The Chief Inspector of Probation, Martin Jones, has called for improvements in the probation service in Yorkshire and the Humber. He also criticised agencies in the East Midlands for failing to provide information in good time. His inspection of public protection work found cause for concern in both regions.
In Yorkshire and the Humber, inspectors welcomed signs of growing stability. However, they reported that long-standing problems with vacancies and sickness, along with a high proportion of inexperienced staff, “continue to undermine capacity and confidence”.
Mr Jones called for more training to develop the skills of newly recruited staff. He also said managers needed time to improve their own supervisory skills. That would allow them to give new staff proper support, which he described as a vital task.
In the East Midlands, Mr Jones praised the region’s clear and sustained focus on improving resettlement. He said leaders and staff showed a clear commitment to getting timely information from partner agencies. Even so, he said: “a significant barrier remained across the region which continues to undermine effective risk management.”
He also called for better court reports to inform sentencing decisions. Sentencers, he said, should hear these reports before they reach a decision.
Mr Jones also published two reports on youth justice services. He rated the service in Neath Port Talbot, Wales, as ‘requires improvement’. The service in Wandsworth received a ‘good’ rating.
In Neath Port Talbot, he found officers who were passionate and committed to achieving positive outcomes. However, he said their assessments lacked consistency, and he called for more work with victims. At the time of the inspection, none of the young people under supervision were in full-time schooling in the community. He called for this to become a priority.
In Wandsworth, inspectors found an enthusiastic staff team managing effectively. Mr Jones singled out restorative justice conferences for praise, saying they made a significant impact on young people and their victims.
He felt, however, that work with victims needed more careful development, and he highlighted victim safety in particular. He also urged the Metropolitan Police to provide better information on the people under supervision.
