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Recap: Expert Network on Education and Training in Probation Launches New Term and Sets Priorities for 2026–2028
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.
Opening the session, Cédric Le Bossé, Head of the International Relations Unit at ENAP, set the tone for this new phase by highlighting the importance of continuity, collaboration, and strategic focus in strengthening probation training across Europe. Together with Anna Esquerrà Roqueta, CEP Policy and Liaison Officer, he welcomed participants and underlined the network’s role as a key platform for advancing professional development and fostering innovation in the field.
A key component of the meeting was a structured brainstorming session aimed at identifying the network’s priorities for the 2026–2028 period. Building on the Chair’s call for active engagement, participants shared their perspectives on emerging challenges, capacity-building needs, and thematic areas requiring further development. This exchange will play a central role in shaping the network’s future activities and will directly inform the preparation of a planned in-person meeting in 2027, ensuring that it reflects members’ expectations and practical priorities.
The meeting also allowed for the continuation of ongoing work on the mapping of training institutions across Europe, an initiative designed to provide a clearer overview of existing structures, strengthen cooperation, and support the exchange of knowledge and practices among training providers.
In addition, CEP presented its commitment to supporting the implementation of the European Commission’s Strategy on the Digitalisation of the Justice Sector, with particular attention to its implications for probation. The discussion emphasised the growing importance of digital competencies, innovative training methodologies, and the need to adapt professional development frameworks to an evolving technological environment.
A round of introductions for new members reflected the continued expansion of the network and the increasing interest of CEP member organisations in contributing to this collaborative platform. The diversity of expertise present further enriched the discussions and reinforced the network’s role as a space for mutual learning and exchange at the European level.
The meeting concluded with closing remarks by the Chair, Cédric Le Bossé, who outlined the next steps for the network and reiterated the importance of maintaining strong engagement from members throughout this new term. Participants reaffirmed the value of the network as a key mechanism for advancing cooperation, supporting professional development, and promoting high-quality education and training in probation.
As the network enters this new phase under its renewed leadership, the active involvement of its members will remain essential to ensuring that its work continues to be relevant, responsive, and impactful in addressing the evolving needs of probation services across Europe.
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