From research to practice: challenges and opportunities of evidence-based supervision

Unlike at any other time, probation services in the UK are under pressure to be cost-effective. Community Rehabilitation Companies have been set up to work with lower risk offenders under ‘payment by results’ contracts. The pressure is on, therefore, to produce results i.e., to reduce reoffending. The present article traces the development and independent evaluations of a supervision programme that was designed to achieve this. As a forensic psychologist with a probation background I have always been keen that probation work is informed by research on effective practice, and here I aim to discuss the issues for those wishing to take forward evidence-based probation supervision. What comes through is the importance of commitment and leadership at all organisational levels, including at Trust Board level and particularly at Chief Executive.