Napotheunion

12/08/2026

National Chair Ben Cockburn appeared on GMB News this morning talking about the implications of the early release scheme on the already stretched probation service

12/08/2026

In case you missed it: Napo's GS Ian Lawrence joined the debate on early prisoner release on BBC News and said: "Probation is overflowing" adding the service desperately needs trained and experienced staff as well as new recruits to handle the sheer numbers that will are expected to be supervised by the probation service

12/08/2026

“Members are angry, and distressed, and frustrated, that time and time again work is moved onto them from the Prison Service but they do not get fair regard.”

Probation staff are, “angry” because they “do not get enough funding to do their jobs”, says national chair of Napo, the union for probation and family court staff, Ben Cockburn.
https://buff.ly/G93LgIL

“Members are angry, and distressed, and frustrated, that time and t...

11/08/2026

90.76% said YES.

Napo members have delivered an overwhelming vote in support of industrial action over excessive probation workloads.

The message to Government and HMPPS is clear: enough is enough.

Now the pressure is on to deliver meaningful action to tackle workloads that are damaging staff wellbeing and putting public safety at risk.

A formal ballot will begin next month.

Read the full story 👇
https://buff.ly/jW6F8MR

90.76% said YES. The message to Government and HMPPS is clear: enough is enough.

10/08/2026

The ballot has now closed.

A big thank you to everyone who engaged with the campaign. Your votes could influence what happens next.

Your PNC (Probation Negotiating Committee) will be meeting after the ballot results are issued to to us from Civica and we will feedback to members what our next steps will be as soon as possible

07/08/2026

Napo's warnings about probation workloads are reaching millions through BBC Radio 4 and Channel 4 News. Now it's time for members to turn that attention into action.

https://buff.ly/nsdbkaQ

This week, Napo took the probation workloads crisis to both BBC Radio 4 and Channel 4 News, making sure the public understands the risks of adding more pressure to an already overstretched service.

07/08/2026

The ballot closes on Monday at midday.

Don't forget to vote. This really is your opportunity to have you voice heard and lay down your marker.

Vote YES!

06/08/2026

Accommodation crises, repeated referrals, emergency planning and countless hours of hidden work are pushing probation staff beyond safe limits. Napo's latest survey on approved premises and accommodation reveals the scale of the problem—and why voting in the workloads ballot matters.

05/08/2026

The deadline for submitting motions to this year's AGM is next week, 12 August!

Remember, it's our members that set the direction of travel for Napo. You can influence where your union goes next by submitting a motion.

Find out how here:

  Napo's 2026 Professional Conference and Annual General Meeting will take place from Thursday 15th, Friday 16th and Saturday 17th October at the Civic Centre, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne and Online. Book the time in your diary as leave, it is hoped the employer will grant professional development time for...

04/08/2026

We love that our members are dedicated to the people they serve, often going over and beyond.

The problem is there is often nothing left of them to give to their families and the people that love and depend on them.

This has to change.

Vote YES in the indicative ballot on workloads.