News
CEP Ambassador Steve Pitts Receives Prestigious Japanese Honour
We are pleased to share that CEP Ambassador Steve Pitts has been awarded the prestigious Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette by the Government of Japan. The honour was officially presented on 25th July 2025 at a formal ceremony held at the Japanese Ambassador‘s residence in London, hosted by the Japanese Ambassador.
Steve received this award in recognition of his significant contribution to fostering professional cooperation between Japan and the UK in the field of probation and criminal justice. Over the years, his work has helped build strong international connections and shared learning across justice systems.
The ceremony was attended by family, colleagues, and close collaborators, and featured formal speeches, the presentation of the award insignia, and a reception. Ambassador Suzuki expressed his respect and gratitude for Steve’s invaluable contributions to the advancement of probation systems and the strengthening of Japan-UK relations. In response, Steve expressed deep appreciation to the many individuals in the United Kingdom, CEP, and Japan – not least at UNAFEI, the Rehabilitation Bureau, and volunteer “Hogoshi” – whose knowledge and support made his work possible.
Representing CEP at the event were Board Members Sonia Flynn and Jo Tein, with Jo delivering a speech on behalf of the CEP Board. He praised Steve‘s worldwide role as CEP ambassador and his outstanding contributions to mutual learning between Japanese and European jurisdictions. Leo Tigges, a long-time contributor to CEP’s international mission, offered personal remarks highlighting Steve’s commitment and perseverance as well as his diplomacy and gentleness, always helping his partners to take their own decisions. Jim Barton and Imants Jurevicius delivered congratulations on behalf of the probation administrations of England and Wales and of the Republic of Latvia.
Most recently, Steve Pitts and Leo Tigges co-authored the CEP report “Building Probation Capacity: What Works?”, offering insight into effective strategies for developing probation systems across Europe. The report is available on the CEP website: Read the report.
Further details about the award, ceremony, and Steve’s work with Japan are available on the Japanese Embassy’s website.
All photos courtesy of the Embassy of Japan in the UK.
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
Prison
CEP at the 2026 European Symposium on Detention Houses
28/04/2026
On 21–22 April 2026, CEP participated in the 2026 European Symposium on Detention Houses organised by RESCALED in Tirana, Albania.
Held under the theme “Sustainability and Justice”, the Symposium focused on promoting detention houses as a sustainable and humane alternative to large-scale prison institutions, bringing together justice practitioners from across Europe to discuss innovative approaches to detention and reintegration.
Recap
Education and Training
Recap: Expert Network on Education and Training in Probation Launches New Term and Sets Priorities for 2026–2028
24/04/2026
On 21 April 2026, the Education and Training Expert Network in Probation held its second online meeting, bringing together representatives from CEP member organisations and experts involved in the training of probation professionals across Europe. The meeting marked the beginning of a new working cycle for the network, under the leadership of its Chair, Cédric Le Bossé, and provided an important opportunity to collectively reflect on its future direction.
New
CEP Board
Interview with new CEP board member Eva Fernandes
23/04/2026
During the General Assembly in Austria, a new CEP Board got elected for the upcoming three years. In the coming weeks we will publish interviews with all newly-elected board members where they will share information on their professional background, how they would like to contribute, what challenges lie ahead and many more.
Enjoy reading!
New
CEP members, Probation in Europe
CEP Member visit to the Probation Service in Albania
22/04/2026
On 22 April 2026, the Confederation of European Probation carried out a member visit to the Probation Service in Albania, where the delegation was warmly welcomed by Ms Irma Bime, newly appointed Director General for Probation, Mr Eris Sheshi, Director of Electronic Monitoring and Ms Drisilda Memollari, Head of the Probation Office in Tirana.
CEP was represented by Ms Jana Spero Kamenjarin, Secretary General, and Mr Daniel Danglades, Vice President.
Recap
Probation outside Europe
Recap: 7th World Congress on Probation and Parole, day 3 and 4
20/04/2026
Daniel, CEP Vice-President, and Nasir, head of an Indonesian probation and parole office and one of the organisers of the World Congress, reflect on days 3 and 4 of the 7th World Congress on Probation and Parole in Bali, Indonesia.
Recap
Probation in Europe
CEP at PC-CP 41st Working Group Meeting
20/04/2026
On 14–16 April 2026, CEP Secretary General Jana Špero Kamenjarin represented CEP at the 41st meeting of the Working Group of the Council for Penological Co-operation (PC-CP) in Strasbourg, France.
Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter!
- Keep up to date with important probation developments and insights.