Probation: Staff

(asked on 24th April 2020) - View Source

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to the Serious Further Offence Review in the case of Joseph McCann published on the 5 March 2020, what steps he plans to take to (a) improve retention of experienced staff and (b) improve training within probation teams.


Answered by
Lucy Frazer Portrait
Lucy Frazer
Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
This question was answered on 4th May 2020

The crimes committed by Joseph McCann were appalling and our thoughts and sympathies are with the victims and their families. We recognise that there were failings and we apologise for our part in this. We are committed ensuring we learn from this terrible case. The National Probation Service undertook a Serious Case Review which considered issues related to caseloads, staff experience and training and can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/review-into-the-case-of-joseph-mccann

The Secretary of State for Justice has asked Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Probation to conduct an independent review into the case, which will also consider the wider culture and understanding of recall in probation services. When the Chief Inspector reports back, we will consider what further action is required

In January, we launched new mandatory learning and development tools to ensure that we have effective and robust processes in place that are understood and implemented by all staff. This includes training on the mandatory requirements and guidance for all prison and probation staff involved in the recall, review and re-release of recalled prisoners and updated guidance on managing the compliance and engagement of offenders on licence. We are committed to being an open, learning organisation and are currently developing a new L&D delivery model to deliver more effective training. Our staff are the greatest asset to the probation system, and vital in ensuring that we keep the public safe and help turn around the lives of offenders.

We know that workloads for many probation officers are too high and we have been recruiting more staff into the National Probation Service (NPS). As at 31 March 2020 we had 1036 new probation officers in training, who will make a real difference as they qualify. We are also working on a new plan to ensure we recruit sufficient staff, diversify the workforce, raise professional standards and properly recognise probation qualifications.

NPS Pay Modernisation included a 2-year pensionable pay award for all staff, with approximately 9,500 staff receiving a minimum pay award of 3% in each year. More beneficial pay on promotion for NPS staff was also introduced to support career progression and help fill vacancies. Work to strengthen the existing wellbeing and engagement provision to ensure staff are supported is also ongoing. We are currently reviewing what other mechanisms are available to support retention in areas with higher turnover.

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