Nottingham Probation Area has several support groups available to employees in addition to recognised Trade Unions.

To find out more about these support groups please select from:

National Disabled Staff Network

To find out more regarding the Trade Unions please select from:

National Association of Probation Officers

Unison

Association of Black Probation Officers (ABPO)

ABPO works to improve equality practice throughout the National Probation Service; ensuring all employees are treated fairly and consistently, without discrimination and by tackling discrimination in all areas of employment and Service delivery.

Monthly meetings are held for members and there is an annual general meeting.

Black Staff Group (BSG)

The BSG meet for a morning on the 2nd Tuesday of each month.

The BSG’s aim is to provide mutual support, a professional network and to ensure equality of opportunity for all black staff within the Nottinghamshire Probation Area.

Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual and Transgender Support Group (LGBT)

The LGBT is facilitated by staff members who identify with lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender issues.

Information shared in the group is confidential and you do not have to be openly gay to attend the group. It is a safe group which respects individuals viewpoints and encourages, supports and nutures.

The group meets monthly at a location in the city centre.

National Association of Asian Probation Staff (NAAPS)

NAAPs offers support, assistance and formal representation to it’s members and aims to help minimise and eliminate incidents of discrimination against Asians. 

NAAPs works to ensure that the National Probation Service provides facilities to Asian staff in terms of cultural needs, dietary requirements and religious practices.

The NDSN works to remove institutional barriers and empower disabled staff and service users in the Probation Service.  The NDSN works closely with the unions in supporting members but do not replace their representation work.

Membership of the NDSN is free and open to all staff who qualify as disabled as defined by the Disability Discrimination Act. Associate membership is open to all those who support the aims of the NDSN.

National Association of Probation Officers (NAPO)

NAPO is the trade union recognised nationally by the Probation Service in negotiating pay and conditions of service and locally in negotiating factors which affect member’s employment as well as individual representation of members.

Despite its title the union is open to anyone employed by the Probation Service and welcomes all grades of staff.

NAPO is one of the smallest unions in Europe, it is specialised in the Probation Service and family court welfare which means nationally and locally there is an understanding of the specific issues and structures that members face.

Local branch meetings are held seven times a year to which all are welcome. In addition there is an annual national conference which is a great opportunity to meet colleagues from other areas and feel part of the wider Probation Service.

Unison

Unison is the national public service union.

Once you are a member if ever you feel that you have not been treated fairly, or you are facing difficulties at work then you can ask the union for help. Local Unison workplace representatives draw on the expertise and support of the whole union and will work with you to find a solution.

When you join Unison you are also entitled to special deals on holidays, insurance, financial services and savings plans.