Previous Article
News
Root & Branch – How five shillings, faith and belief inspired the beginning of the Probation Service
This exhibition is a collaboration between the Probation Service in England and Wales and Englesea Brook Chapel and Museum, located in Cheshire.
The Probation Service traces its origins back to the late nineteenth century when Frederic Rainer, a printer and philanthropist from Hertfordshire, who was also a volunteer with the Church of England Temperance Society, expressed concern regarding the lack of support for individuals appearing before the courts. He generously donated five shillings towards a fund aimed at practical rescue work within the police courts.
The exhibition delves into the beliefs of the founders and their significant contributions in the police courts, as well as the establishment of the precursors to approved premises and community payback schemes, all the way to the evolution of the Probation Service up to the present day. The exhibition also provides insight into the opportunities that offenders had to transform their lives, both during the Victorian era and in more recent times.
The exhibition features informational panels and artefacts, including ledgers dating back to the 1920s and 40s.
This exhibition will tour various venues across England and Wales from August 2023 until the summer of 2024, narrating the history of the Probation Service from its inception to the present day. For the latest updates about the exhibition and detailed venue information, please follow this link: Root & Branch – How Five Shillings, Faith and Belief Inspired the Beginning of the Probation Service
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.
Probation Journal
juvenile offenders, Probation in Europe
Overview of Probation Procedures for Juveniles and Adults in Albania
22/07/2026
The Albanian Probation Service plays an important role in the implementation of alternative sanctions and measures for both juveniles and adults. Through supervision, assessment, and rehabilitation-oriented interventions, the Service aims to support compliance with court decisions, reduce the risk of reoffending, and promote the successful reintegration of individuals into society.
Community Sanctions and Measures
Nelson Mandela day
18/07/2026
Nelson Mandela Day reminds us that justice is not only about accountability – it is also about hope. Mandela believed in the dignity of every person and in the possibility of change. These principles are at the heart of probation.
Across Europe, probation professionals work every day to support people in taking responsibility for their actions, rebuilding their lives and successfully reintegrating into their communities. By promoting rehabilitation, social inclusion and human dignity, probation helps reduce reoffending and contributes to safer, more resilient societies.
New
Uncategorized
Applications for the Cambridge MSt in Applied Criminology, Penology and Management open soon
16/07/2026
The MSt in Applied Criminology, Penology and Management (Penology) at the University of Cambridge is designed for senior professionals working in prisons, probation, and related fields. The programme welcomes applicants from the public, private and voluntary sectors, the legal profession, and allied disciplines such as psychology and psychiatry.
New
CEP
Meet Ruth Armstrong, CEP’s new Research Policy Officer
14/07/2026
In early July 2026, Ruth Armstrong joined CEP as a Research Policy Officer. This is a new part-time role supporting the implementation of CEP’s Research and Development Strategy. Working with the Secretary General and the Expert Group on Research, Ruth will coordinate CEP’s research activities, exploring and building partnerships in research between academics and practitioners across Probation in Europe where members access, question and use evidence in their everyday work.
Recap
CJPE summer course, Gender-based violence
She Matters: Advancing Gender-Responsive Criminal Justice Through Cross-Sector Learning in Barcelona.
13/07/2026
From 7 to 10 July 2026, more than 60 criminal justice professionals from across Europe and beyond gathered in Barcelona for the 8th Criminal Justice Platform Europe (CJPE) Summer Course, hosted by the Centre for Legal Studies and Specialised Training (CEJFE) of the Government of Catalonia. Bringing together professionals from probation, restorative justice and prisons, the Summer Course once again demonstrated the unique value of cross-sector learning, international cooperation and professional exchange.
Reading corner
Probation in Europe
Dohľad
08/07/2026
The authentic world of probation and mediation, in which professional work intersects with human destinies, is brought to you by the publication through case studies revealing the diverse life stories of convicts and the dynamics of their relationship with probation and mediation officers.
Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter!
- Keep up to date with important probation developments and insights.