Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct research on electronic monitoring's impact on probation services and community supervision.
- Company: University of Leeds, collaborating with HM Inspectorate of Probation.
- Benefits: Fully funded PhD project with a 3-month placement opportunity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in criminal justice while gaining valuable research experience.
- Qualifications: Passion for research and understanding of probation and criminal justice systems.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and contribute to important societal issues.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 50000 £ per year.
Overview Session 2026/27 – Closing Date 17:00 (UK time) 11 March 2026
This fully funded project is a collaboration between the University of Leeds (Dr Matt Tidmarsh) and HM Inspectorate of Probation. This project explores the organisational and cultural implications for the Probation Service in England and Wales of the expansion of electronic monitoring (EM) and its impact on those subject to supervision.
The prison population is at a record high. In an attempt to alleviate the prison capacity crisis and increase public confidence by rendering community sentences 'tougher', the Sentencing Bill 2025 includes a presumption that an additional 22,000 prison leavers will be 'tagged' on release as part of 'intensive supervision'. The Probation Service will assume responsibility for implementing this policy shift, with practitioners assessing prison leaver suitability for EM and enforcing licence conditions.
In the wake of the Sentencing Bill 2025, probation’s increased involvement in enforcing EM and the implications for EM wearers demand urgent scrutiny. This PhD’s overarching aim is to investigate probation’s role in the expansion of EM, from the perspectives of probation staff and individuals subject to monitoring.
Research questions are:
- How do probation practitioners understand and enact their role in implementing, managing and enforcing EM?
- What are the organisational and cultural implications of EM expansion for the Probation Service?
- How is EM experienced by prison leavers?
- How are their relationships with probation practitioners impacted by the Service’s role in implementation and enforcement?
Aim: The project speaks to a pressing need for research on probation’s role in implementing the expansion of EM, while making an original, empirical contribution to academic knowledge on the intersection of EM, probation practice, and organisational culture. More broadly, it will contribute to debates on multi-agency relationships and the growing role of technology in criminal justice.
A 3-month Research in Practice placement will be provided by HM Inspectorate of Probation. For further information about the application process, please contact the Admissions Team. For further information about the project, please contact Matt Tidmarsh.
University of Leeds employer: Economicsnetwork
Contact Detail:
Economicsnetwork Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land University of Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former students and staff at the University of Leeds. They can give you insider info on the application process and what it’s really like to work on projects like this.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the project details. Understand the implications of electronic monitoring and how it affects probation practices. This will show your genuine interest and help you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply and wait! Follow up on your application. A quick email to express your enthusiasm can keep you on their radar and show that you’re keen.
✨Tip Number 4
Use our website to find more opportunities and resources. We’ve got loads of tips and tools to help you ace your job search and land that dream position!
We think you need these skills to ace University of Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. We want to see that you understand the project and its aims, so take notes on key points that resonate with you.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! We love it when candidates tailor their responses to reflect how their skills and experiences align with the specific requirements of the role. Show us why you’re the perfect fit for this PhD!
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of the matter. Avoid fluff and focus on what really matters.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you don’t miss any important information about the process. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Economicsnetwork
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the project and its implications for the Probation Service. Familiarise yourself with the Sentencing Bill 2025 and how electronic monitoring (EM) fits into the bigger picture. This will show your interviewers that you're genuinely interested and engaged.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Think about what you want to know regarding the role of probation practitioners in implementing EM. Prepare questions that reflect your understanding of the organisational and cultural implications of this shift. This not only shows your interest but also helps you assess if the role is right for you.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
If you have any experience related to probation services, criminal justice, or research methodologies, be sure to highlight it. Discuss how your background can contribute to the project's aims and how you can bring a unique perspective to the team.
✨Be Yourself
While it's important to be professional, don't forget to let your personality shine through. The interviewers are looking for someone who fits well within their team culture, so being authentic can help you stand out. Share your passion for the subject matter and your motivation for applying.
