal justice systems.
New
CEP
CEP and Catalan justice leaders reaffirm longstanding cooperation
29/09/2026
Representatives of the Confederation of European Probation (CEP) met with senior officials from the Catalan Department of Justice and Democratic Quality in Barcelona on 28 September 2026, alongside the opening of the sixth International Training School on Core Correctional Skills. The meeting offered an opportunity to recognise a longstanding partnership and discuss its continued development.
Updated
Mental Health
DEADLINE EXTENDED: Call for Pilot Implementation of the European Mental Health Training Curriculum
29/09/2026
Good news for CEP members! Following requests from our members, CEP has extended the deadline to apply for the pilot implementation of the European Mental Health Training Curriculum for Probation Officers.
Recap
ITSCCS, Technology
6th International Training School opens in Barcelona with a focus on digital probation
28/09/2026
How can probation professionals use new technologies in their interactions while building trust, showing empathy and supporting change? This question is at the heart of the sixth International Training School on Core Correctional Skills, which opened in Barcelona on 28 September 2026.
Recap
Probation in Europe
CEP at 42nd PC-CP Working Group Meeting
23/09/2026
The Council for Penological Co-operation (PC-CP) Working Group held its 42nd meeting from 15–17 September 2026 in Strasbourg. CEP was represented by Secretary General Jana Špero Kamenjarin.
Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter!
"*" indicates required fields
- Keep up to date with important probation developments and insights.
