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CEP Expert Network on Education and Training Publishes Technical Recommendations on Mentoring in Probation Training
The Confederation of European Probation (CEP) is pleased to present the Technical Recommendations on Mentoring in the Context of Probation Training, developed through the work of the CEP Expert Network on Education and Training.
This publication is the result of extensive collaborative exchange among 30 experts from 15 European jurisdictions, who convened in March 2025 in Agen, France, at the École Nationale d’Administration Pénitentiaire (ENAP). Bringing together probation directors, middle managers, practitioners, and representatives from training institutions, the network worked collectively to identify shared challenges, exchange practices, and formulate practical recommendations to strengthen mentoring within probation services across Europe.
The resulting document represents an important achievement for the CEP Education and Training Expert Network and reflects CEP’s ongoing commitment to supporting the professional development of probation staff, fostering cross-jurisdictional cooperation, and promoting high standards in probation practice.
The recommendations provide a structured framework addressing three key areas:
- The professional role, responsibilities, and ethical foundations of mentors;
- The integration of mentoring within Core Correctional Skills training;
- The responsible and effective use of digital technologies in mentoring environments.
By addressing these areas, the recommendations contribute to strengthening organisational capacity, supporting workforce development, and enhancing the quality and consistency of probation training systems throughout Europe.
The publication underlines the importance of mentoring as a strategic tool for knowledge transfer, professional socialisation, reflective practice, and the reinforcement of evidence-based approaches within probation services. It also highlights the growing relevance of digitalisation, while emphasising the need to maintain ethical safeguards, professional values, and human-centred approaches.
This work demonstrates the added value of European cooperation in the probation field and supports broader objectives related to justice modernisation, professionalisation, and capacity-building.
Availability for CEP Members
The full Technical Recommendations on Mentoring in the Context of Probation Training is available to CEP members through the CEP Members page.
How to access the member page?
Once logged in, click on the avatar in the top-right corner of the CEP website to access the Members page. 
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