It’s that time of the year when I hope you’ll be able to take advantage of the better weather for a holiday or spending some well-earned time off with friends and family. Perhaps, like me, you’re enjoying the action from the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham or you cheered on the Lionesses to victory at Euro 2022.

Prior to going on leave I had privilege to open Box Tree Cottage, a new Independent Approved Premises in Bradford, while there, I saw a poster of  a Banksy’s art work and it really struck a chord with me. The message was: ‘If you get tired, learn to rest, not to quit.’

It reminded me that it’s so important we look after ourselves and each other. It’s important to take time out and recharge and reflect. It’s also a great opportunity for me to highlight the tremendous work you’re doing.

I’m delighted that Al Reid has been awarded an OBE for his services to probation and national security for England and Wales. Al, who retired last autumn, had a career spanning 36 years and worked in the London area and as Probation National Security Lead. He attended Buckingham Palace to receive his OBE from the Princess Royal. I have sent my congratulations to Al personally to thank him for his fantastic contribution to public protection.

Just before I began my leave, I met with Stuart Andrew MP, the new Minister of State for Prisons and Probation. He’s very keen to learn more about the work we are doing across the service and I was able to update him on the progress we have made. It’s encouraging to know that your hard work is being recognised.

Although it’s the holiday season there is still a lot going on and Probation Day 2022 is almost upon us. I hope you’ll be able to get involved in the activities taking place to mark this important event across our regions. There will be a national event taking place on Friday 19 August at 10am and please look out for local events being run across the regions. More details will be made available by staff engagement leads in the coming days. This is our second Probation Day so please be a part of it, it’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the great work you’re doing and the importance of the service we all provide.

Our new Protected Characteristics Plans have just been published on the intranet. These plans clearly set out the outcomes we want to achieve to improve equality within the probation service across several of the protected characteristics – LGBT+, Gender, Faith and Belief, Social Mobility, Disability, and Race. Each of my Executive team is a champion for one of the protected characteristics and have led on the development of these plans. I want to encourage you all to get involved as we welcome your feedback to help us deliver the right outcomes.

Many of you will have seen the latest harmonisation update on the proposals to align the terms and conditions of former Parent Organisation and Supply Chain colleagues to those of the Probation Service. I’m pleased that we are now able to move to the next stage of the process and encourage you to read the update if you have not done so already.

I’d also like to draw your attention to the additional recruitment campaign for trainee probation officers (PQiP) which runs throughout August (until the 29^th).  Positions are available in Kent, Surrey, and Sussex, East of England, South Central, South West, East Midlands, West Midlands and London.

You can read more about studying for your professional qualification in probation (PQiP) or go straight to the applications.  I’d also encourage you to let your friends and family know about this opportunity to join the team.

Finally, staff are able to join one of several webinars taking place throughout August and September where you are invited to share your views on proposals on the internal professional register and standards.

Whether you’ve taken a break or you’re about to I hope it’s an enjoyable and relaxing one.

Amy