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Probation is celebrating 40 years since its establishment in 1982. To reflect on this length of service to changing lives for safer communities a magazine, ‘Reflections at 40’ containing stories from former and current staff, has been published.
In the magazine, you will read personal reflections on the establishment and early years of the Probation Board for Northern Ireland in the 1980’s. Stories from staff in the 1990’s and onwards also describe the introduction of an evidence-based approach to practice and the many innovations within Probation practice to contribute to building safer communities.
First-hand accounts describe the introduction of new sentencing options such as ‘Community Service’ and the change in working mainly with young people to one working with higher risk individuals along with modernising the service with new technology and records management.
These personal contributions give a real insight into how Probation has worked within communities throughout the last 40 years.
Max Murray CBE, Probation Board Chair, said of the publication: “As we reach the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Probation Board for Northern Ireland I am delighted that we have this collection of first-hand accounts depicting working life within Probation over the past four decades.
The personal reflections in this magazine from former and current staff members are fascinating and well worth the read. It is clear from these accounts that much has changed over the years but importantly the core elements of Probation’s work and its values of openness, accountability, integrity and respect have stayed the same. Recognising everyone’s capacity to change is fundamental in our work. As our current Board develops its Corporate Plan for 2023-26, I am mindful that the pioneering work commenced by that first Board continues to this day. We want to further progress this work so that Probation becomes further integrated into the community.”
Amanda Stewart OBE, Probation’s Chief Executive, also commented saying: “Much has changed for Probation in the past 40 years and reading the reflections in this publication gives us an insight into not just how we operated as an organisation but also the times in which we lived. The commitment and dedication of staff is also very apparent and continues to be the most important asset of Probation.
It is clear from these contributions that Probation has always been an organisation which is innovative, creative, collaborative and solution focused. Over the next years my priority is on building our relationships and our connections within local areas and strengthening our partnerships with community and voluntary groups. It is only by working together that we can change lives for safer communities. The submissions from staff, both past and present, spanning four decades and beyond are wonderful to read and I would like to thank them all for their contributions.”
Read the ‘Reflections at 40’ magazine on the Probation Website.