This is a guest post by Dr. Victoria Knight of De Montfort University.
Ethical and Responsible Digitisation
The world is becoming more digital, and probation services will need to adapt. My recently published HM Inspectorate of Probation report explores how technology can help people on probation build better lives. In it I highlight that there are risks, such as digital exclusion, privacy concerns, and ethical issues. This summary explains the key ideas and recommendations from the report. For more details read the full report here
Why Digital Matters in Probation
People on probation often face challenges like lack of education, employment barriers, and social isolation. Digital tools can provide:
- Learning opportunities – Online education and vocational training.
- Mental health support – Digital therapy and self-help apps.
- Employment help – Job search platforms and virtual career guidance.
- Social connections – Safe online spaces to connect with supportive communities.
However, digital poverty—where people lack access to devices, the internet, or digital skills—prevents many from benefitting. This report suggests ways to make probation services more digital-friendly while protecting users’ rights and dignity.
A Model for Ethical Digital Support
The report proposes a “Digital Recovery Model,” which follows key ethical principles to ensure fairness and effectiveness. Key components include:
- Human rights first – Digital services must be inclusive, safe, and respect privacy.
- Balancing safety and access – Security measures should not prevent people from using technology for positive change.
- Building digital skills – Probation services should offer training to improve digital literacy.
- Collaboration – Working with technology companies, charities, and communities to create better digital tools, informed by people on community or prison sentences and importantly to involve probation staff.
- Continuous evaluation – Regular assessment to improve digital services and ensure they meet users’ needs.
Real-Life Examples of Digital Probation Support
- Breaking Free: Computer-assisted therapy (CAT) programme for addressing drug and alcohol dependence
- A digital therapy program for addiction recovery.
- Helps track moods, triggers, and achievements.
- Available in some UK prisons and communities.
- Changing Lives App
- A mobile app designed by the Probation Board of Northern Ireland.
- Provides resources on probation requirements, mental health, and addiction support.
- Connects users to probation officers and community services.
- E-Learning for Justice Professionals
- Online courses to train probation staff in digital rehabilitation.
- Offered by the Council of Europe HELP platform and DigiCor.
Moving Forward: Digital Transformation in Probation
To make probation services more effective and fair in a digital world, the report recommends:
- Ensuring equal access – Providing devices and internet access for those who need them.
- Protecting privacy and rights – Establishing strong safeguards for data security.
- Embedding digital tools in rehabilitation – Encouraging probation officers to integrate technology into their support strategies.
- Developing leadership in digital justice – Training decision-makers to implement ethical digital solutions.
Conclusion
Digital tools can help people on probation reintegrate into society, but only if used ethically and responsibly. By prioritising fairness, security, and inclusivity, probation services can become more effective and humane. This report provides a roadmap for a future where digital services support rehabilitation without leaving anyone behind.
For more insights, visit HM Inspectorate of Probation.
Thanks to Andy Aitchison for kind permission to use the header image in this post. You can see Andy’s work here
