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When the number of home visits increase, and the services and time to deal with clients issues decrease, you end up entering clients homes where they are increasingly frustrated and angry about not being able to resolve their problems, view the home visit as an intrusion rather then a point of assistance, and that's not a good recipe for a safe or harmonious relationship.
*****
I always feel uneasy when I do home visits to known single males and yet when you turn up one of their 'friends' is there. It's very disconcerting. I'm meticulous about ringing the office once I'm out but I'm wondering if I should ring when I'm going in as well.
*****
I don't really get this Home Visit business. Of course we all know that HVs have a place and usefulness, but the new models of mobile working seem to make them the norm. It's useful, but very inefficient. We also know it is difficult to sequence multiple visits and get the timings right. I wouldn't mind an increased flexibility in home visiting, and work in general, but all I can see so far is the CRC demanding people stay at their desks to do assessments.
*****
We can't stay at our desks - there aren't enough. Not enough rooms/desks/terminals. Home visits & tablets/laptops are the future.
*****
It is apparent to anyone who is looking closely at the developments as they progress (an inappropriate word if ever I saw one) that the practices in each area, each CRC and each piece of the NPS are getting more and more diverse and inconsistent. The offender experiences across England and Wales are getting increasingly variable and the supervision of cases in Somerset will be radically different to that that occurs in Kent, Surrey and Sussex. Cumbria and Lancs will look nothing like West Mercia and Greater Manchester will look nothing like London. All of this is potentially undermining the idea of consistency in sentencing. One wonders if it is even legal to have that level of variance. Transferring cases mid Order will be interesting!
*****
"It is apparent to anyone who is looking closely at the developments as they progress (an inappropriate word if ever I saw one) that the practices in each area, each CRC and each piece of the NPS are getting more and more diverse and inconsistent".
With this in mind, it's very concerning to hear the deafening silence of the unions. In the next couple of months the Tories will pass a bill that will stop industrial action being taken unless voted for by at least 50% of membership (that's 50% of membership- not 50% of those that respond to ballot).
The unions ability to take action will be very much reduced. The privateers are well aware of this, and are happy to develop their business models behind closed doors ready for implementation as soon as the Tories announce they've all but crippled the unions. Then they're free to do whatever they like fully aware of no resistance from unions, and no reprisals from the MoJ.
I really do believe this is why Sedoxo have 'wound their necks in', (for the moment), regarding redundancies and Terms and Conditions. They can just sit back and wait a few months until no-one has the power to challenge them. If people think it's bad now, don't wait for the rainbow, it's going to get much worse!
*****
Adult probation services under the government’s Transforming Rehabilitation programme presented a mixed picture, said Paul Wilson, Chief Inspector of Probation. Today HM Inspectorate of Probation published a second report on the early implementation of the government’s Transforming Rehabilitation programme.
Paul Wilson said:
“Given that we are still in the early stages of the implementation of Transforming Rehabilitation, it is not surprising that we found many of the challenges identified in our original report still remain. In what is clearly a fast moving and complex programme of reform, this inspection confirmed that it will take time for a number of the issues to be resolved. It is also true to say that some of the challenges identified by our inspections pre-dated the introduction to Transforming Rehabilitation, and some of the issues are in the process of being addressed. On the ground too, National Probation Service and Community Rehabilitation Company staff are working collaboratively to ensure a good standard of delivery of services.
“There is much still to do to streamline processes and reduce bureaucratic burdens that could stifle innovation. There remains too the need to continue to review and improve IT systems and processes, so that this supports the business of delivering effective, quality services to offenders that contribute to reducing reoffending and the protection of the public.”
*****
I am beyond disappointment after reading the report. The Inspectors promised us anonymity, 'say whatever you need to say' they said, then asked specific questions about middle and higher management in terms of the support they were giving to staff and how they were operating as managers. But then NOT A DICKIE BIRD anywhere in the report to reflect what we said (and what they hinted had been echoed by the other areas)? So why ask, why give the impression they wanted to hear about managerial support, and then not refer to it ANYWHERE?
Where's the honesty and transparency in that - if you wanted the info for other purposes, just say so. And don't then come passing subjective judgement on what you are told in good faith as part of me explaining my dire working conditions (ie my 'indefensible' decision not to do an ISP). Because YOU asked the question. An independent Inspectorate? I think not. An Inspectorate with a predefined (read Tory) agenda to confirm all is bedding down nicely under TR? Definitely.
*****
- Most cases allocated correctly & timely - nowt new there cos admin staff know their onions
- Risk escalation carried out swiftly - it takes a lot of CRC time & effort to submit, but 30 secs for NPS to knock it back
- Offenders are "positive" - not sure about that either.
- IT needs to be improved - wow!
- Reduce Bureaucratic burdens - I can't believe my eyes!!
Well done Paul, lad. Outstanding & innovative. Cutting edge, even. You've got the job. That's a nice pension pot you've secured for yerself. The first casualty of nepotism is the truth.
*****
Strike over pay, how stupid. Well I am not striking this time. I was treated terrible over the last strike by so called work mates. Heckled at the door, disgusting in this day an age. Well I will continue to work to pay for my children to eat. This is the 2015 not 1980's.
*****
Pleased I'm on leave - would have chuckled passing picket line - just as Unison members did when I took strike action for more than just pay - but whole Probation future.
*****
Can't wait for sentencing hearings in the next couple of years:
"Mr Bloggs, after hearing what your solicitor has said - Weaseley & Weaslier, specialists in criminal law - and having read the Sodexo Kwik-Style Report - available at all good CRCs & adaptable for all court settings - we have decided to offer you a Community Order with Nacro, experts in crime for over 25 years. You'll have to complete 100 hours of unpaid work for the Sodexo chosen charity of the month sponsored by Pfizer - Pfizer, proving drugs are good for you. We rather think that making you available for clinical drug trials would mean you give a positive contribution to our profits, er, sorry, to society. And as for rehabilitation we're giving you the chance to attend 40 days' RAR at the Nacro Academy, sponsored by Grayling Enterprises. You'll attend as instructed, allowing Grayling Enterprises to reap the rewards of rehabilitation. This sentence was brought to you by Mags'R'Us, the only proven sentencing courts powered by Unintel in partnership with PCWorld."
*****
Love it! Sad thing is that when NACRO were part of the Work Programme in Wales they were giving out the wrong information. They have been superseded by another company who's name escapes me.
*****
Courts have also been driving their own agenda to eliminate the traditional PSR as here in the North courts are expecting 100% of reports done on the day with "any errors being sorted out later" and we are already seeing serious errors as corners are continually being cut.
*****
Errors to be sorted out later without legal aid....mmmm.
*****
For example, to date, six orders on my CRC caseload made in the last 6 weeks are having to be returned to be varied/amended because requirements are inappropriate/unworkable. Hours of unnecessary admin & stress/distress. Why? Made without reports, made with McDonalds' fast-food reports, or simply NPS staff at court unable to access relevant information about cases. It's SHIT!
*****
It is indicative of the attitude of this organisation, an organisation that in its current form is well beyond its sell by date, that none of the factual content of your post appears in the public "news" area of its website. Having resigned years ago from the M.A. along with hundreds of others is it any wonder that many consider it a self serving organisation for the benefit of its gong seeking executive.
*****
"Providing probation and resettlement services in Wales has some key differences from the South West CRCs where we also operate."
Interested to read in Wales CRC Annual Service Plan that they state they also operate in the South West. Seems they may be a bit confused about their true identity. Working Links may operate in the South West but I am pretty sure Wales CRC doesn't (not yet anyway).
*****
Probably written by someone in WL rather than CRC. Maybe they want just one area incorporating all 3 CPAs. One admin, HR etc based in one of the main cities? "Services commissioned and managed by Wales CRC will be reviewed as we move forward to ensure they continue to be fit for purpose." WL are reviewing all their stand alone projects such as IOM, PPO and women's Pathfinder. They are looking to bring them back into the generic CRC.
Any area feeling the impact of post ORA yet? I had 3 cases in just the last 10 days, unfortunately I had none terminating so my caseload went up. Which I feel is going to be the case over the coming months....or until Sodexo lay me off. It might be a blessing in disguise!
ReplyDeleteHave noticed a steady increase over the last couple of weeks. More time being spent in appointments and more demands at the desk now taking longer due to cumbersome IT.
DeleteI'm NPS and really struggling with it, court officers are not explaining the change of address requirements and we have been told we MUST return every case back to Court if clients do not notify in advance Even if otherwise compliant. It is utter stupidity. They are now coming through in droves, even had an SSO custody element invoked plus four weeks custody CONSECUTIVE for new offence>>>>go figure the OASys situation for THAT>>>>termination then start custody and when out yes an ISP, all in eight weeks. At least that was the consensus in our bit of NPS world.Also every Foreign National and in my area there are lots .... I feel chained to my computer and I HATE IT.
ReplyDeleteAnon 18:17 More evidence that people just don't or can't read AND understand the law , policies and how to put it into practice.
DeleteTo the Walford court SPO who let Dot Cotton be sentenced for manslaughter on just a FDR; hang your head in shame!.
ReplyDeleteNoooooooooooo, I've just come back from holiday and not caught up on Eastenders yet!!!!
DeleteFree the Walford One!!!!!!!!!!!
A Unison NEC member writes about Probation Strike{ -
ReplyDeletehttp://jonrogers1963.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/probation-staff-show-way-on-11-june.html?m=0
27% voted against strike action, while 12% voted against any form of industrial action. No idea of the turnout figure which seems to be under wraps. Considering the decline in real pay since 2010, this is not a ringing endorsement. While collective bargaining strength remains weak, the inequalities will continue to deepen and all the huffing and puffing about how bad things are in the workplace will not change anything – until there is effective collective action. The Unison strike will simply be money in the pocket for the CRCs.
DeleteSome people are of the view that the country has no money and that as public sector workers they should not be getting a pay rise...
DeleteSome people would do well not to swallow Tory propaganda whole, else they risk choking on it...
DeleteSimple solution - spit, don't swallow.
DeleteI have a feeling that this comment may not be met well by some readers, but it's my honest opinion, and I'll sign my 'monica' to it as I think its an important observation, and I'll stand by it.
ReplyDeleteReading the blog lately its becoming clear (to me anyway) that the probation service has many enemies at present, the MoJ and the privateers, new laws about to be passed regarding unions, and laws that make it difficult to challange employers through tribunals.
However, some recent debates and comments that have been posted suggest that the service has become so fractured it has become its own enemy within.
Recent comments sounded almost gleeful at the prospect of more public service cuts that may mean job losses in the NPS. There seems also discord that lengthy processess compiled by CRCs for the NPS are not getting the attention or awknowledgement that they deserve. Various political persuasions are bubbling to the surface, and some are embracing TR whilst others resent it from their very bone marrow.
The service currently reminds me of a sinking ship thats tilted so far that all attempts of a unified and combined effort of rescue has been abandoned, and it's now just every man for himself.
I think for the service itself thats a dangerous place to be, and for the individuals within the service I feel it makes them more vulnerable to the privateers money grabbing plans and exploitation.
I feel the union should be playing a bigger part in pulling everyone together, but maybe they've been far to relaxed about things that they've left it to late to be able to do that.
Having said that, it's the (apparent) erosion of a collective service consciencous that threatens from within right now that I consider very damaging to both the individual and the service as a whole.
'Getafix'
Probation staff had ample opportunities to stand collectively during the campaign against TR. But support was lacklustre. Like most everywhere else the unions are weak because not enough members rally to the cause. Those critical sniping comments that sometimes fly over the NPS/CRC divide are probably illustrative of a workforce that has become divided, deprofessionalised and gender skewed. So a disjointed, fractured probation service pretty much describes the reality. And it's so much easier to rule the divided!
DeleteI think there is wisdom in your post, Getafix. I think what you are seeing and describing are the consequences of 18m/2yrs of mismanagement by the MoJ. The people still in Probation, on both sides, are angry and frightened and, as Probation staff know better than most, angry frightened people do and say stupid things. This debacle is nowhere near over and the next two years are going to be pretty alarming. I suspect I will not be around to see it unfold but, given the variables, I see tears on all sides.
ReplyDeleteYour observations are astute Getafix. The pressures and pressure of day to day survival seems to have broken even those most resiliant. It would be true to lay blame at the hand of those ostensibly managing , those that call themselves ' higher' have been marked by their absence; seemingly beavering away on stuff that make little if any difference other than to add to the bureaucracy and pressure , whilst evidently caring nothing for the staff who do the job. The experience of being wholly disregarded and disrespected has got to us all. Back covering and act to protect thyself is the daily sigh. Perhaps the blame would also fall onto those who supported the decision to become 'enforcers' and determinedly employ a different type of person in the role. These people, some 15 years or so in, are definitely different in perspective and politics than those who went before, hence the CRC v NPS comments, the lack of Union turnout ; the preference to work in isolation , cc all email to managers and have little , if any, interest in law, policy or doing other than practice in ways that verge on abuse of power .
ReplyDeleteIt has broken and what is left is fractured, and yes the TR purpose and practice led the way, but the appalling way it has been carried out was not dictated.
And so it continues, the move to remove pre sentence reports, ( part of the move to remove Probation, as it was, altogether ), proposed back in the 90's is now being assisted by such managers as part of so called efficiency measures.
Listening to GP's discussing why people simply don't want to work as GP's anymore,struck a common chord. Filling out forms and writing assessments on people with whom you are not expected to spend any time does not cure illness, nor dissuade people from committing crime.
How DARE you refer to me an an enforcer ? You DISGUST me
Deletea DipPS 14 years in PO
S/he wasn't. Reel it in, mate.
Delete"Why, anybody can have a brain. That's a very mediocre commodity. Every pusillanimous creature that crawls on the Earth or slinks through slimy seas has a brain. Back where I come from, we have universities, seats of great learning, where men go to become great thinkers. And when they come out, they think deep thoughts and with no more brains than you have. But they have one thing you haven't got: a diploma."
Deleteor the ever boastful "Certificate" of course!
Deletea diploma, every thinking persons dream !
Delete
ReplyDelete"Free access to Probation Journal on-line for Napo members
Posted on May 26, 2015 by naponewsonline
Napo members have free on-line access to the Probation Journal and full access to SAGE’s Criminology and Criminal Justice catalogue.
This provides members with on-line access to 26 criminal justice journals on-line for free and includes titles such as:
Youth Justice
Race and Justice
The Prison Journal
Criminology and Criminal Justice
Journal of Drug Issues
Sexual Abuse Journal
European Journal of Probation
This is an excellent benefit to us as a professional body, and can provide a valuable resource for all practitioners and managers. It is also another good reason for learning practitioners to join Napo.
Access to the Probation Journal and other SAGE publications is via the Napo website.
https://www.napo.org.uk/members/journal/publications-1
It was about a year ago today we learned who the FINAL Probation CRC bidders would be - how is that working out?
ReplyDeleteFor a reminder of the top of the list you might be able to access this reminder I got from Facebook - sorry if you cannot see it - I do not fully understand how to post on Facebook.
https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xta1/v/t1.0-9/10352769_10152148448826527_3950359735642391659_n.jpg?oh=7ab184d4ac07b4b3d8acdb68a5429f53&oe=55F5310B
[I could not (at the time) scan the whole document - I cannot remember why]
Working Links thinks its wonderful and are arranging a 1 yr celebratory party in each office. Pity they don't spend the money to help offenders.
ReplyDeleteOh really!! I might just gate crash
ReplyDeleteMore RARs coming through yet none of the partnerships promised by Sodexo identified or in place to deliver. So during induction I explain the purpose of the RAR but immediately withdraw the optimism that invokes by confirming nothing more than social interventions available.
ReplyDelete