The 1998 Underdown Report, which presented the results of a survey that assessed the extent of effective practice initiatives across the Probation Services for England and Wales, indicated that there were 210 different programs operating in 54 probation areas, and that only 11 showed any evidence of effectiveness. Although not proven ineffective, the vast majority of programs had not even been evaluated to determine their worth in reducing reoffending. The Underdown Report stimulated the launch of the Effective Practice Initiative in June 1998, which set standards for probation supervision according to the principles of effective practice recommended in the Underdown Report. Three "pathfinder" (pilot) projects -- a program for sex offenders, one for women offenders, and a generic cognitive-skills program -- were established in probation areas that were already following some effective-practice principles. The creation of the National Probation Service was already underway when this initiative was begun. In discussing progress to date, this chapter examines the Offender Assessment System, a system of standardized assessment tools; cognitive behavioral programs; social reintegration and partnerships; programs to develop basic skills; employment; drug treatment; accommodation; victims and public protection; and community punishment. The performance management framework is described as the mechanism for setting goals and objectives in the context of a changing culture and changing practices. Data on recidivism reduction among probationers are presented as evidence of the effectiveness of increased accountability and uniformity among probation programs, and challenges for the future are identified. 15 references