With the What Works initiative gaining momentum over the last decade, little attention has been given to the ends, objectives, or aspirations of probation practice, and the fit between “official” statements of purpose and the views of those who are engaged in the supervision of offenders. It is argued in this chapter that in the absence of explicit statements about the intended purposes or outcomes of probation, questions about what works are at best problematic and potentially meaningless. This chapter examines both “official” and “front-line” perspectives on the purposes of contemporary probation in two jurisdictions: England and Wales, and Scotland. A brief examination of the organizational contexts of probation practice in the two jurisdictions is conducted, as well as how the objectives or rationale of probation have changed throughout history. It compares and contrasts the current official objectives of probation in both England and Wales and Scotland, reflecting the ways in which these objectives have been shaped by differing organizational contexts and policy themes. Utilizing two contemporary research studies the question of how do those at the front line understand the purposes of their work is addressed. Lastly, a discussion occurs focusing on the complexities of public protection as an overarching purpose for probation and on the wider implications of accepting the revision of probation’s ends. The official purposes of probation in both jurisdictions have not remained static. This is principally due to neither system existing in an ideological vacuum; each has been required to adapt to changing criminal justice and social policy agendas. References