theForum

Probation Manager / Lifer Panel


https://forum.unlock.org.uk/Topic36291.aspx

By wakeylad - 24 Jul 26 3:08 PM

Hi,
I am a lifer, released nine years ago on life licence. Since my release there have been no concerns from probation officers nor police and, as far as I was concerned, was just getting on with my life, albeit attending monthly supervision appointments with my probation officer. 

Earlier this year a new manager was allocated to the office which I attend. There were initially no problems but when she found out that I was a lifer things have started to go wrong. I've had to complete a course called 'Moving On', which is apparently aimed at people who have been released in the previous 3-6 months; I was told that I had 'not progressed' in the years since I was released; at a recent lifer panel she blocked a reduction in my supervision appointments, and now she wants me to undertake work that I completed in custody years ago for no apparent reason. As I said, there have been no concerns about me and I'm very confused (as is my probation officer) as to why this is happening, especially after so many years in the community. 

Has anyone been through a similar experience? Thank you.
By JASB - 25 Jul 26 5:32 PM

wakeylad - 24 Jul 26 3:08 PM
Hi,
I am a lifer, released nine years ago on life licence. Since my release there have been no concerns from probation officers nor police and, as far as I was concerned, was just getting on with my life, albeit attending monthly supervision appointments with my probation officer. 

Earlier this year a new manager was allocated to the office which I attend. There were initially no problems but when she found out that I was a lifer things have started to go wrong. I've had to complete a course called 'Moving On', which is apparently aimed at people who have been released in the previous 3-6 months; I was told that I had 'not progressed' in the years since I was released; at a recent lifer panel she blocked a reduction in my supervision appointments, and now she wants me to undertake work that I completed in custody years ago for no apparent reason. As I said, there have been no concerns about me and I'm very confused (as is my probation officer) as to why this is happening, especially after so many years in the community. 

Has anyone been through a similar experience? Thank you.

Hi

I am sorry to hear your story.
There could be numerous reasons i.e. first time manager trying to create an impression to someone who has had a bad experience with an ex offender before.

Hopefully they are just pushing buttons to see if the previous reports are valid. Be interesting to see if your actual PO stands up for you.
Did they tell you why you have not progressed?

good luck