The NPS aims to promote communication, understanding and mutual confidence so that sentencers, justices' clerks, legal advisors and probation staff have a clear understanding of the needs of each respective group and have the opportunity to support each other, share resources and generally work together more effectively.

The creation of the NPS in 2001 has driven continuing improvements in the programmes and services provided by the NPS. The NPS is committed to probation practice that is based on evidence of success, and are keen to ensure sentencers are aware of all non-custodial disposals on offer so that they are able to impose the most appropriate punishments and behavioural change programmes.