Probation Institute

Research Awards

The Probation Institute Research Awards are a prestigious scheme supporting practitioner‑led, practice‑based research across probation, rehabilitation, and the wider justice system.

applicant information
 

About the Awards

The Probation Institute Research Awards aim to strengthen evidence‑informed practice, support professional learning, and contribute to the knowledge shaping probation policy and delivery.

From Autumn 2025, the Probation Institute offers two Research Awards:

  • General Research in Criminal Justice

  • Research on Women in the Justice System

These Awards replace the Sir Graham Smith Awards, established in 2002 in recognition of Sir Graham Smith’s leadership in probation and his contribution to evidence‑based practice.

The Probation Institute continues to host the library of completed Sir Graham Smith Research Reports.

Who can apply?

We invite applications from practitioners working in:

  • Probation and prison services

  • Voluntary and community organisations

  • The private sector

Applicants must have the support of their employer to undertake the research.

Support and funding

The Probation Institute offers:

  • Small bursaries of £500 to successful applicants to support research expenses

  • Ongoing support throughout the project

  • A dedicated academic mentor provided via the Academic Advisory Network

All completed reports are published and launched by the Probation Institute.

Selection, ethics, and governance

A panel agreed by the Probation Institute Trustees selects award recipients and supports them throughout their research.

Research proposals must be approved by the HMPPS National Research Committee to ensure appropriate governance and ethical oversight.

How to apply

To apply for a Probation Institute Research Award, please download the Application Form.

Previous Research Awards

Published Sir Graham Smith Research Reports completed since 2016 can be accessed below.

For further information please contact Helen Schofield: helen@probation-institute.org

 

Published Sir Graham Smith Research Reports

Here are the published Research Reports completed since 2016: 

  • Exploring the experience of men living in the Falkland Islands that chose to engage with probation services on a voluntary basis. Download the research report

  • A qualitative exploration of factors which influence rapport between participants and facilitators of the Building Better Relationships programme, in the community, from the perspective of participants - Download research report

  • Exploring probation practitioners transition to the new unified service - Download research report

  • Rebuilding Trust after Recall - Download research report

  • Impact of Training for Practitioners in Personality Disorder - Download research report

  • Peer Mentors under TR: the new Advise, Assist and Befrienders? - Download research report

  • Effectiveness of Sandwell Integrated Offender Management (IOM) – service user perspective - Download research report

  • Strengths, resources or controls? The assessment of protective factors in probation practice - Download research report

  • Reflective Practice: the cornerstone of what all do - Download research report