What makes the Family Court Journal such an important professional space?

In this episode, John and Catrina from the editorial board talk about how the journal brings together practitioners, researchers, judges and people with lived experience to reflect on practice, challenge assumptions and explore new ways of working with children and families.

Read the Family Court Journal

Presented and Produced By Taytula Burke

What is the indicative ballot and why does it matter?

In this episode, Ian and Ben break down the 2025–2026 Probation pay offer, explain why Napo is recommending rejection, and outline what happens next depending on how members vote. From the reality of the 4% offer to the power of collective action, this is a clear, honest discussion about pay, value, and the future of the campaign.

If you haven’t voted yet this episode tells you why you should.

Presented and Produced by Taytula Burke

An exclusive update on the probation pay campaign. Ten months after Napo submitted the claim, still no formal offer is on the table. Ben and Ian explain the delay, how we’re applying pressure, the truth behind the ballot result, and what’s next in the push for fair pay and safer workloads. Essential listening for every probation professional.

Produced and Presented by Taytula Burke | A Napo Podcast Production

Napo is balloting members on industrial action — for the first time in over a decade. In this episode, Ian Lawrence and Ben Cockburn to lay out why this moment is so critical, what options members are voting on, and how we got here.

One thing is certain: participation is essential if we’re to change the direction of probation. No more running on goodwill. No more silence. It’s time to act.Presented and Produced by Taytula Burke | A Napo Podcast Production

In this episode of the Napo Podcast, we’re talking all things pay. With formal negotiations for the 2025–26 year now underway, General Secretary Ian Lawrence joins us to explain what’s in the probation pay claim, how the negotiation process works, and why this year’s talks are shaping up to be some of the toughest yet.

From understanding the civil service pay remit to what happens if talks break down, this episode gives a clear and honest breakdown of what’s at stake — and how members will have the final say.

Hosted and produced by Taytula Burke | A Napo Podcast Production

Overtime has quietly become the glue holding the probation service together... but at what cost? In this episode, Napo’s Ian Lawrence and Ben Cockburn unpack the sheer scale of unpaid and paid overtime, the exploitation of staff goodwill, and the alarming strain on a service already pushed to breaking point.
We talk about fear, vacancy rates, burnout, and why so many members can’t finish their work — or afford to live — without doing extra hours. And crucially, we look at why withdrawing this free labour could be the most powerful step probation workers can take.

In this episode, we speak with Napo Assistant General Secretary Ranjit Singh about the barriers created by current industrial action laws, the impact on our members, and how the Employment Rights Bill could transform the landscape for working people. Essential listening for anyone navigating the challenges of organising in today’s political climate.

Produced and Presented by Taytula Burke

The National Audit Office has delivered a stark warning: the probation service is under-resourced, under-staffed, and under intense pressure. In this episode, Napo General Secretary Ian Lawrence joins us to unpack the findings. From staff shortages and soaring workloads to political accountability and the risks to public safety.

Hosted and Produced by Taytula Burke | A Napo Podcast Production