What matters is what you do: The rediscovery of skills in probation practice

This article discusses the recent emergence of practice skills or ‘core correctional
practices’ as a focus for research and staff development in probation work. Starting
with the gradual discovery of an empirical approach to practitioners’ use of skills,
the article reviews recent research on the nature and impact of skills in effective
practice and argues the case for their development as a key strategy for improving
probation services, provided that management systems adapt to recognise and
encourage them.