The Advisory Council for Probation shall meet, consult, and advise with the Board of Corrections and the Department of Corrections on questions and matters of mutual concern and interest relative to policy, personnel, and budget which pertain to probationary activities, powers, duties, and responsibilities of the board and the department. The advisory council shall institute such studies and surveys and shall make such recommendations to the board and department as the council deems wise and necessary and which, in the opinion of the council, will improve the effectiveness and efficiency of probation services rendered throughout the state. No change in existing policy of the board or the department relative to probation, if the magnitude of the change will result in a significant impact upon state-wide probationary services, or any such new policy, shall be instituted by the board or department without opportunity being afforded to the advisory council to advise and consult with the board or department on the proposed changes. However, the recommendations of the advisory council shall be advisory only and shall not bind the board or department. The board, the department, and the council shall meet periodically throughout each year for the purpose of improving the administration, efficiency, and effectiveness of probation services.