Seeing and believing: Observing desistance-focused practice and enduring values in the National Probation Service

This article focuses on the feasibility of using a desistance-focused approach in National Probation Service (NPS) post-Transforming Rehabilitation (TR) context. Findings are drawn from an exploratory study undertaken one NPS Division, which used triangulation three data collection methods: observations one-to-one supervision sessions, documentary analysis and practitioner focus groups. show that practitioners use elements approach, although not exclusively. Values based upon belief capacity to change need offer support endure, despite mass organisational upheaval. The concludes by suggesting this ‘enduring habitus’ probation could be enabler for but instrumentalism policy practice is significant barrier.