What is it really like to work in probation as a disabled member of staff?
In this episode of the Napo Podcast, National Vice-Chair Charron Culnane speaks openly about her experiences of developing physical disabilities during her probation career, later discovering she was neurodivergent, and navigating workplace adjustments across more than 20 years in the service.
Charron discusses the realities of visible and hidden disabilities, the emotional impact of adjustment reviews, workplace culture, discrimination, supportive colleagues, and the importance of union representation. The conversation also explores ageing in the workforce, mental health, neurodiversity and why disabled staff should be seen as valued assets — not problems to be managed.
This episode offers an honest insight into disability and inclusion within probation, and why support, understanding and effective workplace adjustments matter for both staff wellbeing and public service delivery.
5 responses
I have hidden disabilities so sometimes requests are made thinking I am able bodied. When I inform colleagues I get looks of as if they do not believe in what I had narrated to them. All this is overwhelming sometimes so perhaps clearer guidelines about this would be helpful thanks.
I have significant neurodiversity-related needs linked to my mental health, which are affected on a daily basis by ongoing policy and technological changes. Over the course of a long career in the service, my mental health has steadily declined, influenced also by factors such as age.
I am concerned by what I perceive to be a poor attitude towards frontline staff of a certain age. Age, physical capability, and neurodiversity are closely interconnected, yet there appears to be a persistent lack of support for an increasingly marginalised older workforce within Probation. Opportunities for progression have diminished, while pressures have increased, alongside a perception of favouritism towards those considered more able or capable.
Although equality and fairness should be fundamental principles, this does not reflect my current experience. The value of professional experience is, in my view, being progressively overlooked. Having once taken pride in contributing my skills to a respected profession, I now find myself anticipating the limited time remaining before I leave the service, which I feel is a regrettable reflection of the current environment.
We’re really sorry that you are experiencing this at work. Please contact HQ if there is anything you would like us to support you with on this issue.
I can relate to what you are saying in regard to being an ‘older’ member of staff with over 20 years experience. The service is definitely ‘younger’ and I too often feel invisible and overlooked for opportunities despite my experience. This is often despite managers being of a similar age or just a few years younger! I wonder how they would feel.
This!!! I am ND and physically disabled. This one size fits all approach to learning and dependance on use of video link is causing me sever distress and burnout. Have barked out through Dawn and Mojwas and even they are not listening.