Probation Perspectives: Insights into Community Justice is a podcast exploring the world of probation, rehabilitation, and community justice. Hosted by Megan Thomas and Ceri Halfpenny from the University of Portsmouth, this series delves into key issues affecting probation practice, featuring expert insights, research, and real-world experiences.
In this episode, we speak with Helen Amor, Effective Practice Lead at His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation (HMIP), about professional curiosity and its key role in probation practice. Helen shares her insights into the skills, challenges, and benefits of being professionally curious and offers practical advice for probation trainees. Join us as we explore how professional curiosity can deepen relationships, improve risk assessments, and enhance practice.
Chapters
00:00 Professional Curiosity
02:40 Helen Amor & Inspectorate's Role
06:37 Grasping Professional Curiosity
14:20 Building Curiosity Skills
19:19 Applying Curiosity & Tackling Issues
31:30 Suggested Resources
Further readings
We’d like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made Probation Perspectives: Insights into Community Justice possible:
Freddie Hunt – Podcast producer
Jill Dealey – Podcast development and content support
Rob Hobbs – Technical support
Lauren Meredith – Logo and jingle development
Jenn Grant & Michelle McDermott – Management and support
All of our guests – For sharing their expertise and experiences
Here are the details of the readings that were referred to within the episode:
HMIP Effective Practice Guides:
Kemshall, H. (2021). Bias and error in risk assessment and management. HM Inspectorate of Probation Academic Insights, 14. https://www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmiprobation/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/12/Academic-Insights-Kemshall-1.pdf
Reflective Practice Resources: HMIP’s Five-Minute Reflection Videos.
Research on Professional Curiosity:
Phillips, J., Westaby, C., Fowler, A., & Ainslie, S. (2022). Putting professional curiosity into practice. Criminal Justice Inspectorates. https://www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmiprobation/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/Academic-Insights-Phillips-et-al.pdf