The Pain

I want to start off with an observation and a request. It's quite clear from where I sit that colleagues in all positions in every Probation Trust are getting more and more distressed as the full consequences of TR sink in. We know many are not coping well and are either off on sick leave, or rapidly approaching that point. 

Discussion on here of late has been spirited to say the least, but sometimes not that considerate of some people's position and feelings. Can I ask that before posting any comment, you first take a moment to consider how it would make you feel if directed at yourself and the boot was on the other foot? Some people are hurting a great deal so watch out for them and lets look after each other. I think this from last night neatly sums things up:-

I think what is happening on here is not trolling but people's fears coming through. The lack of real information coming out of what things will look like for every grade whether NPS or CRC will no doubt be wearing everyone down, causing enormous amounts of distress about what the future will hold etc. It is like we are all stuck on hold and it is the feelings of a total lack of control in our lives that is contributing to the fear. If people are turning on each other on here or in the offices, then we are no better than the government. Where are the values that we hold as Probation staff? It may be that in times of blind panic, people are forgetting them as self-preservation kicks in but don't forget who you are and what you stand for if you are considering turning on a colleague just because they were randomly assigned to one organisation or another.

To be perfectly frank, anyone in a position of authority reading some of the agonising and distraught comments left on here, and I mean Chief Officers and Board Chairs, should examine their conscience about the effect this is all having on their workforce now. Whether they are staying in some capacity or other as part of the evolving TR omnishambles, retiring or otherwise riding off into the sunset, what does it take to come out and bloody well say something about what is happening to your staff now?

Having said this I note that the one exception remains Joe Kuipers, Chair of Avon and Somerset Probation Trust who has picked-up on the typically insensitive language used by the predators currently circling us:- 



In his most recent blog post he writes:-

"On the 3SC Website, in their TR update of 23 February, under the MoJ banner and logo suggesting full MoJ support, we see the following, as part of a briefing to VCSE parties interested in playing a role in the new TR landscape, and I quote: 

"How are you going to get your piece of the pie? (Securing your contract?)

You will need a strong USP and fully costed delivery model in order to secure a place in any of the supply chains that will be formed to deliver these services. You may be fortunate to have a relationship with a prime bidder already, if not in criminal justice then perhaps in the welfare to work market. Otherwise you will need to follow the media and sector news. The MoJ are currently facilitating these links for the voluntary sector in CPA events."

Now, to be fair this was just a small element of the advice given, but it is a very telling bit of terminology, a bit like the Justice Secretary's views about the senior and junior partners in the new arrangements (as he reflected in Danny Shaw's recent R4 programme, File on Four). So, our work, which I acknowledge (and always have done) is not perfect, has been reduced to a bit of competitive pie, actually an accurate description as it is carved and sliced and diced for a recipe that may not taste too good."

Joe also goes on to give some insight into the agonies being played out in every Trust as appeals begin to be heard:-

TEARS

"The reality for staff going through the assignment process has been painfully brought home to me when chairing appeal hearings. In our trust we are handling these in-house, although external consultancy was offered to assist (there is no way that we would devolve such a responsibility). I won't go into detail, but the pain for the officer involved in one such appeal nearly brought tears to my eyes - the officer presented the case with dignity, professionalism and was unsurprisingly upset through the process. So, this pie that others are talking about comes down to excellent colleagues such as this feeling torn apart, carved, sliced and diced. I know I have asked staff to try to work together in the future, but I can see just what a huge ask that is."