Napo’s General Secretary, Ian Lawrence, delivered a wide-ranging and passionate speech to Napo members in Eastbourne last week.
Reflecting on “another tumultuous year,” he praised members in both Probation and Cafcass for their dedication under extreme pressure. “You continue to serve families, protect communities, and uphold the values that define our professions — often in the face of impossible workloads and below-inflation pay offers.”
He confirmed that Napo’s position on pay remains clear: “This union will never recommend a below-inflation pay offer.” And while the first industrial action ballot in probation fell short, he told delegates that the story is far from over. “There are two ways to deal with a setback — we can feel sorry for ourselves, or we can dust ourselves down and go again. And we will. We’ll be back, stronger, and with even more conviction.”
The address also carried a powerful warning about the rise of the far right, calling for unity and courage. “We must challenge hatred and division wherever it appears — in our communities, online, and even on our own doorsteps. Refugees are not to blame for the failures of government.”
Closing on a note of pride, he reminded members why Napo’s work matters: “You charge us with tasks to undertake on your behalf — but without you, we are nowhere. You can be proud of yourselves.”
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Over a decade ago the late Professor Paul Senior gave us a TR special edition of the British Journal of Community Justice. Why are we still ‘peering through the uncertainty’? https://mmuperu.co.uk/bjcj/volumes/bjcj-volume-11-issue-2-3/