Amy Rees – Director General Probation, Wales and Youth
Update message to staff – Friday 13 May
I have enjoyed seeing so many of you in person whilst working from some of our buildings during the last fortnight and hearing how you are making hybrid working a success across teams. Just a reminder that all our office based staff should be working from one of our buildings at least two days per week. We are progressing really well in moving on from the very restrictive ways we had to work during the height of the pandemic so thank you for the roles you have all played in making this happen.
This week is Mental Health Awareness week, giving us an opportunity to discuss this very important subject. Chris Jennings (Executive Director for HMPPS in Wales and Public Protection Group) chairs the HMPPS Wellbeing committee which brings together colleagues from a range of teams to make sure we are providing staff with the right support. They have been reviewing the results of recent wellbeing surveys completed with staff across the Ministry of Justice and you can find out more about this along with the resources available to support discussions on mental health here: Mental Health Awareness Week
I also wanted to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to all our Mental Health allies across teams for the valuable role they play. You can find out more about their work and how to become an Ally here: Mental Health Allies
Wednesday this week was National Staff Networks day and an opportunity to learn more about the networks available across HMPPS. We have great staff networks and I am grateful for the work they do each day in supporting colleagues. Find out more about all the staff networks we have and how you can get involved as a member or an ally by following this link: National staff networks day.
Next week is Learning at Work week with this year’s theme being Learning Uncovered where we are being encouraged to uncover learning potential; uncover hidden powers and uncover new dimensions.
There are a range of events taking place across MoJ to coincide with the week giving us all an opportunity to think about our own learning and professional development.
Insights 22 will also continue to run during Learning at Work week and it is not too late to get involved. There are still lots of events taking place and opportunities for you hear more about innovative projects taking place across HMPPS, find out about the work of our partners and many other great learning opportunities.
One very crucial area of practice for us to maintain up to date skills and knowledge in is Child Safeguarding and on Monday we are launching the Think Child campaign which aims to raise confidence and understanding of the very important role probation practitioners play in safeguarding the wellbeing of children. There will be a range of informative through live and pre recorded events taking place during the fortnight of the campaign so please do get involved.
Finally, a reminder that the next internal recruitment campaign (PQiP13) opens on the 30 May and is open to staff qualified to level 3 (existing Probation Services Officers who have passed their six month probation period) or level 5 for all other staff. There are three webinars planned where you can find out more about the process and how to apply – please see details below and book your place if you are interested:
Introduction to becoming a trainee probation officer – programme overview including course details and part-time option:
Wednesday 18 May, 9.30am-10.30am
Hints & tips to completing your application – guidance on completing your application:
As always, thank you for all you are doing.
Amy