Engaging Students in Probation Volunteering: Reflections from a European Multiplier Event

On 24 October, European Strategies Consulting hosted an online multiplier event dedicated to students interested in volunteering in probation. The session brought together a highly engaged group curious about justice work, community support, and rehabilitation. Through short presentations, interactive polls, and open discussion, participants explored what volunteering in probation involves, how it complements the work of probation services, and what a realistic volunteer role looks like in practice.

The event introduced the CoPPer project and its European approach to volunteering in probation, with a strong focus on ethics, supervision, and clearly defined boundaries. Participants engaged actively throughout the session, asking concrete questions and reflecting on real scenarios linked to probation work. The discussions offered an accessible first contact with the field and helped situate volunteering within the wider goals of reintegration and community involvement.

Participants also helped contour how they see the role of probation volunteers. Many described an interest in direct interaction with people under supervision, supporting rehabilitation-related conversations, offering encouragement, or taking part in group activities. Others highlighted reintegration and prevention work, such as workshops, educational initiatives, or community projects that help people build skills and reconnect with society. Several students expressed curiosity about assessment and decision making in probation, while a smaller group saw administrative or organisational support as a valuable way to contribute and learn how the service operates. Together, these perspectives align well with CoPPer’s intended volunteer profile, while also pointing to areas where clear guidance on roles, limits, and supervision remains essential.