Matt Tidmarsh: ‘Transforming Rehabilitation: Professionalism and Emotional Labour in Probation’

This paper explores emotional labour as it pertains to probation practice.

Drawing on data derived from an ethnography of ‘Elizabeth Street’, a probation office within a Community Rehabilitation Company (CRC), it argues that a desire to engage in emotional labour with offenders is a fundamental part of probation practitioners’ professional identity. This means that the CRC can expect, without having to enforce, a professional service from practitioners when working with clients. However, against the backdrop of increased individual workloads, the pressures upon probation staff, habitual and imposed, expose them to stress and sickness. Paradoxically, therefore, what makes a person ‘right’ for probation increases the risk of emotional exhaustion.

About the speaker

Matt Tidmarsh is a PhD Candidate and Graduate Teaching Assistant at the School of Law, University of Leeds. His current research focuses on the area of probation.

This event is free to attend and lunch will be provided. 

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