Introduction

The purpose of the 2022 CEP audit is to examine the caseload and workload of probation staff across Europe. The audit objectives are to explore:

• How probation bodies across Europe deal with an increasing caseload
• What measures are taken to prevent an excessive workload
• What steps can be taken to encourage national jurisdictions to increase the number of probation staff in order to fulfil the aims of probation.

The audit is being undertaken by Dr Jane Dominey and Ms Vesna Zelić. You can contact them with any questions by emailing Vesna.Zelic@mpu.hr

Invitation to Join a Focus Group

The audit will use focus groups as one way of gathering data about caseload and workload.

Two focus groups are planned. One on Monday 19 December at 14hr (CET) and the other on Tuesday 20 December at 10hr (CET). They will take place via Zoom and in English. Each group will last no more than 90 minutes. We will send you the focus group questions on Thursday 15 December.

We plan to recruit focus group members from organisations across Europe and from a wide range of organisations.

To Get Involved in a Focus Group

To join a focus group please email Ms Vesna Zelić (Vesna.Zelic@mpu.hr) by 15^th December.

Please let us know:

• Your name, your role and your organisation.
• Whether you are able to join the group on 19 December or 20 December.

If you would like to join a focus group but can not attend on either of these dates please let us know. It is possible that there will be a January focus group and, if there is, we will contact you about this.

We will also be arranging interviews early next year. If you are interested in being interviewed but are not able to join a focus group, please let us know.

For the audit to be useful and relevant, it is important to hear many experiences and opinions. We are sure you recognise the importance of including a wide range of views.

Thank you for your interest and your participation!