At this year’s TUC Congress, Napo’s National Chair Ben Cockburn moved a motion that laid bare the scale of the crisis facing the Probation Service. Speaking “for those who, day in and day out, carry the weight of justice in our communities: the dedicated and undervalued staff of the Probation Service,” Ben delivered a powerful message that resonated across the trade union movement.
A service on the brink
“We are at a pivotal moment in our struggle,” Cockburn warned. “The position we are in is not just a question of numbers, but of safety, justice, and the future of the Probation Service itself.”
He reminded Congress that Probation staff sit at the very heart of the criminal justice system involved from the first court appearance to the end of a sentence, in the community or in custody. With just over 20,000 staff working with around a quarter of a million people, probation professionals deal with some of the most marginalised and, in some cases, most dangerous people in our communities.
Yet despite their central role, probation practitioners are working in a service that, in Ben’s words, is “in a state of crisis that strikes at the heart of public safety.”
The weight of neglect
Ben pointed to the Government’s reliance on probation staff to absorb the pressures of prison overcrowding through early release schemes and other emergency measures. “Were it not for the work done – primarily by Probation staff – … the criminal justice system has been within days of collapse.”
But successive Governments have ignored Napo’s warnings. The employer’s own figures show the service is short of thousands of staff. Experienced workers are leaving due to intolerable pressures, while around a third of new starters leave within two years. Over 100,000 staff sickness days are lost each year to mental ill health, much of it caused by unmanageable workloads.
“Our ability to build positive, therapeutic working relationships … has been destroyed,” he said, highlighting the impact of bureaucracy, failing IT systems and unsafe working environments.
The call for action
Ben’s message to ministers was clear: “To address a crisis this severe we need bold, decisive action, something sorely lacking to this point.” That means:
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A realistic pay increase that values probation work.
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Safe and sustainable workloads, so staff can do their jobs without burning out.
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Investment in people and services, not failed privatisation or false hopes in technology and tagging.
And if the Government refuses to act? “Industrial action may become necessary,” Cockburn stated plainly.
Standing firm
In closing, he told Congress: “We will not stand by and let this Government continue to ignore or dismiss us. We will not accept that a workforce so crucial to public safety is left to further crumble… We are here to make sure that the message is heard loud and clear – that Congress will fight for Probation staff, for the communities we serve, and for a safer, more just future for all.”
Congress agreed. The motion was carried. The trade union movement now stands behind Napo’s campaign to tackle the probation workload crisis.
One Response
I’m genuinely proud to be part of the Probation Service, especially my team of Victim Liaison Officers (VLOs) in Wales. During his speech at Congress, Ben Cockburn reminded us that Probation staff are at the very heart of the criminal justice system—and that includes Victim Liaison Units across the country. Victims are at the center of criminal proceedings, so VLOs should be right there with them, providing support when they need it most.
Lately, new laws and procedures—like SDS40, the ECSL , and FTR48—have brought about huge changes. These updates have affected victims’ sense of safety and control, and at the same time, they’ve made the work of VLOs more demanding. Despite these challenges, our team has shown incredible dedication and resilience. Their commitment, both as a team and as individuals, really shines through. It’s inspiring to see how they continue to work with compassion, professionalism, and passion—especially now, when so many more emotional and practical demands are placed on them. They truly deserve recognition for their unwavering efforts during these difficult times.