Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.

The project aimed to carry out the first detailed empirical study of Chief Probation Officers (CPOs) in England and Wales. The objectives of the study were: to investigate the social and educational backgrounds and career histories of CPOs; to explore their perceptions of community penalties, developments in these over the course of their careers and potential changes in the future; to examine the role of CPOs as managers and their relationships with central government, local agencies and their probation committees. The study consisted of 47 qualitative interviews with CPOs, lasting on average around two hours each.

Main Topics:

Topics covered in the interview included: employment history both within the Probation Service and outside, career development and senior positions held before appointment to Chief, perceptions of the effects of changes in criminal justice policy and practice with regard to the Probation Service, important issues facing the Service, organisational change and management, and education and family background.

No sampling (total universe)

Face-to-face interview