Probation Perspectives: Insights into Community Justice is a podcast exploring the world of probation, rehabilitation, and community justice. Hosted by Megan Thomas and Ceri Halfpenny from the University of Portsmouth, this series delves into key issues affecting probation practice, featuring expert insights, research, and real-world experiences.

In this episode, we are joined by Andi Brierley, Senior Lecturer at Leeds Trinity University and editor of The Good Prison Officer, a book that challenges conventional ideas about what effective prison practice looks like in contemporary justice systems. Drawing on academic research, professional experience, and insights from lived experience, Andi reflects on the central role of values, trust, and legitimacy in both prison and probation practice. The conversation explores the importance of reflective practice, relational work, and collaboration across custodial and community settings, highlighting the shared ethical foundations of prison and probation work.

This powerful and thought‑provoking episode invites PQiPs, probation practitioners, and those working across the criminal justice system to reflect on what it means to be a “good” practitioner in complex and demanding environments and how humane, values‑led practice can support rehabilitation, legitimacy, and meaningful change.

Chapters:

00:00 – Intro to Probation Perspectives

01:45 – Andi Brierley's Youth Justice Journey

06:47 – Building Trust in Probation Practices

13:30 – Challenges in Developing Trust

17:37 – Impact of Prison on Individuals

20:52 – Insights into Justice Systems

27:04 – Adversity, Change, and Growth

32:58 – Reflective Practice in Probation

Show notes and readings:

We’d like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made Probation Perspectives: Insights into Community Justice possible.

• Freddie Hunt – Podcast producer

• Jill Dealey – Podcast development and content support

• Lauren Meredith – Logo and jingle development

• Jenn Grant & Michelle McDermott – Management and support

• All of our guests for sharing their expertise and experiences

Here are the details of the resources and readings that were referred to within the episode:

Brierley, A. (2019). Your honour can I tell you my story?. Waterside Press.

Brierley, A. (2023). The good prison officer. New York: Routledge.

Brierley, A., & Dennehy, M. (2025). The rehabilitation industry: Lived experience and performance. Probation Journal, 72(3), 317-324.

Brierley, A. (2026). ‘I sit somewhere in that sort of sweet spot’: Liminal legitimacy in criminal justice practice. Punishment & Society, 14624745261436432.

Brierley, A., & Best, D. (2025). Desistance habitus: Strategically Using experience in practice. Incarceration: An International Journal of Imprisonment, Detention and Coercive Confinement, 6.https://doi.org/10.1177/26326663241310603

Foucault, M. (2019). Discipline and punish: the birth of the prison. Penguin

Johns, D. (2017). Being and becoming an ex-prisoner. Taylor & Francis Group.

van der Kolk, B. A. (2015). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Penguin Books