New suite of Structured Interventions

/in /by

New suite of Structured Interventions

From January, there will have been a new suite of Structured Interventions to choose from, some of which I may be familiar with. There will be twelve new SIs falling into three categories, Domestic Abuse (DA), Attitudes, Thinking and Behaviour (ATB) and Emotional Management (EM).  The new SIs are shorter and can be used for PoPs that are either not suitable for Accredited Programmes (AcP), or risk not securing a place on their AcP prior to the cessation of their licence or order. The streamlined selection will benefit more PoPs and create new learning opportunities for my Facilitators.

My region will have selected the SIs we wish to deliver, and I may have been involved in this decision. Working with my Head of Programmes I will have agreed a local delivery and implementation plan and I will now ensure that there is a plan to communicate this to practitioners and key stakeholders. I will continue to collate all referrals to SIs and begin scheduling groups.

My team will receive training on each SI they are expected to deliver, however I will need to ensure they have received Core Skills training and are aware of expectations around delivery. I will need to familiarise myself with, and ensure my team have read, the suite of SI manuals and watched the recorded briefings available on EQuiP and Mylearning.

Relevant to

These April changes apply to:

  • Programme Managers

Interventions Team restructure Review

/in /by

Interventions Team restructure Review

I will be informed by my regional leadership of the ongoing consultation around the Interventions Team restructure review.  The implementation of the Interventions team structure set out in the TOM brings an opportunity to align and harmonise structures inherited on unification to create one common Interventions team providing equity, fairness, consistency, flexibility and resilience in the delivery of Accredited Programmes and Structured Interventions across the community. A briefing will be scheduled for late Sept, where my team and I can expect to receive information on the different stages on this ongoing process. I may also be invited to attend workshops and discussions to inform the direction and outcome of the review and will be kept informed of the process by my region and unions.

I will need to keep my team informed and will be supported in managing expectations throughout the consultation.

Relevant to

These April changes apply to:

  • Programme Managers

Related Links

Roll Down of Resolve Accredited Programme

/in /by

Roll Down of Resolve Accredited Programme

From January 2022, the Resolve programme will be rolled down and I will need to work with my regional Interventions team to ensure that the relevant communications regarding the roll down, are cascaded to my team as well as case management and court practitioners.  I will need to ensure that programme, court and case management staff know that People on Probation eligible for Resolve can be referred to the Thinking Skills Programme instead. I will need to ensure that my programme schedule reflect that cases that have already been referred to Resolve should continue to completion.

Relevant to

These March changes apply to:

  • Programme Managers

Related Links

Decommissioning of Senior Attendance centres (SAC)

/in /by

Decommissioning of Senior Attendance centres (SAC)

The Police Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act has enacted the decommissioning of Senior Attendance Centres (SAC), meaning that Courts will not be able to use SACs as a disposal in sentencing. Some staff delivering work in the SACs, may start to use their skills to deliver Structured Interventions (SI). This may not happen immediately; I will work with my Head of Programmes to ensure that these transitions take place and will be supported in having the right conversations with affected staff to support them in the transition.

I will schedule people on probation to attend the Senior Attendance Centre in line with my current processes.  However, if a person on probation is made subject to a SAC at a location that is no longer delivering SAC, I will need to ensure that the practitioner managing the case returns the Order to court for and amendment.  Either proposing an alternative venue or requirement

Having SAC colleagues move into my team will help to increase delivery of SIs, reduce the backlog and expand the options for PoPs, improving accessibility to treatment options.

If I previously occupied an Officer In Charge role, I will continue to provide oversight to SAC cases till their completion.

Relevant to

These February changes apply to:

  • Programme Managers

Related Links

Changes between June – Oct 2021

/in /by

Previous changes

June 2021

Formation of the new Probation Service.

Unifying to form the new Probation Service brings the best from former CRCs, Supply Chains and former NPS. As a change leader I am uniquely placed to work collaboratively with my colleagues to start to create a one probation service culture. In line with the Culture Code I will feel that I am part of an organisation that recognises and appreciates difference.

I am likely to be welcoming new colleagues into my team over future months.  The opportunities to support, mentor and coach new colleagues will support my professional development and help to inform the new culture of the probation service.

Day 1

The Probation Service Probation Delivery Unit (PDU) structures have been updated to reflect the future unified service.  My region will have moved to these structures between July and December 2021, and this schedule will have been shared with me to enable me and my colleagues to manage and work with the people on probation under the newly aligned PDUs.

July 2021

Performance Management

Through my local line management, I will have been informed of the new and continuing performance measures, and the regional processes to manage performance. I will have had sight of and access to supplementary materials including a ‘nutshell’ guide and a staff briefing document, which I will have used to enable me to support my team in achieving and understanding the measures.

I will need to familiarise myself with the HMIP inspection processes and measures, as well as assurance arrangements for the Probation Service and Commissioned Rehabilitation Services whilst continuing to work to the Interventions Integrity Framework.

Being familiar with these will allow me to support the delivery of a quality service within my team

Related Links

August 2021

Changes to my place of work  

Estate modernisation activities continue to take place, and the office in which I work, may be undergoing a major refurbishment or seeing smaller scale smarter working initiatives rolled out. These will have been communicated through regional comms packs providing detail of the changes.

Related Links

September 2021

Start working to agreed National Standards 

From 10th September regions moved out of Exceptional Delivery Models (EDM) into National Standards. My region will have informed me of any local variations to National Standards that have been agreed as part of a response to Prioritising Probation. I need to ensure that I and my team understand the standards we are required to meet and have local plans to achieve this. In January 2022 I can expect my region to move to full National Standards, if there continue to be any local variations in place this will be communicated with me.

Changes affecting Programme Managers

/in , /by

Changes affecting Programme Managers

Changes are listed by launch date and your region will inform you as to when these changes will impact you.

Signage changes in my office 

Harmonisation Proposals

/in /by

Harmonisation Proposals

The proposals

The proposal outlines the package that impacted staff will be opting in to. You are encouraged to read it to understand what the proposal will mean for you. The documents below will help you. 

  • The proposal for Harmonisation of terms and conditions for ex-Parent Organisation and Supply Chain Staff who transferred to the Probation Service on 26 June 2021 and 01 February 2022
  • Proposal factsheet
  • Harmonisation – FAQ’s Sept 2022 Final 2909 with worked examples to illustrate how specific elements of the proposal could apply to your individual circumstances
  • Engagement sessions for impacted staff, line managers and stakeholders to walk through the proposals and answer any further questions you may have if you can’t find the answer in the slide-pack or FAQs.

Sessions will be recorded and uploaded to the Probation Hub events page if you are unable to attend or would like to listen to the recording again.

Towards the end of the ballot period, we will provide an update on next steps. For general queries about harmonisation, contact HandSTenquiries@justice.gov.uk

zARCHIVED: Harmonisation

/in /by

Harmonisation

What is Harmonisation?

Harmonisation is the process where colleagues on legacy pay, terms and conditions will be aligned to Probation Service terms and conditions and pay scales – subject to Trade Union negotiations and member agreement.

Why is Harmonisation needed?

On 26th June 2021, staff who transferred from Parent and Supply Chain Organisations did so whilst remaining on the pay, terms and conditions of their former employer. This was because these organisations were not part of the original Trade Union negotiations to align transferring staff onto Probation Service terms and conditions via the National Agreement. We now need to align these staff on to PS terms and conditions so all staff are employed under the same pay strucutures and organisational terms and conditions.

What is the process? 

Over the coming months, we/HMPPS? will be negotiating with our recognised Trade Unions  through a process called ‘collective bargaining’ to reach an agreement which the unions will put to their members via a ballot – to align staff to Probation Service T&Cs and pay scales.

Click here to access the Intranet page with more information on Harmonisation



The Harmonisation Journey


Click on the <> arrows to move through the journey


  • Oct - Dec 2021

    Planning & Awareness

    We will give regular updates to help you understand the journey to-date, our approach and timescales

    What do you need to do?

    Consider how you may be impacted and understand how Trade Union consulatation works and how decisions are made. Also consider joining a Trade Union

  • Dec - March 2022

    Trade Union Negotiation

    Negotiations with Trade Unions will take place – there may not be much to update you on during this period.

    What do you need to do?

    Familiarise yourself with the existing Probation Service offer and consider joining a Trade Union

  • March - May 2022

    Trade Union Ballot Outcome

    We will confiirm the negotiation and ballot outcome alongside your Trade Union and signpost you to the details and where to get support

    What do you need to do?

    Consider the impact of the proposed changes on your own circumstances. If you are a member of the Trade Union, submit your ballot paper.

  • May - July 2022

    Implementation**

    If the ballot is successful we will begin to implement changes to align terms and conditions, pay, allowances and – potentially – pensions and will let you know in writing.

    What do you need to do?

    Understand the changes and when these will be implemented

  • July 2022

    Secondary Transfer

    Once Harmonisation is complete, we will prepare and plan for Trade Union negotiations for those in MOJ & HMPPS roles

    What do you need to do?

    This stage will not impact on you


We will keep you informed when we have updates to share via the Probation Hub, briefings and virtual sessions and provide support via senior leaders and your managers to help signpost you to information you need.

zARCHIVED: Update on Harmonisation ballot dates – August 2022

/in , /by

Update on Harmonisation ballot dates – August 2022

Following the conclusion of negotiations on proposals to align the terms and conditions of former Parent Organisation and Supply Chain colleagues to those of the Probation Service, we are pleased to confirm that trade unions have confirmed the dates for ballot.

The ballot will open on 30 August and end midday on 20 September.

We know it has taken longer than anticipated to get to this point and that the wait has been frustrating; thank you again for your patience.

Your trade union will be in touch with further details of the ballot process and they will also share full details of the final proposals once the ballot has opened. Any questions about this should be directed to your TU representative.

We want to help ensure you have the information you need to understand the proposals and what they mean for you.

Full details of the proposals will be made available on the Probation Hub once the ballot opens, along with FAQs.

We will also be running engagement sessions for impacted colleagues and line managers to take you through the proposals on the following dates:

31 August, 12-1pm – line managers of impacted staff

2 Sept, 10-11am – all staff impacted by harmonisation

7 Sept, 12-1pm – all staff impacted by harmonisation

7 Sept, 4-5pm – former CRC staff awaiting alignment of terms

8 Sept, 3-4pm – all staff impacted by harmonisation

Thank you.

Amy’s message 19th August

/in , , /by

Amy Rees – Director General Probation, Wales and Youth


Update message to staff – Friday 19 August


This weekend sees our second annual Probation Day take place on the 21 August, giving us an opportunity for us to celebrate and tell others about the important work you do every single day across the Probation Service. I hope you were able to join our launch event this morning and are taking part in one of the many events happening across teams and regions over the next few days.

As part of the lead up to Probation Day, I really enjoyed visiting our Newport office in South Wales yesterday and spending some time with one of our trainee probation officers Karen Olding-Sims. It was really insightful to hear first hand from Karen about

her experience of training with us and I am so pleased we were able to recruit over 1500 trainee officers like Karen last year as they will be integral to growing and shaping our future Probation Service and continuing to deliver our vital work. Thank you to Karen and the team in Wales for the warm welcome I received.

I also want to highlight how grateful I am to everyone who is playing a role in supporting our trainees across teams and know how much this is also valued by them too from speaking to Karen – thank you all.

We are continuing to recruit many more PQIP learners this year so if you or any of your family or friends are interested in applying for one of these important roles please do look at the vacancies here at Justice Jobs.

A big well done to two colleagues from the South West region, Bryony King and Angela Auty who recently received “Highly Commended” certificates from the Confederation of European Probation for their public protection work. Bryony and Angela were both nominated for awards by their Regional Probation Director Angela Cossins, the awards panel highly commended them both so congratulations Bryony and Angela – flying the flag for the Probation Service across Europe!

Looking to the future, many of you will have read Jim’s article on One HMPPS setting out our very early thoughts about opportunities for closer regional working and improving the focus on the frontline. We spoke to senior leaders about this on Monday at our quarterly event with them and are keen for you to let us know what you think too so look out for events coming up in the autumn.

I am sure you will have also seen Jo Farrar’s message this week about changes to the senior leadership structure in HMPPS announced by the Permanent Secretary which Jo describes as our first step towards becoming One HMPPS through a more integrated leadership structure.  You will be kept updated on this over the next few weeks but please be assured that everyone’s focus continues to be on front line delivery and ensuring there will be absolutely no disruption, as a result of these changes.

Thank you as ever for all you do and enjoy Probation Day – I am very proud of you all

Amy

People Survey: Spotlight on Kent, Surrey & Sussex

/in /by

People Survey: Spotlight on Kent, Surrey & Sussex

The Kent, Surrey and Sussex region are working on Learning & Development and Leadership & Managing Change as our People Survey priority areas.

We have  produced a People Survey action plan based on the survey results to outline our commitment to our future direction since our formation as a region and the transition of colleagues from the CRC. Local People Survey action plans are also in place.



Learning & Development – the journey so far

It is important that we move KSS Probation Service forward in a positive way and invest in our people so that they stay with us to deliver a quality service.  Over the course of this year, we have:

  • Commenced an administrative review for implementation in 2022/23, including consultation with front line staff and line managers to ensure inclusivity prior to roll-out
  • Launch of the New Manager induction programme including workshops and peer learning
  • Established a learning and Development Committee
  • Introduced an Learner Forum for PQiP Learners and a newly Qualified Officer programme to support staff in the qualifying year
  • Advertised for PSO/CA Induction and Training leads
  • Piloted a mentoring scheme for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff, which we plan to review and expand


Leadership & Managing Change – the journey so far

Senior leaders have been to visiting sites across KSS (virtually or physically) holding briefings and attending All Staff Events to give staff the opportunity to ask questions. Over the course of this year, we have:

  • Launched the KSS Fundamentals First programme
  • Regional and local all staff and managers events to communicate change.
  • Invested in Leadership training for all managers and those newly promoted into role
  • Offered coaching and mentoring for all managers
  • Taken forward learning and actions from the staff engagement forums
  • Developed SPO Masterclasses
  • Promoted First Line Manager/ Empowered Senior Leaders (HMPPS) and Middle Line Leaders Programmes (HMPPS)
  • Recruitment to all vacant  management roles
  • Held HR Workshops to upskill managers

Amy’s message 5th August

/in , /by

Amy Rees – Director General Probation, Wales and Youth


Update message to staff – Friday 5 August


It’s that time of the year when I hope you’ll be able to takeAmy Rees - Director General for Probation 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 29th).  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

zARCHIVED: HMPPS Statement on Harmonisation – August 2022

/in , /by

HMPPS Statement on Harmonisation – August 2022

We are pleased to confirm that negotiations with the 3 recognised probation trade unions have concluded and a proposal has been finalised to align the terms and conditions of former Parent Organisation and Supply Chain colleagues to those of the Probation Service.

This is great news and reflects many months of hard work and commitment from everyone involved in the negotiations. Discussions have been complex but collectively we believe we have arrived at the best and fairest resolution for impacted colleagues.

We appreciate that this has taken longer than anticipated; the process of aligning the pay and different terms and conditions of staff from 30 separate organisations has not been without its challenges. Thank you for your patience during what has been a frustrating and uncertain time.

Members of the three trade unions will now be asked to accept or reject the agreement in a ballot.

Trade unions have been in contact via email with all members who they have listed as being eligible to vote.  If you are a member and have not received the email, you should contact your trade union as soon as possible:

We hope that the ballot will take place sometime in August subject to final adjustments to the harmonisation proposals. Trade unions will contact their members regarding next steps, including ballot dates and timescales. There will be an update on the Probation Hub outlining the key elements of the package shortly and engagement sessions will be run for impacted staff.

General enquiries about harmonisation can be directed to the functional mailbox: HandSTenquiries@justice.gov.uk.  We also attach some FAQ for your information.

Thank you.


Frequently asked questions (FAQ)


Details of the agreement will be shared on the Probation Hub.

Trade unions are responsible for organising the ballot and will notify their members in due course. The timescales will also be uploaded on the Probation Hub.

We will resume negotiations with the recognised trade unions to try and find a solution.

Anyone who is impacted by the contents of the proposal should be included in the ballot, but, ultimately this is for the trade unions to decide.

No, these are completely separate issues. There will be a ballot for harmonisation to Probation Service terms and conditions and when negotiations are concluded, a separate ballot for the Probation Service pay award.

People Survey: Spotlight on East of England

/in /by

People Survey: Spotlight on East of England

The East of England region are focusing on Wellbeing and Learning & Development as our People Survey priority areas.



Our Objectives are:

  • To improve the L&D offer to all, ensuring that colleagues are able to access the right development to support their delivery and career progression, ensuring this is timely, effective and drives performance.
  • To provide managers with the required skills and capabilities to lead their teams effectively, ensuring that they are able to adapt to individual needs and drive delivery of our regional and organisational objectives.
  • To create a comprehensive offer of wellbeing support to all colleagues, focussing on mental, physical and lifestyle health. Ensuring that information is provided in an accessible format, at a time required by the individual and is complemented with proactive awareness sessions on key topics (in advance of need) to support individual management of issues.


Progress so far

This year we have:

  • delivered three First Line Manager Core (FLMC) development programmes, resulting in 45 attendees to support their transition into a new leadership role
  • created a bespoke development offer for all middle managers to provide those leaders with a greater depth of capability
  • provided bitesize learning sessions on the use of SOP, Attendance Management, WFP and have delivered Success Profile awareness to over 100 managers
  • we are in the process of creating a dedicated wellbeing network across all PDU/Functions which enables support to be cascaded from the national and regional teams to the local area of need and also provides a route back to identify more local issues needing further engagement
  • launched a dedicated magazine to the promotion of wellbeing activities, including proactive guidance and advice on key topics
  • created a dedicated wellbeing platform, which provides information to staff on mental, physical and lifestyle health challenges and is accessible 24 hours a day
  • delivered bespoke initiatives across the region e.g. body MOTs, guidance on how to maintain core strength when working from a sedentary position, awareness sessions on the role of Occupational Health, Supporting the Workplace in Menopause (SWIM) network, Remploy, Civil Service Charity etc.
  • written L&D guidance for managers to explain the L&D offer and process
  • launched a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Mentoring scheme for staff that will commence in September with mentoring being provided by SLT
  • created updated Induction guidance for line managers
  • commenced regular regional corporate inductions for new staff
  • published role specific Learning pathways for roles on the Probation Hub
  • promoted the use of apprenticeships
  • worked to ensure all staff completing VQ3 or CIPP qualifications are identified and progressed once ready.

zARCHIVED: Update on Harmonisation – August 2022

/in , /by

Update on Harmonisation – August 2022

We am  pleased to confirm that negotiations with the 3 recognised probation trade unions have concluded and a proposal has been finalised to align the terms and conditions of former Parent Organisation and Supply Chain colleagues to those of the Probation Service.  Further information will be made available once the recognised  TUs are in a position to confirm ballot timeframes.

People Survey: Spotlight on Wales

/in /by

People Survey: Spotlight on Wales

Wales are working on Capability & Leadership and Inclusivity as our People Survey priorities.

Staff are our greatest asset, and we pride ourselves in ensuring Wales is a positive environment to work in. Focus groups across the business have helped us gain a better understanding of the People Survey insights to drive our “You say we Did” Communications.



Capability & Leadership

Our Senior Leadership team understand the need to be visible, so people know where the messages and asks are coming from. Nic, our Regional Probation Director, sends a personal all-staff weekly update.

We plan to start spotlighting the senior leadership team members to continue a personable approach. Our newly appointed Staff Engagement Officer will be reaching out to staff groups and linking in with local staff forums to support the Leadership team in understanding the challenges. They will also be linking in with our wellbeing champions networks to gather views and ensure we have continual feedback for improvement and change.

Our Executive team is visiting each of our offices to engage with staff and encourage an open dialogue.



Inclusivity 

We reviewed our Regional Equalities plan which led us to implement several boards to create more of an inclusive workforce. We have an Equalities Board with various subgroups focusing on inclusion with a strong voice from Staff Network representatives leading on workplace culture and staff wellbeing. This will inform the Equalities Action plan to address core areas of concern and improvements will be driven via the inclusivity forum.

Our new Welsh Language Implementation Board will develop a strategic approach to organisational compliance with the HMPPS Welsh Language Scheme. It will ensure that Welsh language is at the heart of decision making, policy development, service design and planning across the region.

We continue work across HMPPS Wales to drive Inclusivity. We have committed to the HMPPS in Wales Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination Strategy which will be launched in September 2022. As well we are continuing to work on our recruitment and retention processes within Wales as it is important to for staff to feel continuously supported.


Protected: Letter to all Probation staff on the Changes to the Parole Board rules

/in /by

This content is password protected. To view it please enter your password below:

Summary of changes to Parole process – part of the new PCSC Act

/in /by

Summary of changes to Parole process – part of the new PCSC Act

Changes to the New test for open conditions

Following the conclusion of the Root and Branch review of the Parole system, Ministers have introduced a new test for open conditions which was launched on 6th June 2022. It states:

The Secretary of State (or an official with delegated responsibility) will accept a recommendation from the Parole Board (approve an Indeterminate Sentenced Prisoner for open conditions) only where:

  1. the prisoner is assessed as low risk of abscond; and
  2. a period in open conditions is considered essential to inform future decisions about release and to prepare for possible release on licence into the community; and
  3. a transfer to open conditions would not undermine public confidence in the criminal justice system.

 

Open conditions test amendment

From 30th June, for all cases, Practitioners are not required to assess whether a move to open conditions would undermine public confidence in the criminal justice system – this is a matter solely for the Secretary of State or his delegated authority’

This means that authors of parole reports and recall review reports (Probation Officers, Probation Service Officers, Prison Offender Managers and psychology staff), are no longer allowed to provide a view or recommendation to the Parole Board Panel, as to whether the prisoner is suitable to be released or moved to open conditions. To accompany that change, the Generic Parole Process Policy Framework and all associated report templates and processes are being amended so that they will not be permitted to provide a view or recommendation.

This takes effect from 14th July, on and after, for parole reports and recall review reports and from 21st July, for oral hearings, unless the report was submitted prior to 14th July. I will be required to countersign all parole repots. When countersigning all parole reports and addendums due for submission on or after July 14, including pre-tariff reports, and all Part B and C recall reports, I must check that they are on the new templates whereby the recommendation section has been removed, and ensure they do not contain any recommendations or views about suitability for release or open conditions. I must not countersign unless I am satisfied that the report complies with this requirement.

I will need to make an entry on NDelius using the parole management oversight entry (Management Oversight – Parole/ General/MAPPA’ – ‘Pre-release discussion’) making it clear that I have checked the report is free from a view or recommendation about suitability for release or open conditions.  I will need to ensure that my staff are clear and feel prepared for an oral hearing, including the language staff are planning to use. The Guidance contains a helpful section to support the use of suitable language.

I can find more detail on these changes, including applicable cases and a report writers’ checklist in the Guidance. It also contains the briefing dates and access links and answers to frequently asked questions.

Briefings are being held regularly starting on 12th July and can be accessed via the Hub Page using the Further information link on the right. There is also a recorded version to share with staff here.

Please encourage all staff who have reports due to be submitted, or those staff due to attend an oral hearing on or immediately following July 14 to attend a briefing or watch the recorded version as early as possible.

Relevant to

  • Senior Probation Officer

Summary of changes to Parole process – part of the new PCSC Act

/in /by

Summary of changes to Parole process – part of the new PCSC Act

Changes to the New test for open conditions

Following the conclusion of the Root and Branch review of the Parole system, Ministers have introduced a new test for open conditions which was launched on 6th June 2022. It states:

The Secretary of State (or an official with delegated responsibility) will accept a recommendation from the Parole Board (approve an Indeterminate Sentenced Prisoner for open conditions) only where:

  1. the prisoner is assessed as low risk of abscond; and
  2. a period in open conditions is considered essential to inform future decisions about release and to prepare for possible release on licence into the community; and
  3. a transfer to open conditions would not undermine public confidence in the criminal justice system.

Open conditions test amendment

‘From 30th June, for all cases, Practitioners are not required to assess whether a move to open conditions would undermine public confidence in the criminal justice system – this is a matter solely for the Secretary of State or his delegated authority ‘

With immediate effect, I will need to assess only the first two aspects of the new open test criteria. I am not required to assess the final element of the criteria – whether a move to open conditions would undermine public confidence in the criminal justice system. This is a matter solely for the Secretary of State or his delegated authority.

Any PAROM and addendum reports already submitted will not need to be retrospectively amended, but any PAROM and addendum reports I am drafting, must reflect this new test and new templates will be available from 8th July.

This change will also have an impact on sentence planning within closed prisons and prisoner expectations of their potential journey to open conditions.

Single Secretary of State view.

In a small number of cases, a view about suitability for release or open conditions will be provided solely by the Secretary of State to the Parole Board, this will be called a Single Secretary of state View.

Recall reviews, Recommendations for release

In all cases, I must no longer present a view or recommendation as to the prisoner’s suitability for release or move to open prison conditions. Part B and Part C report templates will be amended from Wednesday 13th July and I can access them via nDelius. I must use the updated template from this date.

I can find more detail on these changes, including applicable cases and a report writers’ checklist in the Guidance, located on EQuiP HMPPS Parole, Recall and Open Test Changes – Guidance (Master) (justice.gov.uk)

I can join one of the live, weekly briefings at 1pm on Tuesdays by emailing Louise.Holmes4@justice.gov.uk  to book, or I can also watch a recorded briefing here  Staff Briefing; Parole, Recall review and open test changes 13th July 2022

We strongly encourage all staff who have reports due to be submitted, or those staff due to attend an oral hearing on or immediately following July 14 to attend a briefing as early as possible.

Relevant to

  • Probation Officer
  • Probation Servicers Officer

Jim Barton, Executive Director/ SRO Probation Reform and Electronic Monitoring

Jim’s message 22nd July

/in , /by

Jim Barton – SRO for Probation Reform and Electronic Monitoring Programmes


Update message to staff – Friday 22 July


Jim Barton, Executive Director/ SRO Probation Reform and Electronic Monitoring

As Amy is on leave this week, I am in the ‘hotseat’ for providing you with her regular update message and it certainly has felt very hot this week with the soaring temperatures we have experienced!

Thank you to everyone who has been in work and continued delivering our important services during this spell of unprecedented weather.

New ministerial team

As I am sure many of you are aware, we have recently welcomed a new ministerial team with Stuart Andrew MP appointed our new Minister of State for Prisons and Probation – you can find out more about all the portfolios here: Ministerial portfolios – Ministry of Justice HQ Intranet.  We have been updating Minister Andrew on all the great work happening across Probation and we look forward to working with him and the rest of the team.

Pay

We know that you are understandably keen to find out what the latest position is on Probation pay and Ian Barrow and team are working hard behind the scenes on this.  Negotiations with the recognised Probation Service Trade Unions are advancing quickly on what we believe will be a good and fair multi-year pay deal for all staff. Any deal will secure necessary reforms to our pay structure and deliver increases in pay to all staff. The nature of a three-year deal would also mean that staff can rely upon receiving any entitled increases on time, during the lifetime of the deal. You can read Ian’s latest probation pay blog here) and we will continue to keep you updated.

Community Accommodation Service

Next week sees the first anniversary of the Community Accommodation Service (CAS) 3 early adopter sites going live across five of our Probation regions. This important scheme has provided up to 84 nights of temporary accommodation and floating support for prison leavers, subject to probation supervision, who would otherwise have become homeless. A huge thank you to all the teams involved in setting this up across the North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, East of England, Kent, Surrey and Sussex and Greater Manchester.  Roll out of the scheme across Wales and the rest of England is now underway and due to be completed by the end of the year.

Probation Day

Just to remind you that Probation Day 2022 is fast approaching with this year’s theme being Belonging.  I know there are lots of plans underway across regions to celebrate our second Probation Day and I hope you will be able to take part in some way.  I am personally looking forward to being out visiting some of you in the lead up to Probation Day.  We are holding a short national event on Friday 19 August at 10.00am to launch this year’s celebrations so please do join us if you can: Probation Day 2022 launch event

Recruitment

One of our aims from Probation Day is to raise awareness of the work of the Probation Service and encourage more people to apply to work for us.  One of the big recruitment campaigns we currently have is for Community Payback supervisors and placement coordinators in six Probation regions. If you know someone who enjoys helping others and making a difference in their community, why not encourage them to find out more and apply by 17 August?

Thank you

Finally, as schools break for the holidays and we approach the busy summer leave season, I know many of you will be taking well earned breaks over the coming weeks. I wanted to therefore take this opportunity to thank you for all you have done this year so far in what has again been a very busy period and if you are taking leave, I hope you have a great time however you choose to spend it.

Thank you

Jim