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In this roundtable discussion, we talked about in what way the new IN-CJ Hub on Training and Education might focus on the development of social professionals in the field of criminal justice, through the integration of academic and practice-based knowledge. The hub aims to be a place where practitioners, researchers, educators, and people will lived-experience of criminal justice can exchange ideas and insight for training and education of criminal justice practitioners.
This IN-CJ live discussion focused on the vital role of training and education in probation and criminal justice practice, bringing together international perspectives on how professionals are prepared, supported, and developed across their careers.
The conversation began by distinguishing between “training” and “learning.” While training was often understood as technical instruction, contributors argued that “learning” better captures the process of building reflective, adaptable professionals. They emphasised the importance of co-production, empowerment, and desistance-focused practice, highlighting that education should go beyond compliance to encourage critical thinking and professional autonomy.
International examples demonstrated both challenges and opportunities. In Romania, probation officers adapted rapidly to new penal codes, showing the need for flexible and responsive education. In Nigeria, probation reforms highlighted the importance of building professional capacity in a system under pressure. Meanwhile, participants from the UK and Ireland shared experiences of embedding academic partnerships, innovation in pedagogy, and creating cultures of organisational learning.
Key challenges raised included questions about who sets the agenda for training (employers, academics, or practitioners), how to measure effectiveness, and how to integrate lifelong professional development. Participants also pointed to the value of international collaboration in sharing approaches and resources.
Looking ahead, the discussion highlighted the potential of online learning, immersive digital tools, and communities of practice to foster innovation and collaboration across borders. The session underlined that education in criminal justice should not be a one-off event, but a continuous process of learning, reflection, and exchange.
Listen to the full IN-CJ Live Discussion on Training and Education in Criminal Justice.
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Key contributors to this discussion include:
Joep Hanrath: Lecturer and researcher at the University of Applied Sciences, Utrecht
Roz Morrison: Senior Lecturer in Probation at De Montfort University (Leicester)
Don John Omale: Professor of Criminology, Federal University Wukari Taraba State, Nigeria
Oncea Gabriel: Associate lecturer in Sociology and Social Work Faculty, Bucharest University