Previous Article
News
PBNI showcases Probation through social media
In March 2016 PBNI launched a 4 week social media campaign called ‘#ProbationWorks‘.
The concept behind the campaign was to showcase in visual and creative ways how and why probation in Northern Ireland works that can be easily understood by a wide audience.
Probation tends to be less well known and less understood than other parts of the criminal justice system. Therefore this campaign was an opportunity to show probation makes a difference in reducing crime and preventing re-offending. The campaign used infographics, case studies, pictures and videos to tell the story of probation.
Using the twitter account (@PBNINews) for the campaign plus LinkedIn, and Youtube in conjunction with the website (www.pbni.org.uk) PBNI has showcased to the public our work through ‘day in the life’ accounts from the frontline staff, videos of service users, PBNI staff and stakeholders on the importance of Probation, and infographics to show visually the work that probation does. These included case studies and videos from people under PBNI supervision to communicate how they had been able to turn their lives around as a result of probation’s supervision and interventions.
The Twitter #ProbationWorks campaign was well received, with 110,000 impressions, 5339 profile visits, 76 new followers, 72 mentions, 260 retweets, and over 350 extra hits to the PBNI website as well as direct contact from local media, politicians and academics. One of the most viewed tweets was of Nicola Carr from Queens University Belfast who explained on Youtube why social work was an essential part of a probation officer’s training in Northern Ireland with almost 10,000 impressions.
This campaign showed that Probation can widen the awareness and heighten the understanding of what it does by using social media sites through the use of stories, video and infographics to make it connect more with the public. In this way the campaign has facilitated the Probation Board for Northern Ireland’s objectives of reducing offending and encouraging rehabilitation through openness and engagement. The Probation Board will continue using the positive message hashtag #ProbationWorks.
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.
New
Education and Training
CEP launches an interactive European map of probation education and training institution contacts
22/01/2026
The CEP is pleased to inform its members that a new dedicated section has been developed on the CEP website featuring an interactive map of Europe.
New
CEP Events
CEP activity calendar 2026
20/01/2026
As we begin the new year, we would like to thank all CEP members, partners, and participants for your continued engagement and valuable contributions. Your involvement plays an essential role in shaping CEP’s work and activities.
We are pleased to share the CEP calendar for 2026, which provides an overview of the events planned for the year ahead. We look forward to continuing our collaboration and welcoming you to upcoming CEP activities throughout the year.
Thank you for being part of the CEP community.
New
CEP members, Gender-based violence
Interventions Alliance’s Eden House Recognized as Outstanding
15/01/2026
CEP is delighted to share that Eden House, an Interventions Alliance residential service for women with high-risk or complex needs on probation, has been rated “Outstanding” overall by HM Inspectorate of Probation. In 2022, Eden House was honored with the CEP Public Protection Award. Our sincere congratulations to the team for this remarkable achievement.
New
Education and Training
The Judicial Training Dashboard
14/01/2026
The European Training Platform (ETP) is a search tool for justice professionals. You can find self-learning materials on a great variety of EU law practice areas and related topics, as well as links to training providers’ homepages and course catalogues.
New
Technology
Communication on DigitalJustice@2030
13/01/2026
The EU’s competitiveness will increasingly depend on the digitalisation of all sectors, which will drive investment. Digitalisation and the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) will be essential to the ability of public authorities to deliver high-quality public services, notably also in the field of justice. Europe’s Digital Decade is underway with the ambition that by 2030 the EU has all key public services available online. The ultimate aim will be to increase the efficiency of public services by making them digital by default, stimulating productivity.
New
Alternatives to pre-trial detention, CEP Events
Webinar on Alternatives to Detention – CEP Webinar Series 2026
13/01/2026
CEP is pleased to invite you to the first webinar in the CEP Webinar Series 2026, taking place on Thursday, 22 January 2026, at 14:00 CET. This webinar will introduce a unique programme developed by the Meuse Probation Service, which was awarded the CEP Award 2025 in the category of Rehabilitation and Social Inclusion (The Sue Hall Award).
Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter!
- Keep up to date with important probation developments and insights.