Expert group
Research
Over recent years, CEP has begun to develop engagement with researchers, research institutions and projects. During the term of the previous CEP Board membership by third-level institutions was promoted and a representative was co-opted to the CEP.
Research, quality assurance and evaluation are key elements in the development of better practice, better and more effective service provision, and improved outcomes for all stakeholders.
The group
The aim of the expert group is:
to maintain and develop a network of experts of researchers, managers and probation practitioners from various EU jurisdictions;
to exchange, increase and deepen knowledge about probation supervision in Europe, community sanctions and measures, rehabilitation and reintegration, etc;
to support implementation of the Research and Development Strategy;
to support updating the Probation in Europe;
to continue collaborating with CEP members, partner organisations, universities, and researchers in identifying key priorities and strengthening mutual cooperation in research;
to oversee, in cooperation with the Research Policy Officer and under the direction of the Secretary General and the Board, research commissioned by CEP as well as research in which CEP participates as a partner.
Members
Gerry McNally
University of Cork, Ireland - Chair of the Expert Group
Prof. Nicola Carr
Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
Prof. Fergus McNeill
University of Glasgow, UK-Scotland
Marc Ceron
Center for Legal Studies and Specialized Training, Catalonia-Spain
Ines Sucic
Ivo Pilar Institute of Social Sciences, Croatia
Prof. Ioan Durnescu
University of Bucharest, Romania
Johan Boxstaens
Flemish Probation Agency, Belgium
Ravinderjit Kaur Briah
De Montfort Universty Leicester, UK-England and Wales
Speakers
Gerry McNally
University of Cork, Ireland - Chair of the Expert Group
Prof. Nicola Carr
Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
Prof. Fergus McNeill
University of Glasgow, UK-Scotland
Marc Ceron
Center for Legal Studies and Specialized Training, Catalonia-Spain
Ines Sucic
Ivo Pilar Institute of Social Sciences, Croatia
Prof. Ioan Durnescu
University of Bucharest, Romania
Johan Boxstaens
Flemish Probation Agency, Belgium
Ravinderjit Kaur Briah
De Montfort Universty Leicester, UK-England and Wales
Upcoming events
Interested in joining us for an event? Check out our upcoming gatherings
This event is upon invitation only
Expert group meeting
Expert Group Meeting On Research
17 Feb 2026
Utrecht, The Netherlands
These meetings provide a space to continue ongoing discussions, exchange expertise, and reflect on current challenges and developments within the field.
This event is upon invitation only
Past events
Interested in our past events? Or would you like to relive the highlights? Check out all our past events here
Recommended by expert group members
Below you will find recommendations and practices from the expert group.
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