Anna Arola-Järvi appointed as the Director General for the Prison and Probation Service of Finland as from 1 September 2023

Anna Arola-Järvi has diverse experience of working at the Prison and Probation Service of Finland all the way from practical work with the clients to managerial positions. She currently works as the Director of the Client Processes Department of the Prison and Probation Service. Arola-Järvi has also worked in managerial positions in the healthcare and social welfare sector.

The position of Director General became vacant as the current holder of the post, Arto Kujala, retires. There were in total seven candidates applying for the position but one of them withdrew the application.

“The selection process for the Director General was lengthy and eventful, and I am pleased that the decision was made just before Director General Arto Kujala leaves the Prison and Probation Service. This gives us a chance to discuss the most relevant issues together,” says Arola-Järvi.

Arola-Järvi takes up the new post with an open mind. She is particularly grateful for the encouragement she received from the staff of the Prison and Probation Service already during the application process.

“Right now, the most important thing is the staff: that the Prison and Probation Service has enough skilled and committed staff with professional pride. That is the only way to ensure that the Prison and Probation Service can carry out its basic duty. All development work must be targeted at facilitating or improving the situation in the probation offices and prisons.”

The Prison and Probation Service is responsible for the enforcement of prison sentences and community sanctions and employs approximately 2 600 people all around Finland.