Relevant to everyone

Flagship Manchester site gets colleague approval

Our new probation flagship site, in Redfern in Manchester’s northern quarter, opened on 17 May 2021. The listed building – close to excellent public transport links – provides easy access for our colleagues, people on probation and colleagues from partner organisations.

Perfectly designed

The office is fitted out according to our Probation Design Guide, which goes beyond rooms, acoustics and lighting to create welcoming, professional spaces that support positive experiences for people on probation from the moment they arrive.

Feels great

Robert Donald, Probation Officer gives it the thumbs up. He says: “Settling into the Redfern has been a really positive experience. Firstly, it’s a beautiful building and workspaces are clean and modern. I’ve enjoyed getting to know lots of NPS and CRC colleagues better and it makes me feel more positive about my day to day.

“Previously I have only communicated with some colleagues by email but seeing people face to face allows for greater understanding and collaboration which has been ace. People on probation appear to be responding well too and seem to be much more positive. The interview rooms are much more welcoming and relaxing for both them and probation staff alike’.”

Exactly what we wanted

We’ve had great feedback to date. Chris Edwards, Greater Manchester Regional Director says: “While the reform of probation applies across the whole of Greater Manchester, Redfern is our most high-profile symbol of a new organisation.

“Having seen it develop over the months, I am so grateful to all the staff who have engaged in this process. The end product is just what I’d hoped it would be: a modern working space with excellent interview and group room facilities, easily accessible in Greater Manchester and a venue where we can host stakeholders with pride.”

Redfern office, Manchester

Facts about Redfern

Redfern is part of our ambitious four-year estates strategy by the Probation Reform Programme Estates workstream worth £131 million. This will give us the estate we need to support our new Target Operating Model, and in which our colleagues and people on probation feel that they matter and we value their journeys.

  • Redfern will be the base for approximately 320 colleagues who were previously located in five sites including Moss Side, Longsight, Stretford, Salford and Oakland House.
  • There are 229 desk spaces and with a six to10 desk ratio, will actively encourage smarter working for colleagues in the region.