If you joined one of the recent staff update sessions, you will have heard that the harmonisation negotiation meetings with the 3 recognised Probation Trade Unions are progressing positively with much constructive dialogue.   If you were unable to join the update session for your group, you can watch them here Events – Welcome Hub (hmppsintranet.org.uk).

3 negotiation meetings so far may not sound much on the face of it, but please remember that collectively we are trying to harmonise the pay, terms and conditions (e.g. allowances and entitlements, contractual hours, annual and special leave, overtime, expenses, reward and recognition, notice periods etc.) from 5 Parent and 30 Supply Chain organisations to those of the Probation Service.  This means considerable preparation before each negotiation meeting in order to work through a large and complex landscape of former terms and conditions and the implications of aligning them to those of the Probation Service.  Both ourselves and the Trade Unions are absolutely committed to achieving the best outcome for impacted staff from this process and we appreciate your patience as the negotiations continue.

As you will have heard on the calls, the implementation of harmonisation is dependent upon a staff ballot and to have your individual voice heard in that ballot, you must be a member of one of the 3 recognised Probation Trade Unions ; NAPO, UNISON or GMB SCOOP. The unions’ role is to negotiate on your behalf and we strongly advise staff impacted by harmonisation to join; details can be found here:

• NAPO: klomas@napo.org.uk
• UNISON:  policeandjusticeteam@unison.co.uk
• GMB SCOOP: peter.brandt@justice.gov.uk

A Q&A document has already been circulated to everyone in scope for harmonisation (and secondary transfer) and we will be adding some further FAQs on our dedicated harmonisation page very soon.  We have sent out invitations for the next set of staff and  line manager updates and the dates are below;

Should you have further queries about either harmonisation or secondary transfer, these can be directed to HandSTenquiries@justice.gov.uk