The role of the Research Panel

The Research Panel helps ensure that research on probation and rehabilitation is accessible, relevant, and informed by practice. It plays a key role in nurturing a strong culture of practitioner‑led and practitioner‑informed research.

The Panel brings together practitioners, academics, researchers, and those working in evidence‑based practice. Its purpose is to ensure that research reflects the realities of probation work and contributes meaningfully to professional learning and development.

The Panel plays an important role in:

• Supporting the development of Probation Institute Position Papers

• Steering research projects and events

• Contributing to Probation Quarterly

• Supporting the delivery of Probation Institute Research Conferences

• Overseeing the Probation Institute Research Awards

This work is vital to ensuring that research remains closely connected to practice and policy.

How the Panel works

The Research Panel meets at least quarterly, often online, and steers a wide range of research activity across the Institute.

The Panel works alongside the Academic Advisory Network, which provides academic expertise and mentorship, and operates within the Institute’s governance arrangements.

Events and conferences

Two of the Institute’s annual events are Research Conferences. Recent topics have included:

• Service User Involvement (in partnership with the National Probation Service)

• Work with Families

These events provide opportunities to share learning, discuss emerging evidence, and strengthen connections between research and practice.