Research Hub

Below you can find links to research documents and Journals that help promote the work and understanding of Probation in general, and of the Probation Board for Northern Ireland in particular.

The History of Probation

As 2022 sees the 40th Anniversary of the Probation Board of Northern Ireland. Probation has however been in existence long before 1982 and you can read more about the History of Probation on the Island of Ireland and since the beginning of Northern Ireland in 1921.

History of Probation in Northern Ireland

Probation Knowledge Bank

Probation Staff continue to develop professionally throughout their career and contribute to academic research with the Justice Setting. Along with a number of research articles submitted to the Irish Probation Journal, our staff also submit articles to be published in other Journals, magazines and learning institutions.

Probation Knowledge Bank 

Irish Probation Journal

The Irish Probation Journal is a joint initiative of the Probation Service (formerly the Probation and Welfare Service) and Probation Board. Each article submitted will be considered by an Editorial Committee composed of Probation Service and Probation Board staff. The Editorial Committee is coordinated by two co-editors, representing the Probation Service and Probation Board.

Irish Probation Journal

The Butler Trust Knowledge Exchange

The Butler Trust has a resource aimed at supporting those who work within criminal justice through their Knowledge Exchange, an online library of guidance and examples of best practice. There are over 400 online resources available.

Butler Trust Knowledge Exchange

HM Inspectorate of Probation - Academic Insights

Academic Insights is a knowledge bank aimed at all those interested in research and developments in the evidence base for high-quality probation and youth offending services. HMIP commission leading academics to present their views on specific topics, assisting with informed debate and aiding understanding of what helps and what hinders probation and youth offending services.

HM Inspectorate of Probation - Academic Insights