The West Midlands bit of this CRC is not facing any such action although SPOs, senior managers and CAs are clearly facing the chop across all of the RRP area. All Staffordshire field team POs are to be scored – sickness and appraisals, and those selected will be told by the 20th Feb. This is so cruel given that all of these redundancies could be agreed on a voluntary basis but no, our paymasters want to 'weed out' those who have had sick leave and/or failed to achieve excellence in what is increasingly a subjective appraisal process. The gloves are now off and RRP has shown itself to be no better than all the other sharks feeding off the remnants of the Probation Service.
(anonymous comment left yesterday)
(anonymous comment left yesterday)
BBC Essex Radio are reporting a National Inspection report negative about arrangements for "Unpaid Work".
ReplyDeleteIt's on the BBC News website too, article headlined "Too many offenders let off probation, inspectors say"
Deletehttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-35278963
Reading through it there's lots of positives, in fact overall it's a positive report. Since the HMIP was recently headed by the partner of a Sodexo director (or whatever) I'm hesitant about its findings. The summary of findings doesn't seem to acknowledge that the TR changes have heavily affected Unpaid Work arrangements, and not for the better. Also, the Criminal Justice Act describes Unpaid Work as a punishment and Grayling wanted every sentence to include an element of punishment, so it shouldn't be surprising if that's how probation staff see it. Some may remember there was once a strategy called PS Plus to make Unpaid Work productive and I still proper skills but the MoJ didn't fund it!!
DeleteIn terms of the main post, really bad news for staff in Staffs. Grayling's legacy strikes again!
Yes, no reference to TR in the summary or in that news report. Context is everything!
DeleteThe way that offenders sentenced to unpaid community work in England and Wales are managed and supervised has been criticised by inspectors.
DeleteHM Inspectorate of Probation found delays in getting offenders to start their work, and said too many were let off if they did not attend. In one case, an offender had completed just 16 hours in the 17 months since he had been sentenced. The Ministry of Justice said it was acting on the report's recommendations.
Anything from 40 to 300 hours of unpaid work - or "community payback" - may be given for offences like shoplifting, theft, drug offences, or criminal damage. Some 70,000 offenders were ordered to do unpaid work such as garden maintenance, decorating or litter-picking in 2014.
Inspectors looked at 100 cases and interviewed 86 offenders from different probation divisions for their report. The report outlined 15 recommendations for improvement. Some of the problems identified were:
Nearly a fifth of offenders did not have their first work appointment arranged within the first three weeks of their sentence
There was "little consideration" by managers of how the unpaid work could help achieve the wider aim of reducing reoffending
Few offenders exchanged work hours for training or education, even though half of the areas offered this
Sometimes too many offenders were told to attend a work appointment - so they had to then be found another way to work or be "stood down".
Seven years ago the government, then led by Gordon Brown, placed an order for 10,000 orange bibs. They were to be worn by offenders doing unpaid work under a re-branded scheme known as "community payback". It was intended to give the public confidence that community sentences, involving clearing communal paths and gardens, picking up litter and painting over graffiti, were a "tough" alternative to imprisonment.
When the coalition came to power in 2010 it promised to make unpaid work more physical and intense, with unemployed offenders required to complete their sentences more quickly. The difficulty has always been organisation. Getting people who lead chaotic lives - many of them with drink or drug problems - to work on time is a task in itself. If sanctions are applied, they will end up in prison; if not, the sentence cannot be enforced. As the inspection report reveals, it is a problem the authorities still have not solved.
Inspectors did praise instances of high-quality work, and cases where offenders believed they had gained skills from using good tools and equipment. They also highlighted that many offenders viewed their sentence positively and "were determined to... desist from future offending".
Among its recommendations were that community rehabilitation companies should reduce how often offenders are turned away from work when they have reported on time, and to try to create objectives for unpaid work that "match the circumstances of the offender".
The chief inspector of probation, Paul Wilson, said it appeared in most cases that unpaid work was viewed simply as a punishment, which was a "wasted opportunity".
"Although we found some high-quality management and delivery, much of it was simply not good enough, lacking in focus on the basic requirement to deliver and enforce the sentence of the court." He called for "urgent remedial action".
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said it wanted "much more effective rehabilitation" - which had to start with making sure offenders turned up on time and faced consequences if they did not. "It's totally unacceptable for offenders to skip work enforced by the courts. "We accept all the recommendations for the Ministry of Justice in this report and are already taking action to implement them."
http://www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmiprobation/inspections/deliveryofunpaidwork/
ReplyDeletehttp://www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmiprobation/media/press-releases/2016/01/deliveryofunpaidwork/
ReplyDeleteWe assessed that only 21% of the plans we saw were tailored to the individual circumstances of the offender and met our minimum standard. It appeared that the completion of the plan is largely an administrative process rather than one to assist in achieving the broader objectives of the sentence.
ReplyDeleteApart from the gratuitous violence meted out by G4S to children in their care, there were also allegations that records were being systemically fiddled to avoid incurring financial penalties. We know G4S has previous form.
ReplyDeleteIt was a harrowing programme of small-minded staff sadistically bullying, abusing and then boasting about it. I see no end to this behaviour until all staff wear body cameras – with sound – at all times. They simply cannot be trusted to do a professional job.
http://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/jan/11/g4s-guards-at-youth-prison-alleged-to-have-falsified-reports-to-avoid-fines
I watched it too niper. I was so angry! Cameras and sound would help, but it did not prevent one manager from, literally rolling up his sleeves, to expose tats and bulging biceps - in what looked like geographed baiting and threatening stance, punching curtains and cornering his prey! There was in cell sound and vision, but the bully in uniform just didn't care!
DeleteA client recently referred to a g4s staff member as "an gas meter reader" presumably to do with the little badge on the white shirts, but I think he was doing a huge disservice to meter
readers!
The sound and vision was that provided by the undercover reporter. That's why he chose to bully in the cell where there are no cameras.
DeleteSad but my view at least the absence of vocation and lack of professional developmemt with safeguards of decency and standards inshrined in seeing the young people as people with needs requiring appropriate development and support. The outrageous footage and despicable aggression perpetrated on young people coupled with systematic targeting and setting destroys that lads life and expectations. How can these kids develop maturity and trust in authority. It has been seen too many times in the public institituitions too. The relevance is you pay peanuts and we end up state sponsored privateer thugs with no culpability. I sincerely hope the G4S staff in that programme get a jail sentence and look forward to hoping every day they wont be treated how they saw fit to attack young kids in their care. It wont stop here though get rid of G4S as a start and lets get the state back into appropriate social care responsibility. This work is professional work and that means decent well trained and caring people. Anyone remember them POs good public sector support staff wake up there are a couple or three jobs going down that way only trouble is you get back rubbish and so they can only recruit what we saw rubbish.
DeleteTo return to the subject of the original blog if I may, nothing quite says "team spirit" and "we value our employees" like forcing them to compete with each other on spurious grounds.
ReplyDeleteIf Recommended Retail Price have stated that the redundancies are going to be on compulsory grounds without any proper consultation, I hope the union lawyers are all over this.
Unlocking Potential - What to do about G4S?
ReplyDeleteBlogger Rob Allen was a Home Office worker involved with Ministers at time Secure Treatment Centre's were introduced.
He has some strong suggestions that offer a way forward for the Ministry of Justice and a novel view on what PbR might mean
http://reformingprisons.blogspot.com/
David Cameron is considering extending the Freedom of Information Act to companies like G4S and Serco. 38 Degrees has a petition running to put pressure on Cameron in the hope that he will extend this legislation. May I suggest that all probation workers sign this petition.
Deletepapa
Also one to strip G4S of the Medway contract
Deletehttps://home.38degrees.org.uk/?s=strip
From PRWeek in Dec15, job vacancy at Interserve:
ReplyDelete"Contract type
Permanent
Hours
Full-time
Salary
c.£50K
DIRECTORATE DESCRIPTION
The role is based within the justice team which is responsible for delivering the Ministry of Justice’s Transforming Rehabilitation agenda, and will report directly to the Strategic Communications Manager for the division.
TEAM DESCRIPTION
The role will have direct line management responsibilities for a small team that will be responsible for all external and internal communications, brand, reputation management, social media output and website/intranet management.
ROLE DESCRIPTION
This is a new and exciting opportunity for a senior communications professional in a growing division that’s responsible for delivering an increasing number of outsourced public services.
This fast paced role will include creating, implementing and managing a communications strategy to ensure consistent, high quality internal and external communications across existing and potential justice contracts."
Looks like the opportunities are endless with justice contracts - "if you bid for them, they will come."
My sympathies to those who are to be the next victims of TR, courtesy of an Ingenious (sic) scheme!!
ReplyDeleteBill McHugh West Yorkshire CRC chief going without VEDs.
ReplyDeleteMessage from Bill McHugh- 11th January 2016
DeleteDear Colleagues,
In line with my commitment to be open and honest with employees, I am writing to confirm that after much deliberation I have decided to resign my post as Chief Executive Officer of West Yorkshire CRC. I was originally offered the NOMS CEO Voluntary Departure package but declined this as I was determined to succeed in leading the organisation through the transition from the old Trust to new ownership as a CRC. This was a challenging time but we did it together.
I can confirm my anticipated leaving date will be 7th April 2016.
I shall be working closely with Martin Davies CEO for HLNY, as he is to assume additional responsibility for WYCRC. I know that you will extend a warm welcome to him. Both senior management teams will work collaboratively to ensure stability and business continuity.
During my time with you I have been delighted with the kindness and loyalty you have shown me. What I have also experienced in WYCRC epitomises everything that is the best in public service. Your commitment and professionalism is recognised by many, particularly by Interserve colleagues. I have no doubt that you will continue to make a positive difference to those who live and work in West Yorkshire.
I hope to meet with as many of you as possible before I leave to thank you personally for all your hard work and dedication.
I am so proud to have been part of your history and wish you all the very best for the future.
Bill
Why has he resigned now? Why not stay to fight the staff cuts? If resigning anyway why not make a public stance against TR? Too many questions, not enough answers.
DeleteNice to know that despite transfer to a CRC Mr McHugh still had the option of a NOMS voluntary exit package. Kudos to him for declining to access it, although its an odd reason offered, which seems to read as "I was successful, so I'm leaving with nothing."
DeleteThe NOMS deal was probably a damn sight more generous than the voluntary piss-off package Sodexo imposed on the poor staff who had no choice about being in a CRC, and who had next-to-no-choice about leaving.
That's what I love about NOMS, its commitment to equality & diversity through its 'feed the rich, fuck the rest' approach.
'I was determined to succeed in leading the organisation through the transition from the old Trust to new ownership as a CRC'
DeleteDetermined that the Trust transitioned to the CRC. Well done. Very well done.
"Nice to know that despite transfer to a CRC Mr McHugh still had the option of a NOMS voluntary exit package."
DeleteThat is not my interpretation of what the statement says:-
"I was originally offered the NOMS CEO Voluntary Departure package but declined this as I was determined to succeed in leading the organisation through the transition from the old Trust to new ownership as a CRC."
But equally I'm not sure why he's 'resigned' - my guess is he's got the push before financial year end - on what terms exactly is anyone's guess I suppose.
my commitment to be open and honest with employees,
DeleteCome on Bill be honest then ! For now no one believes in you not me at least prove me wrong tell us the score. If you have no package deal then you are not beholden OR ARE YOU ?
She's going too, from Wales CRC - Working Links.
Delete'Liz returns to Wales as Chief Executive of the new Wales Community Rehabilitation Company from Wiltshire Probation Trust where she held the same post.'
Seems like a common theme now if there are more than one package area with more than one CEO, someone steps down or leaves leaving just one behind. IE Jo Mead leaving SWM/DLNR with only one CEO remaining.
DeleteThe cull in Staffordshire tactfully announced by senior management yesterday(but NOT for the West Midlands part of the SWM Probation area -at least not for main grade PO's) was made even less appealing as management have admitted there are still around 100 agency staff in post across the SWM area, costing God knows how much. They haven't deigned to consider voluntary redundancy to front line staff, despite offering this to a select group in head office some time ago. What a farce. . however, we are well used to being kept on tenterhooks, as we've been waiting for the chop for years ever since Stoke and Wales were singled out for an ill-fated 'pilot' for TR some time back. Investors in People - NO!!
ReplyDeleteThey have to do certain things and Napo reps should be all over this with the appropriate rules on the process. The Local reps had better get their fingers out too and challenged the model proposed and dust of the better than EVR rates that you have . The announcement is misguided in that it has to minimise dismissals and show a process to do so. Individual and union ET claims have to be the main ambition for unfair dismissals reads like they are making that evidence trail easy to collect and deliver winnable cases.
DeleteAny news on DNLR seems a bit quiet.Would have thought RRP having just 2 CRC's would divulge the headcount this week!?
ReplyDelete28 PO roles currently in Leicestershire (DLNR CRC), 12-15 posts are proposed to be cut, compulsory redundancy only as voluntary redundancy would invoke EVR and that is considered 'cost prohibitive'
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to the many hard working staff still being affected by Mr Graylings legacy
What about other roles?
DeleteThey are only telling us in 'grade briefings' at the moment... Full county figures expected this week
DeleteThis must be unfair dismissal. If people did not choose crc and were sifted against their will their colleagues are still working in the nps and some areas even recruited after the sift. So the sift must have been wrong.
DeleteI always thought compulsory redundancy meant having a strike ballot..I have not yet seen any mention of this.......Bobbyjoe
DeleteIn our office new NPS staff have just been recruited PO's and looking for pso's to do the job I and my CRC colleagues were doing til the sift.
DeleteNAPO now have to step up and failure to do so will lead to mass exodus by CRC staff. If they fail to act with ET then they are shitsters just like MOJ
ReplyDeleteI love a good clear out every now and then as I love watching all those shit it knowing there numbers are up after continued poor performance, dodgy sickness, giving it the big one to managers and HR etc. Those that are good shouldn't worry
ReplyDeleteI can assure you I am one of the best, I have no concerns about the safety of my position whatever comes... But losing half of my colleagues (however poor their performance) leaves me wondering whether I want to be one of the 'last men standing'
DeleteThey had there chance to get rid of the scrap with TR. I don't think anyone is safe and no-one is indispensable.
DeleteOh dear 23.02 - classic schoolboy error: it's "their" (adjective: of or belonging to them) not "there" (adjective: in or at that place). You need a full stop after "worry" too.Must try harder.
DeleteHe's the same bully boy corporate ninny misspelling his abusive texts
DeleteAnd thank you for the above comment Mr Grayling.
ReplyDeleteIs this the first of the two CRC s reputedly in financial trouble.....others to follow.....
ReplyDeleteAs standalone businesses the CRCs started off in financial trouble. The new owners have only showed the MoJ a fancy bank balance up front, they're not committed to using that cash reserve to prop up the CRCs they bought, and pbr or whatever other "paymech" is undoubtedly not a sufficient means of funding a CRC. The bidders knew this but they are only focused on winning contracts & stripping assets. Existing staff are too expensive, regardless of their performance or attitude. This is how the Thatcherite pirhanas demolished the manufacturing industry i.e. buying up businesses, stripping them to the bone then selling off the carcass, or discarding it. MoJ have been either naiive or disingenous - or both - in believing that they could play ball with global bullies and win.
DeleteSo true. The writing was on the wall from the start, we all knew about the win at all costs mentality of the various jobbing bid teams and the subsequent asset stripping that the successful bidders(pirateers} routinely engaged in. We have all been sold down the river, including our colleagues in the NPS. There is no future for either side of Probation. Get out if you can.
DeleteThe full set of DLNR CRC redundancy proposals should be available tomorrow. Many corporate services staff are to become compulsorily redundant because of the planned relocation to Birmingham. The same is likely to occur with the shift of virtually all case administration staff to the Contact Service Centres in Nottingham and Birmingham.
ReplyDelete