Structured Interventions – East Midlands

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Structured Interventions


Structured Interventions are part of a suite of interventions that Probation Practitioners can refer people to if they present a low risk of recidivism and/or are unsuitable for an Accredited Programme. Structured Interventions can be delivered in a group setting or on a one-to-one basis, have a set format, and are a minimum of four sessions in length.

Structured Interventions are approved for delivery via the HMPPS Effective Interventions Panel and are assessed against seven core Correctional Services Accreditation Advice Panel (CSAAP) principles.

All regions will deliver a minimum of one Structured Intervention in the need areas set out below. Flexibility on meeting regional needs is also a key factor and delivery of any additional Structured Interventions in the three need areas will be at the discretion of the Regional Probation Director.

For an overview of the Structured Interventions available within each probation region, watch this video.

Structured Interventions: Need Areas

Attitudes, Thinking and Behaviour (ATB)

Attitudes, Thinking and Behaviour Structured Interventions aim to reduce recidivism by focusing on one or more of the following areas:

  • making decisions
  • solving problems
  • achieving their goals
  • managing the influence of anti-social relationships
  • using pro-social interpersonal skills

These are skills intended to enable participants to overcome challenges and live a purposeful, pro-social lifestyle. Some ATBs will promote these skills within a specified cohort, for example 18-25 year-olds and people with either dangerous driving or drink driving offences.

Available Interventions:

Stepwise Problem Solving

Stepwise Problem Solving is a strengths-based intervention that aims to support desistance by focusing on areas such as:

  • making decisions
  • solving problems
  • achieving life goals
  • using pro-social interpersonal skills

Domestic Abuse (DA)

Domestic Abuse Structured Interventions aim to reduce Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) recidivism by focusing on one or more of the following areas:

  • Attitudes that support healthy relationships
  • Aggression and anger management
  • Emotional mismanagement / self-regulation
  • Social skills
  • Conflict Management Skills

These are skills intended to enable participants to overcome challenges in relationships and live a purposeful, pro-social lifestyle.

Available Interventions:

Stepwise Relationships

Stepwise Relationships is a strengths-based intervention that aims to support desistance from Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) offending by enabling participants to overcome challenges such as:

  • relationship problems
  • social skills deficits
  • attitudes that support relationship violence
  • aggression and anger
  • emotional mismanagement / self-regulation

Emotional Management (EM)

Emotional Management Structured Interventions are designed to help participants explore and understand their use of violence, and to motivate them towards a violence-free life.

Participants are encouraged to develop and strengthen the resources and protective factors that will support them in reducing the likelihood of using aggressive and / or violent behaviour.

Participants are encouraged to develop realistic and meaningful personal goals that can help them live a more satisfying and pro-social life.

Available Interventions:

Stepwise Emotions

Stepwise Emotions is a strengths-based intervention that aims to support desistance from violent offending by enabling participants to overcome challenges such as:

  • aggressive behaviour
  • thinking & behaviour related to risk of serious harm to self or others
  • attitudes related to risk of serious harm to self or others

Accredited programmes – East Midlands

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Accredited programmes


Accredited Programmes are supported and informed by an evidence base and have evaluation processes embedded in their design. They are accredited by the Correctional Service Accreditation and Advice Panel (CSAAP), an international panel of subject matter experts who review each programmes’ evidence base, design, content and delivery against a rigorous set of criteria.

These programmes are only delivered by trained facilitators, primarily within a group setting for up to 12 participants. Consideration can be given to delivery on a one-to-one basis in exceptional circumstances. With the introduction of the Alternative Delivery Formats (ADF) approach as part of COVID-19 Recovery, variation to delivery in exceptional cases will be available, where required, to meet participant needs.

Programme requirements are available as a sentence of the Court under the Criminal Justice Act 2003 and fall under the statutory purposes of sentencing of reform and rehabilitation of offenders and the protection of the public. They can also be added as Licence conditions to all types of prison Licences and Post Sentence Supervision. Probation Practitioners will identify all eligible and suitable cases at the pre-sentence or pre-release stage and will propose an Accredited Programme (when there are no barriers to attendance).

HMPPS offers a suite of Accredited Programmes which attend to a range of offending-related needs of participants. Each programme has suitability criteria that is used alongside the initial risk assessment to see if an individual is in scope for a programme. This will vary slightly between programmes but will consider aspects such as the individual’s need areas and responsiveness to intervention, as well as ensuring their consent and willingness/commitment to engage in an Accredited Programme.

Delivery of Accredited Programmes is flexible, based on regional need. All regions will deliver, as a minimum:

  • Thinking Skills Programme (TSP)
  • Building Better Relationships (BBR)
  • Sexual Offending Programmes

Click on each tab below to see the full details for each programme available in your region.


Building Better Relationships (BBR)

BBR is for adult male perpetrators convicted of an Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) related offence against a female partner, who present with a moderate or high risk of committing future IPV offences.

BBR has a strong skills focus and participants are provided with a range of cognitive and behavioural skills and tools to support and promote the use of positive behaviours in their intimate relationships. BBR makes use of a range of treatment approaches and techniques.

BBR is a moderate intensity cognitive-behavioural group work intervention. Its theory base reflects the growing view that IPV is a complex problem that is likely to have multiple causes. BBR is responsive to the needs of individual participants and provides opportunities to develop skills that are introduced during the programme.

Probation staff are expected to refer all individuals who meet the eligibility and suitability criteria to BBR in community sites.

Individual Requirements

Gender: Male

Age: 18+

  • IPV related offence (this can be index or historical)
  • Relationship problems

Social skills deficits:

  • Attitudes that support relationship violence
  • Stereotyped gender roles and inequality beliefs
  • Hostile masculinity
  • Aggression and anger
  • Emotional mismanagement/self-regulation
  • Jealousy
  • Coercive control
  • Obsessive and controlling behaviour towards a current or former partner in context of an intimate relationship
  • Separation / threat of separation
  • Alcohol and drug misuse

Delivery Method

BBR is comprised of 24 group and 5 individual sessions.

The Foundation Module is always delivered first and comprises of six 2.5-hour sessions which must always be completed prior to the other modules.

The remaining modules are delivered as either a closed group or in a rolling format, with each module comprising of six 2.5-hour groupwork sessions.

After each module participants have a one-hour one-to-one session with their designated facilitator, the purpose of which is to provide a bridge between modules, review learning and check progress against goals.

‘The New Me is going somewhere better… and the new horizons are not only possible but achievable’
Mr. A, Graduate of Horizon

Brochure of Probation Interventions – East Midlands

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Brochure of Probation Interventions – East Midlands


Click on the links below to see the full range of probation interventions available within your region.

Accredited Programme Requirement

Delivered by trained facilitators, primarily within a group setting, these programmes are informed by evidence and accredited. They are designed to provide opportunities to change thinking, attitudes and behaviours associated with offending.

Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR)

This requirement allows for precise and effective rehabilitation activity to be tailored following a more in-depth assessment after sentence. These activities can comprise:

Community Sentence Treatment Requirements

The three treatment requirements are: Mental Health Treatment Requirements, Drug Rehabilitation Requirements (which include drug testing) and Alcohol Treatment Requirements. Those being considered must agree to engage in treatment.

Electronic Monitoring

Electronic Monitoring can be both a requirement and a way in which other requirements are enforced. They are designed to monitor an individual’s whereabouts for the purpose of demonstrating compliance with certain requirements. This can involve electronically monitored curfew, exclusion and prohibited activity requirements. The Transdermal tag can monitor alcohol abstinence.

Unpaid work

Individuals undertake unpaid work that must benefit their local community as a way to pay back to the community for their crimes.

The brochure does not cover all available community sentence requirements (for instance, residence requirement, prohibited activity requirement, non-electronically monitored exclusion, foreign travel prohibition requirement), or other sentencing options (fines, discharges and custodial sentences).

For more information about these, please visit the Sentencing Council Website.

If any information in this brochure is incorrect or needs to be updated, please email: EffectiveProbation.Practice@justice.gov.uk.

Smarter Working Toolkit Update

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Smarter Working Toolkit Update


We want to draw your attention to some of the benefits contained in the revised Smarter Working Toolkit (launched in September) which will help you in your work.

In simple terms the Toolkit will help you be more effective by building up networks, sharing information and maximising technology.

It will also assist you in working in a hybrid way by getting the most out of our buildings and facilities.

Sometimes, and partly as a result of working conditions during the pandemic, we might think of where we work as one or two locations: our main office location or home, perhaps. However, Smarter Working allows us to book and meet at other locations, so we can build networks and share knowledge and make better use of available space.

In the coming months we will provide updates and guidance from the Toolkit on use of MS Teams, and our buildings, as well as Leadership expectations.

We’d welcome any questions you may have, and we will publish these with answers in the forthcoming updates. Questions can be sent to probationsmarterworking@justice.gov.uk

Electronic monitoring statistics publication

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Electronic monitoring statistics publication

The latest electronic monitoring statistics have now been published.

This is the first quarterly publication that has been produced and contains details of the number of individuals in England and Wales with an active electronic tag fitted, the numbers of new notification orders and the number of completed orders. It also contains details of the number of individuals with an alcohol monitoring tag and the numbers monitored under the acquisitive crime pilot.


Key highlights

  • Between 30 September 2021 and 30 September 2022, the number of individuals actively monitored increased, with 14,996 individuals actively monitored at 30 September 2022.
  • This increase was driven by extensions to the use of location (GPS) monitoring tags for new offender cohorts, particularly for immigration bail, as well as the continued roll-out of alcohol monitoring tags.
  • Over the same period, the number of individuals actively monitored and whose primary order type was a court sentence has decreased by 48%.
  • This decrease began from April 2022 and is likely to be associated with mandating domestic abuse and safeguarding checks in all cases where electronic monitoring is proposed, which was introduced from April 2022.
  • Court bail orders remain the largest cohort of individuals actively monitored by an electronic monitoring device, accounting for 40% (5,979) of the caseload as at 30 September 2022.
  • The use of electronic monitoring for those on court bail increased sharply in early 2020 in response to the covid pandemic’s impact on the courts, and although numbers appeared to be slowly decreasing in 2021, the number is now at a record level.
  • In the year ending 30 September 2022, there were 55,010 new order notifications, a 1% decrease compared to the year ending 30 September 2021.
  • However, in the same period there were 52,167 completed orders, a 5% decrease on the previous period. This, together with the increasing caseload, indicates orders are on average lasting longer.

The next quarterly publication is due to be published in January 2023.

Amy’s message 17th October

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Amy Rees – Director General Chief Executive HMPPS


Update message to staff – Monday 17 October


Amy Rees - Director General for Probation

Amy’s latest update for all probation staff is now available on the intranet.

This issue covers:

  • New national staff network leads
  • Black History Month
  • Wellbeing
  • People Survey 2022
  • One HMPPS staff call
  • MoJ Award nominations

Accredited programmes – East of England

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Accredited programmes


Accredited Programmes are supported and informed by an evidence base and have evaluation processes embedded in their design. They are accredited by the Correctional Service Accreditation and Advice Panel (CSAAP), an international panel of subject matter experts who review each programmes’ evidence base, design, content and delivery against a rigorous set of criteria.

These programmes are only delivered by trained facilitators, primarily within a group setting for up to 12 participants. Consideration can be given to delivery on a one-to-one basis in exceptional circumstances. With the introduction of the Alternative Delivery Formats (ADF) approach as part of COVID-19 Recovery, variation to delivery in exceptional cases will be available, where required, to meet participant needs.

Programme requirements are available as a sentence of the Court under the Criminal Justice Act 2003 and fall under the statutory purposes of sentencing of reform and rehabilitation of offenders and the protection of the public. They can also be added as Licence conditions to all types of prison Licences and Post Sentence Supervision. Probation Practitioners will identify all eligible and suitable cases at the pre-sentence or pre-release stage and will propose an Accredited Programme (when there are no barriers to attendance).

HMPPS offers a suite of Accredited Programmes which attend to a range of offending-related needs of participants. Each programme has suitability criteria that is used alongside the initial risk assessment to see if an individual is in scope for a programme. This will vary slightly between programmes but will consider aspects such as the individual’s need areas and responsiveness to intervention, as well as ensuring their consent and willingness/commitment to engage in an Accredited Programme.

Delivery of Accredited Programmes is flexible, based on regional need. All regions will deliver, as a minimum:

  • Thinking Skills Programme (TSP)
  • Building Better Relationships (BBR)
  • Sexual Offending Programmes

Click on each tab below to see the full details for each programme available in your region.


Building Better Relationships (BBR)

BBR is for adult male perpetrators convicted of an Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) related offence against a female partner, who present with a moderate or high risk of committing future IPV offences.

BBR has a strong skills focus and participants are provided with a range of cognitive and behavioural skills and tools to support and promote the use of positive behaviours in their intimate relationships. BBR makes use of a range of treatment approaches and techniques.

BBR is a moderate intensity cognitive-behavioural group work intervention. Its theory base reflects the growing view that IPV is a complex problem that is likely to have multiple causes. BBR is responsive to the needs of individual participants and provides opportunities to develop skills that are introduced during the programme.

Probation staff are expected to refer all individuals who meet the eligibility and suitability criteria to BBR in community sites.

Individual Requirements

Gender: Male

Age: 18+

  • IPV related offence (this can be index or historical)
  • Relationship problems

Social skills deficits:

  • Attitudes that support relationship violence
  • Stereotyped gender roles and inequality beliefs
  • Hostile masculinity
  • Aggression and anger
  • Emotional mismanagement/self-regulation
  • Jealousy
  • Coercive control
  • Obsessive and controlling behaviour towards a current or former partner in context of an intimate relationship
  • Separation / threat of separation
  • Alcohol and drug misuse

Delivery Method

BBR is comprised of 24 group and 5 individual sessions.

The Foundation Module is always delivered first and comprises of six 2.5-hour sessions which must always be completed prior to the other modules.

The remaining modules are delivered as either a closed group or in a rolling format, with each module comprising of six 2.5-hour groupwork sessions.

After each module participants have a one-hour one-to-one session with their designated facilitator, the purpose of which is to provide a bridge between modules, review learning and check progress against goals.

‘The New Me is going somewhere better… and the new horizons are not only possible but achievable’
Mr. A, Graduate of Horizon

Harmonisation opt-in

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Harmonisation opt-in

The result of the recent trade union ballot on harmonisation was two ‘yes’ votes and one ‘no’ vote. This means a collective agreement has not been reached and we are unable to implement proposals to align the pay and terms of impacted staff.

To learn more about this and the next steps we are taking to resolve this process for impacted staff, watch the short clip from Jim Barton.

What happens next?

We have agreed with trade unions that we will therefore run an individual opt-in exercise for staff in scope to be harmonised. This opportunity will be:

  • One-off
  • Time limited
  • An opt-in to the same harmonisation proposals which were put to trade union members in the recent ballots.

Read details of the harmonisation proposals

View a summary of the harmonisation proposals Harmonisation Proposal Fact Sheet

Find out more about what you would be opting into.

What is an opt-in?

An opt-in is a way of us asking you if you agree to us changing your terms and conditions to those of the Probation Service, and if you agree to your pay being aligned to the pay scales for the part of the organisation that you work in (such as MoJ, HMPPS or the Probation Service).

This will apply to staff who were formerly working for parent and supply chain organisations and to former CRC staff now working to roles in HMPPS HQ and MOJ awaiting pay alignment only.

You do not need to be a member of a trade union to opt in.

Timescales and next steps

We will run the opt-in process as quickly as we can.

We have more work to do with SSCL to confirm the timetable for running the opt-in and will share this with you as soon as possible. To opt-in, you will receive a letter from SSCL containing details of your new pay including any applicable allowances or pay protection. You will then have three weeks to respond. The current proposed timeframes are for the opt-in letters to be sent from SSCL in November 2022

We have commissioned SSCL to find and contact people who are not currently actively working in the business – for example those on parental leave.

How will I know what is happening?

We will keep you informed by written updates on every fortnight, or sooner where there is more information available.

Find the latest update here: Message from Jim Barton re Harmonisation ballot – Welcome Hub (hmppsintranet.org.uk)

You can read the latest information for staff leaving the Probation Service here: Harmonisation outcome – update for staff leaving the Probation Service – Welcome Hub (hmppsintranet.org.uk)

During the opt-in window, once the letters have been released, we will be running Q&A events via MS Teams so that you can drop in and ask any further questions you may have. We will confirm the dates for these once we have confirmed the timetable for issuing the opt-in letters.

People Survey: Spotlight on South West

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People Survey: Spotlight on South West

The South West region are focussing on Acceptable Workload, Supporting Effective Performance and Learning and Development as their priority areas.

We have used the People Survey outcomes and additional colleague feedback to devise a regional action plan; individual Business Units have also produced their own local action plans, all of these are reviewed regularly and fed back to colleagues.



Acceptable Workload

We are focussing on recruiting to fill our vacancies to reduce workloads and have fully resourced teams, to support this we:

  • Have reviewed our recruitment and retention information and implemented our Recruitment and Retention strategy
  • Use data from exit interviews to help inform future actions to increase retention
  • Have focussed on improving accessibility for colleagues who require workplace adjustments

To support colleagues wellbeing in the workplace, we have:

  • A calendar of PAM wellbeing sessions
  • Re-launched the Mental Health Allies programme in our region


Supporting Effective Performance

Well informed and confident management was identified as one of the contributors to supporting performance, we have:

  • Improved our attendance management monitoring
  • Promoted the timely use of OH referrals, WAS, CS HR Case managers and staff support services
  • Provided upskilling events and HR guidance documents for managers on key attendance management policies
  • Facilitated HR drop-in sessions for managers
  • Management Specific PAM wellbeing sessions
  • Launched the new Performance Management policy with manager specific briefings
  • Plans to upskill managers to have supportive conversations


Learning & Development

Completion of mandatory training requirements has proved challenging in busy times, to support this we have:

  • Improved accuracy of recording completions
  • Developing a guide for managers to support staff to complete training

Colleagues felt L&D opportunities were limited, to improve this we:

  • Include L&D opportunities on our twice weekly staff briefing
  • Increased awareness of the Quality Development Team Information Board
  • Provided My learning guidance
  • Have dedicated resources to complete ViSOR vetting
  • Re-Launching ‘Coffee Connect’ to help staff build networks and develop peer learning and support.
  • Promoted Success Profile training for all staff

Actions taken against last year’s People Survey and the regional priorities have been feedback through regional all staff calls and briefings, alongside this the individual Business Units have developed their own plans and communicated feedback directly to their teams

Harmonisation outcome – update for staff leaving the Probation Service

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Harmonisation outcome – update for staff leaving the Probation Service

Following the result of the recent trade union ballots, we shared our intention to offer impacted staff the opportunity to ‘opt in’ to the same terms and conditions set out in the harmonisation package.

We are putting the processes in place to run the scheme as quickly as we can.

If you are an impacted member of staff, who is currently employed, but is leaving the organisation, you can signify your intention to opt-in to the harmonisation package before you leave. This means you will receive a formal opt-in letter, allowing you to benefit from pay assimilation and therefore any potential back pay after you have left.

The process to do this is:

  1. Email the Functional Mailbox HandSTenquiries@justice.gov.uk– quoting your Name and Employee Number in the title.
  2. Provide details of when you intend to leave the organisation.
  3. Signify your intention to ‘opt in’ to the harmonisation package.
  4. Provide your onward contact details, to include your personal email address in order that an ‘opt in’ letter can be sent to you following your departure

We will acknowledge your email, giving assurance that you have signified your intention to opt in.

Once the opt in process is in place, you will be sent the formal ‘opt in’ letter to your personal email address.

Brochure of Probation Interventions – East of England

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Brochure of Probation Interventions – East of England


Foreword

The East of England Probation Service is delighted to launch the new and refreshed Judicial Brochure for 2022/2023. We have experienced significant changes post the unification of the Probation Service (June 2021) and now we are collectively as ‘one’ in an improved position to focus on the delivery of quality services. Courts are the ‘window’ to the probation service, and we are proud of our skilled staff who provide assessments, advice and reports to support sentencing and ultimately, the rehabilitation of those who have committed crimes.

Protecting the public and working effectively with other partners to achieve this is our prime focus. With the support of critical information and evidential tools, our aspiration is to propose the ‘right sentence, for the right person, at the right time’.

For some, interventions will be instrumental in supporting a pathway away from crime, and for others our focus may be on using new sentencing options with controls such as Electronic Monitoring and other technologies to support desistence from alcohol or drugs.

This brochure illustrates the wide-ranging options available within our region. It is our role, with the support of yourselves, to employ evidential and person-centred assessments to support sentencing and the critical expectation of protecting our communities with others; I commend this to you.

Denise Meylan, Head of Operations, East of England Region

Click on the links below to see the full range of probation interventions available within your region.

Accredited Programme Requirement

Delivered by trained facilitators, primarily within a group setting, these programmes are informed by evidence and accredited. They are designed to provide opportunities to change thinking, attitudes and behaviours associated with offending.

Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR)

This requirement allows for precise and effective rehabilitation activity to be tailored following a more in-depth assessment after sentence. These activities can comprise:

Community Sentence Treatment Requirements

The three treatment requirements are: Mental Health Treatment Requirements, Drug Rehabilitation Requirements (which include drug testing) and Alcohol Treatment Requirements. Those being considered must agree to engage in treatment.

Electronic Monitoring

Electronic Monitoring can be both a requirement and a way in which other requirements are enforced. They are designed to monitor an individual’s whereabouts for the purpose of demonstrating compliance with certain requirements. This can involve electronically monitored curfew, exclusion and prohibited activity requirements. The Transdermal tag can monitor alcohol abstinence.

Unpaid work

Individuals undertake unpaid work that must benefit their local community as a way to pay back to the community for their crimes.

The brochure does not cover all available community sentence requirements (for instance, residence requirement, prohibited activity requirement, non-electronically monitored exclusion, foreign travel prohibition requirement), or other sentencing options (fines, discharges and custodial sentences).

For more information about these, please visit the Sentencing Council Website.

If any information in this brochure is incorrect or needs to be updated, please email: EffectiveProbation.Practice@justice.gov.uk.

Extension to the Acquisitive Crime Pilot (SPO)

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Extension to the Acquisitive Crime Pilot

From Wednesday 26th October 2022, new eligibility criteria will come into effect for the electronic monitoring (EM) acquisitive crime project. It will see the current cohort (Adult People on Probation convicted of specific acquisitive crime offences, serving a Standard Determinate Sentence of 12 months or over, who are released/ re-released to reside within one of the 19 in-scope Police Force Areas) extended to those serving standard determinate sentences of 90 days and over. This will support my practitioners to manage People on Probation serving shorter sentences for acquisitive crime offences.

Standard Determinate Sentences are the only type of sentences in-scope and PoPs re-released, and those under HDC are also included, provided they have at least 30 days remaining on their licence. Post Sentence Supervision (PSS) is not included.

Probation are responsible for ensuring all eligible PoPs are identified for this cohort, and will access my region’s Acquisitive Crime SPOC’s access to a MIS Report; my practitioners will then use the eligibility criteria, found in the Guidance on EQuiP to validate whether the PoP is in-scope for this cohort.

If I work in one of the 19 Police Force Areas in scope, I will need to ensure my practitioners attend one of the series of briefings on offer throughout September and October to understand the change, re-cap on the eligibility criteria, licence conditions and their role as the responsible officer. I will need to share this link to the briefing sessions; https://www.eventbrite.com/e/em-acquisitive-crime-probation-briefing-tickets-400639783377

I can also direct them to further details on the eligibility criteria and exclusions, including other considerations, in the EM Acquisitive Crime guidance available on EQuiP.

Relevant to

These October changes apply to:

  • Senior Probation Officers

Extension to the Acquisitive Crime Pilot (PO/PSO)

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Extension to the Acquisitive Crime Pilot

From Wednesday 26th October 2022, new eligibility criteria will come into effect for the electronic monitoring (EM) acquisitive crime project. It will see the current cohort (Adult People on Probation convicted of specific acquisitive crime offences, serving a Standard Determinate Sentence of 12 months or over, who are released/ re-released to reside within one of the 19 in-scope Police Force Areas) extended to those serving standard determinate sentences of 90 days and over. This will support me to manage People on Probation serving shorter sentences for acquisitive crime offences.

Standard Determinate Sentences are the only type of sentences in-scope and PoPs re-released, and those under HDC are also included, provided they have at least 30 days remaining on their licence. Post Sentence Supervision (PSS) is not included.

Where my PoP is serving a sentence for more than one offence, either concurrently or consecutively, the offence with the longest or equal longest absolute sentence length must be used to determine eligibility. This longest or equal longest sentence must be a Standard Determinate Sentence and meet the necessary length as outlined above. This approach is to make sure that the longest sentence, likely to be the most serious of those being served, is considered for eligibility rather than the total custodial period.

Probation are responsible for ensuring all eligible PoPs are identified for this cohort. There are two processes which must be utilised to support identification:

1) I will be informed of my eligible PoP, by my region’s Acquisitive Crime SPOC’s access to a MIS Report;

2) I will refer to the Effective Proposal Framework 2 (EPF2) when release planning. I will then use the eligibility criteria, found in the Guidance on EQuiP to validate whether the PoP is in-scope for this cohort.

I will ensure I include the appropriate conditions on the license, ether by using the PD1 form or the Create and Vary a License (CVL) tool. I will work together with Prison Offender Managers to ensure that eligible PoPs are prepared for release with the EM tagging conditions.

I will have access to the self-service tool to help me monitor the whereabouts of my PoP to support PoP management: preparing for an appointment with the PoP, taking extra details to IOM meetings and undertake adhoc reviews if I am concerned. As this is a compulsory condition the tag remains on my PoP for the duration of their licence, up to a maximum of 12 months. At the end of the tagging period, EMS will visit the PoP to remove the tag and the Home Monitoring Unit (HMU).

If I work in one of the 19 Police Force Areas in scope, I will need to attend one of the series of briefings on offer throughout September and October to understand the change, re-cap on the eligibility criteria, licence conditions and my role as the responsible officer. I can book a place on a briefing session here.

I can access further details on eligibility criteria and exclusions, including other considerations, in the EM Acquisitive Crime guidance available on EQuiP.

Relevant to

These October changes apply to:

  • Probation Officer
  • Probation Services Officer

Brochure of Probation Interventions

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Brochure of Probation Interventions


Handbook for Members of the Judiciary

December 2022


Introduction

This brochure provides information about the services, interventions, and rehabilitative sentencing options available in each Probation Region for adults sentenced to Community and Suspended Sentence Orders. It updates the previous version issued in June 2021.

On 26th June 2021, the National Probation Service and 21 Community Rehabilitation Services came together to form a new Probation Service for England and Wales. The Probation Service has multiple aims, as set out in law. These relate to protecting the public, empowering individuals who commit crimes to make positive changes, reducing the likelihood of re-offending, addressing the harm caused by the offence and facilitating appropriate punishment.

The use of targeted community sentencing options enables individuals to address specific needs, break patterns of offending, address the causes of offending behaviour and keep the public safe. The brochure supplements information provided by our professionals situated in Court and in pre-sentence reports.

Sentence planning and Sentence Management

There is a significant body of research about the critical role that probation practitioners can play in motivating and supporting positive change of individuals through building strong, meaningful relationships. Alongside the trusting working relationship, a focus on delivering the right services and interventions at the right time, will help individuals to successfully complete their sentences and lead law-abiding and positive lives following their supervision period. Sentence plans, devised in collaboration with the person on probation, address identified needs and risks, specify how the sentence of the court will be delivered, as well as the role and expectations of others involved in the delivery of the sentence.

In addition to ensuring that the requirements of an Order are carried out, including taking enforcement action where necessary, practitioners can also deliver “sentence management” appointments. These contacts may be used for the purpose of assessment and planning, enforcement, reviewing progress against the sentence plan, addressing risk concerns or safeguarding issues, supporting compliance, investigation of intelligence, providing information, building or sustaining motivation to change, signposting and referrals, and/or general monitoring.

These contacts are legally enforceable. Orders which include a RAR allow for ongoing planned sentence management appointments, to the end of the Order; for orders without a RAR, sentence management appointments either have to be arranged as part of a specific requirement (whilst this is active) or triggered by the probation duty to ‘keep in touch’ with the person on probation, once the requirements have all completed.

Use the links below to access the brochure for your region and see the full range of available probation interventions.

What’s new

Introduction: Sentence Planning and Sentence Management

Structured Interventions: New interventions added

Approved Toolkits: New toolkits added

Probation pay: offer accepted at ballots

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Probation pay: offer accepted at ballots

The Probation Service multi-year pay offer has been approved at ballot by members from all three recognised Probation Service trade unions.

This means we can now proceed to implementing the offer with immediate effect.  We are now working with our payroll provider to ensure payment will be made in October pay packets.

Click here to read the full article on the intranet.


APPLY NOW – closes Monday 26 September

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London Needs You

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London needs you


Would you like to gain experience and develop new skills and contacts by working with us in London?  We are urgently seeking PO and PSO qualified volunteers to work at the Hammersmith, Fulham, Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster (HFKCW) Probation PDU for 4, 8 or 12 weeks, to provide temporary relief due to staff shortages.

It’s known as ‘Detached Duty’ (further information is available on My Hub). In addition to your existing pay, you will receive a special bonus payment of £2,000 for 12 weeks, £1,200 for 8 weeks, and £500 for 4 weeks of continuous detached duty.  London Probation is happy to support the principles set out in the Smarter Working Policy during a detached duty placement – to receive the full Detached Duty payment for their placement, volunteers will need can work a minimum ratio of 60:40 [London: Home location] of their usual hours.  Pro-rata amounts will be paid for part time staff and travel time and expenses will also be provided.

You must be an experienced Probation Officer or Probation Services Officer, trained in the use of OASys and n-Delius computer systems. The scheme is not open to PQiPs or agency staff.

Find out more

Further information about working at the HFKCW PDU, along with volunteer form is available from the downloads box on the right. Or to register your interest and find out more please email NPSLondonDirector@justice.gov.uk.

Why you should join us in London – an insight from Scott, a PO from the North West region

Scott undertook detached duty at the HFKCW PDU, between November 2021 and March 2022.

Why did you decide to volunteer for detached duty?

I have been a probation officer for 21 years, mainly in Preston in Lancashire. I saw this as a fantastic opportunity to do something rather unique, that would take me out of my comfort zone. I also have fond memories of visiting London, and the chance to work (and to some extent, live) there was too good to miss.

How did you benefit from the experience?

It provided me with an opportunity to really challenge myself, working with very different types of People on Probation. The pace was also very different, but I was able to prove to myself that I could adapt quickly to a different way of working, which has increased my confidence in my own skills and decision making. I also got to see first-hand what the challenges are for probation staff working in London.

Why would you encourage others to volunteer?

It was a brilliant experience, a real eye-opener. No matter what your level of experience in the probation service, working in London will undoubtedly increase your skill set. Also, a word about the staff at HFKCW; without question, they are its biggest asset. They are incredibly supportive, friendly, and hard-working, and I have been lucky enough to make some good friends.

What did you particularly enjoy about London?

All of it. Sometimes, London sometimes gets a bad press up north, but I love it – it’s busy, vibrant, and contrary to some reports, it’s a friendly place. And you can eat and drink out at a reasonable price if you know where to go.  If I was offered the opportunity to return, I wouldn’t hesitate.

Downloads

DD-Volunteer-Form

HFKCW Detached Duty Support Pack v2.1

Probation Service pay ballots CLOSED ON 23 SEPTEMBER

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Probation Service pay ballots CLOSED ON 23 SEPTEMBER

Today, the ballots for the Probation  Service multi-year pay offer will open for members of the three Probation Service trade unions to vote on our 3 year pay offer.

The ballots will run from September 1st until September 23rd.

The offer is available to review on the HMPPS Intranet Probation Pay page.  On that page you will find a comprehensive set of information about the offer including illustrations of your potential pay journeys over the three years, general FAQs and a helpful pay calculator so you can see what the offer will mean for you over the duration of the deal. The offer will mean something different for each member of staff, so it is important you use the tools and resources made available.



Attend a pay event to learn more about what it means for you

Additionally, to help you better understand what the proposals mean for you, we are also running engagement sessions for staff which you should hopefully already have in your diaries. We are holding three MS Teams live events for any member of Probation Service staff to attend. Please note that the three all-staff live events will repeat the same content so if you have attended one, the following sessions will be the same.

There will also be daily Re-cap/Q&A sessions comprising an update and then an opportunity for you to ask questions.  Given the potential attendance numbers for staff in Bands 1-6, we are scheduling these daily recap sessions by region and they are open to all staff, regardless of specialism. Don’t worry if you can’t attend the session scheduled for your region. They are flexible and you can join any session.

Re-cap/Q&A sessions are also in place for staff in pay bands A-D.

Pay Events

Probation Pay Offer- Staff Support Live Events

5 September 10.00 – 10.25

12 September 10.00 – 10.25

Recap/Q&A sessions for staff in Bands 1-6

6 September 10.00-10.45 – YaTH
8 September 12.00-12.45 – East Midlands & West Midlands
9 September 10.00-10.45 – North West & Greater Manchester

13 September 10.00-10.45 – Wales
16 September 10.00-10.45 – London
20 September 10.00-10.45 – North East & East of England
21 September 10.00-10.45 – South West & South Central
22 September 10.00-10.45 – Other PS Business Areas & KSS

Recap/Q&A sessions for staff Bands A-D

7 September 10.00-10.45
14 September 10.00-10.45

All Staff Probation Pay Offer Re-cap Session – all grades/regions – 14 September 4.00-4.30pm



For questions about the ballot process, please contact your trade union representative.

If you have any immediate questions which you can’t find an answer to, please either contact your TU representative or the probation pay functional mailbox at: PSpayreform-enquiries@justice.gov.uk

Sonia Flynn

Smarter working toolkit launched

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Smarter working toolkit launched

Sonia Flynn

Sonia Flynn

Today, 5 September, sees the launch of our revised Smarter Working Toolkit.

We’ve revised the toolkit using the lessons we’ve learned from the pandemic and period of recovery to make better use of our estates and technology, as well as clarifying the ways we can work together.

For full details see Sonia Flynn’s smarter working blog on the intranet.

Our Probation Service changes – Illustrated

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Our Probation Service changes – Illustrated


Overview of the Probation Service 

Resettlement

  • Use the dynamic framework to provide relevant and local resettlement services that complement the core offer in prisons.
  • Create a short-sentence function to better address the needs, and reduce high reoffending levels, of those with short sentences.
  • Enhance pre-release support that is closely coordinated with prisons and provide a consistent approach that meets an individual’s resettlement needs.

Courts

  • Maximise our influence with courts so that we become a trusted voice for sentencers and defendants. This will support the courts to set appropriate conditions that protect the public and victims, and support successful rehabilitation.
  • Increase the use and quality of pre-sentence reports to facilitate better sentence planning and management. Ensure a focus on women and ethnic minorities, who are more likely to receive prison sentences.

Digital

  • Develop a seamless view of an individual’s journey through the probation system so we can better track their experiences and build a better understanding of what works.

Workforce

  • Invest in our workforce to support development, attract and retain talent, create a diverse workforce, foster confident leaders, and promote wellbeing.

Sentence management

  • Improve sentence management to encourage a greater focus on effective supervision to help protect the public and promote rehabilitation, wherever possible.

Interventions

  • Improve interventions to better respond to individuals’ needs. This includes improvements to unpaid work and accredited programmes, introducing structured interventions, and securing the expertise of other sectors in the provision of rehabilitation and resettlement services.

Structure

  • Create new regional leadership structures that enable greater local accountability, partnership working and provision of services that more closely meet individuals’ diverse needs.

Victim support

  • Bring new victim contact operational guidance into use – training relevant staff in victim awareness. Pilot an expanded service for the victims contact scheme.

Environment

  • Modernise our estate and technology so that our physical spaces create positive working environments. Enable better data recording and analysis to ensure more effective decision-making and reduce duplication in our systems.