Consultations

How Probation consults

Probation is committed to fulfilling its responsibilities under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. In fulfilment of these obligations Probation openly consults its stakeholders and the general public on new and revised policies. To view current and archived consultations, please select an option from the menu on the left.

Step by step consultation process – how the consultation process works in PBNI

1. A concise consultation document is drafted.
2. This document is then sent to PBNI staff and external consultees (this list of consultees appears as appendix three in PBNI’s current Equality Scheme).
3. The consultation document is publicised online and via social media.
4. The consultation period is for 12 weeks. Once this consultation period is over the consultation is considered closed.
5. All the responses are then collated and anonymised to create a summary document.
6. This summary document of responses is then submitted to the Board along with the Policy for approval.
7. Once the policy has been approved by the Board, a copy of the anonymised summary document is sent to respondents and published on the Board’s website.
8. The approved policy is then also published on the Board’s website.

Current Consultations

Probation Board Corporate Plan 2026-29

The Probation Board for Northern Ireland’s (PBNI) Draft Corporate Plan 2026-29 is now open for public consultation. The consultation is open from Tuesday 23 September 2025 and will close on Tuesday 16 December 2025.

The consultation will be open for 12 weeks and during that time we hope to hear from partners, interested parties, staff, trade union representatives, and service users about whether the strategic priorities adequately reflect the future direction of the organisation. 

The strategic priorities that we have identified are:

1. Develop the quality of our practice and delivery of core statutory functions, taking account of best practice
2. Develop our practice, systems and processes in response to emerging needs and priorities   
3. Empower our people, develop our organisational culture and lead a trauma informed approach.
4. Enhance External Relationships and Partnerships.

The environment in which our staff operate is not an easy one. Working with people who have committed crimes that have caused harm to individuals and communities is a difficult job. Supporting people to change and holding them to account takes a particular set of skills and values, including believing that people have the capacity to change. 

You can respond to the consultation exercise by email, post or online.

By Email: info@probation-ni.gov.uk

By Post: Post your feedback to Gail McGreevy, Head of Communications 80-90 North Street Belfast BT1 1LD

Online: You can provide your feedback at PBNI Corporate Plan 2026-29 Consultation - NI Direct - Citizen Space(external link opens in a new window / tab)

Use our QR Code to the online form:-

Find the consultation on our website 

Previous Consultations

Read previous Probation consultations in Publications.

Probation's Responses to other Consultations

Read Probation responses to different consultations in Publications.