The Ministry of Justice, HMCTS and the Probation Service has developed an Alternative Delivery Model designed to improve the quality of information presented to court at 15 pilot sites. The pilot seeks to deliver short format written reports for three priority cohorts that are understood to have more complex needs. These are:

• Female offenders
• Young adult offenders (between 18-24 years of age)
• Offenders who are deemed to be at risk of custody

The pilot will evaluate whether this alternative approach will improve outcomes for PoPs, judicial confidence, and the administration of justice for victims. Following a formal evaluation of the pilot, a decision will be made as to whether the pilot is to be extended and my region will be able to advise me of the outcome of this.

Whether I am working in a pilot region or not, my team will need to be aware of the PSR before plea protocol which seeks to identify defendants earlier in the criminal justice system.

In April 2022 shadow targets around the targeting of reports, such as for women or young adults will be introduced. This will allow for a period of preparation prior to the actual targets and measurements being launched later in the year. The aim of this is to help achieve the Target Operating Model (TOM) ambition of an inclusive service that responds to the diverse needs of those we work with.