Starting points
18.06.2009
The probation service has had an employers' association in one
form or another for 50 years - our half century is this November -
but we have never sought the public gaze. While we don't expect to
be thrust into the limelight overnight, we want to build our
profile, and tell you more about what the probation service does
and about what we do on its behalf. That's the starting point for
this new website.
It's designed to keep members up-to-date with Association
business as well as appealing to a wider audience with an interest
in probation.
I will use this blog to reflect on what's happening in the
Association and in the wider world of probation. I very much
hope you will visit again and post comments.
The probation service in England & Wales is run by 42
separate boards and trusts but they work together to negotiate
nationally with the trades unions on staff pay and related matters,
and to represent their shared interests to the Government and the
Ministry of Justice.
We act as their national negotiators and spokespeople. We
also provide the 42 with information, advice and guidance on best
practice in corporate governance and employment.
Each probation area has a board of up to 15 people from the
local community and selected because of their skills and experience
and for their commitment to local communities. They employ
staff and set and monitor strategic objectives.
The overarching objective of all probation boards and trusts is
to protect the public and reduce reoffending.
The last two years have been dominated by the changes introduced
by the 2007 Offender Management Act. Until recently probation
has been a monopoly provider of services for the assessment and
supervision of offenders. The Act opened up the market to
others, subject to certain standards being met. As a first
step probation boards are being converted to trusts but they have
to earn trust status.
Trusts are "lead providers" of probation. This means that,
all else being equal, they will continue to provide probation in
their area but they must demonstrate on an ongoing basis that they
provide value for money or they risk losing part or all of their
right to deliver those services.
Probation has always been a local service, but over recent years
there has been strong central control from first the Home Office
and now the Ministry of Justice. Trusts, by contrast, are
explicitly expected to deliver services that are right for their
communities. This means taking account of what central
Government wants, but also working closely with local organisations
so that working together they can do what's best in each town,
district or county.
As an Association we support the trusts programme, but with the
proviso that trusts must be given maximum freedom and minimum
regulation, so that they can remain competitive and able to use
staff and other resources in ways that make sense locally.
This is especially so in today's financial climate.
The importance of local business flexibility is the key theme
running through our representations to policy makers.
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