ICPA Unveils 2026 to 2027 Business Plan

The Business Plan marks the third year of ICPA’s Strategic Plan and signals a clear message from leadership: this is the year to convert progress into impact. Anchored in three themes, connection, capability and impact, the program prioritises deeper engagement with existing members, growth in global membership and stronger partnerships that support ethical, effective and evidence informed correctional practice.

 

ICPA’s events program sits at the centre of the plan, led by the 28th Annual Conference in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in October 2026. Hosted by the Northern Ireland Prison Service, the conference will be held under the theme Partnerships in a Modern Corrections Landscape: Responding to Increasing Growth and Complexity. Organisers point to the strong response to the Call for Papers as a sign of both heightened complexity in corrections and a growing appetite for shared solutions. Alongside the Annual Conference, the Heads of Service Forum is positioned as a key platform for strategic leadership dialogue, research exchange, network building and practical problem solving across jurisdictions.

 

The Business Plan also commits to broadening specialised collaboration in 2027 through two additional flagship thematic events: the inaugural Recruit. Retain. Renew: Corrections Workforce Conference in Europe and the second Women in Corrections Conference. Preparations will also continue for the 2027 Annual Conference in Harare, developed in partnership with the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service.

 

Beyond major gatherings, ICPA is targeting stronger year round member engagement through its thematic Networks and regional Chapters, supported by live online webinars and virtual forums. The Association will continue to share developments and practice insights through the Advancing Corrections Journal and the Beyond the Wall newsletter, reinforcing its role as a member led global hub for collaboration and learning.

 

Internally, the plan outlines organisational priorities to strengthen ICPA’s digital platform, communications and operational effectiveness. ICPA also expects to finalise its Network Review project and expand dedicated member training opportunities so members can more easily access and use ICPA resources.

 

The Acting ICPA President David Brown and Executive Director Natalie Boal thank members, partners and supporters for their ongoing commitment, emphasising that the Association’s impact depends on the strength of its community and the shared work of leaders, practitioners, researchers and partners worldwide.