What membership means

Membership means becoming part of a professional community committed to strengthening probation practice, supporting its workforce, and shaping the future of probation, rehabilitation, and resettlement.

Above all, the Probation Institute exists to speak up for a strong, respected, and effective future for probation.

Members operate within the Probation Institute’s agreed Code of Ethics, supporting professionalism, integrity, and evidence‑informed practice across the field.

The Institute’s Trustees, committees, and Fellows meet regularly to provide a challenging and informed forum that helps guide the Institute’s professional voice, priorities, and responses to change.

Professional development and learning

Once you are a member, a range of resources and activities support ongoing professional learning, reflection, and connection throughout your career.

This includes access to:

• A monthly member newsletter highlighting developments in practice, policy, and research

• Probation Quarterly, our online journal offering accessible, high‑quality, up‑to‑date articles on practice, research, policy, and innovative work

• Member‑only events and learning opportunities

• The monthly online Professional Discussion Group, providing space for shared learning and debate

• A weekly round‑up of probation‑related news and events

Together, these opportunities support Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and contribute to the Probation Professional Registration process.

Voice, influence, and professional standards

Membership provides opportunities to contribute to professional debate and to influence the direction of probation and rehabilitation policy.

Members may choose to:

• Influence policy by contributing to Probation Institute responses to consultations, reviews, and requests for information across probation and rehabilitation

• Help shape the development of Probation Institute practice notes and position papers, supporting practitioners with relevant and evidence‑informed guidance

• Take part in informed professional discussions about probation practice, rehabilitation, and resettlement within a respected and independent forum

Research and professional contribution

The Probation Institute actively supports research and evidence‑based practice and encourages members to contribute to the knowledge base of the profession.

Opportunities include:

• Joining the Probation Institute Research Panel

• Participating in Institute‑led and funded research projects

• Applying for Probation Institute Research Awards

• Writing for Probation Quarterly, an online journal committed to accessible, evidence‑based articles grounded in practice

Who membership is for

Membership is open to practitioners, managers, academics, students, associates, volunteers, and retired probation professionals who wish to remain connected to professional learning, research, and debate in probation and rehabilitation.

Different membership categories are available to reflect career stage and personal circumstances.

Interested in joining?

If you are not yet a member, you can explore membership categories, fees, and joining options on our How to Join page.

Prefer a downloadable summary?

Join the Probation Institute and add your voice to the future of probation.

View our Membership Overview for details on membership categories, fees, and benefits.