I need to say a big thank you to the many readers and contributors who were kind enough to remark on the work of the blog as the news broke. This is very much appreciated and the sheer numbers confirm that, although despised and derided in certain quarters, there is still a role for an independent discussion and information platform that facilitates anonymity and informed debate. Just for the record, there were 4500 hits on Wednesday; 6000 on Thursday and 3300 yesterday, thus confirming that especially in times of crisis, this remains a significant 'go-to' place for information and hence a role in helping to shape the narrative.
It does feel like a victory, but I think we all know much misery is to come as the reunification takes effect and most of probation disappears behind the secretive closed doors of HMPPS with its love of bureaucracy and command and control culture. The fight must continue to break free from this outfit and regain our independence. In the meantime there are many questions that spring to mind, not least what will happen to the volunteers that the CRC's recruited, many of whom are former or current clients? NPS have never seen a role for such people of course as the concept doesn't fit their mindset. What's the position going to be with ViSOR vetting too?
--oo00oo--
It's not a reversal though is it? Spare a thought for the teams in programmes, UPW, drug and alcohol treatment, housing, finance benefit and debt support, partner link workers etc. Who all signed up to work for a probation service and will now be farmed off cheaply to the charity sector, and will be hugely anxious this morning about their jobs.
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This is absolutely not a reversal - this is the centralised bureaucracy swallowing up more staff, and moving probation further away from its local roots.
This is absolutely not a reversal - this is the centralised bureaucracy swallowing up more staff, and moving probation further away from its local roots.
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It's the people in interventions these days who do more of the traditional probation work, the programmes facilitators, UPW supervisors etc spend more time building relationships and working with service users than officers are enabled to under all the recording requirements.
It's the people in interventions these days who do more of the traditional probation work, the programmes facilitators, UPW supervisors etc spend more time building relationships and working with service users than officers are enabled to under all the recording requirements.
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Whilst unions and reformers and politicians celebrate, claim victory and make the headlines, some who's strived tirelessly might not even get a mention. You might just have to buy your own pint to celebrate Jim, but there's no doubt at all you deserve it! But.. Someone needs to keep a close eye on what the privateers do between now and the end date because their only mission now will be to strip every penny out that they can before they go.
Whilst unions and reformers and politicians celebrate, claim victory and make the headlines, some who's strived tirelessly might not even get a mention. You might just have to buy your own pint to celebrate Jim, but there's no doubt at all you deserve it! But.. Someone needs to keep a close eye on what the privateers do between now and the end date because their only mission now will be to strip every penny out that they can before they go.
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Today's announcement is neither a broad-spectrum antibiotic nor a panacea of any kind, its merely an acknowledgement of the diagnosis.
Today's announcement is neither a broad-spectrum antibiotic nor a panacea of any kind, its merely an acknowledgement of the diagnosis.
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As the waters of privatisation receded, the destruction TR has caused will be laid bare in its totality. It will be a long and difficult fix structurally, IT nightmares, relocations and reassignments and upheaval everywhere. The damage caused to the workforce could be even more difficult to heal, the wounds as you say have indeed become infected. But today is a good day nevertheless. However long the journey back takes, it can begin knowing it's a step in the right direction.
As the waters of privatisation receded, the destruction TR has caused will be laid bare in its totality. It will be a long and difficult fix structurally, IT nightmares, relocations and reassignments and upheaval everywhere. The damage caused to the workforce could be even more difficult to heal, the wounds as you say have indeed become infected. But today is a good day nevertheless. However long the journey back takes, it can begin knowing it's a step in the right direction.
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Too true. A victory but a hollow victory for the casualties along the way. And there will still be much turbulence ahead. Will all CRC staff be TUPE'd back to the NPS? I think not - the NPS won't require some staff and I'm sure the contracts offered could well be less favourable than those currently enjoyed by the long term staff. So concerns about job losses,futures will still be there.
Too true. A victory but a hollow victory for the casualties along the way. And there will still be much turbulence ahead. Will all CRC staff be TUPE'd back to the NPS? I think not - the NPS won't require some staff and I'm sure the contracts offered could well be less favourable than those currently enjoyed by the long term staff. So concerns about job losses,futures will still be there.
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No I think the golden share is the key here the equalities of terms is a paramount position anyone going into the NPS will be on equitable terms has to be no two tier. Right to be concerned though that's what the fight coming is about.
No I think the golden share is the key here the equalities of terms is a paramount position anyone going into the NPS will be on equitable terms has to be no two tier. Right to be concerned though that's what the fight coming is about.
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There is no TUPE arrangement as the Offender Management Act made us exempt. There is a staff transfer scheme. This will still protect pay and conditions but it does allow the NPS to cherry pick who they want from the CRC and discard the rest after they have reviewed ‘roles and responsibilities’. It’s far from over. I can’t feel jubilant when my colleagues jobs are at risk.
There is no TUPE arrangement as the Offender Management Act made us exempt. There is a staff transfer scheme. This will still protect pay and conditions but it does allow the NPS to cherry pick who they want from the CRC and discard the rest after they have reviewed ‘roles and responsibilities’. It’s far from over. I can’t feel jubilant when my colleagues jobs are at risk.
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Spare a thought for those in interventions, who are probably feeling undervalued and very anxious this morning.
Spare a thought for those in interventions, who are probably feeling undervalued and very anxious this morning.
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Here we go again. The tattered fag packet used to record Tory probation policy has been dusted off and put back to use. Another headlong rush to design and implement a new system which, will almost inevitably result in more fuck ups. Let's just remember what fuck ups actually mean. Lost careers, more harm caused to our communities; I could go on. It's beholden on us to try to mitigate these as much as we can and make the very best of what is coming to preserve best practice and achieve better outcomes. More working extra hours, more stress through uncertainty; I could go on again. So thanks Jim and all of us who've argued and fought to get to this stage. Good luck to all of us who'll have to get through it. We will because that's what we do but it shan't be easy. The battle is won today but the war to ensure that Probation returns to a sensible locally managed and integral part of the CJS continues. Stay committed my wonderful colleagues and stay safe.
Here we go again. The tattered fag packet used to record Tory probation policy has been dusted off and put back to use. Another headlong rush to design and implement a new system which, will almost inevitably result in more fuck ups. Let's just remember what fuck ups actually mean. Lost careers, more harm caused to our communities; I could go on. It's beholden on us to try to mitigate these as much as we can and make the very best of what is coming to preserve best practice and achieve better outcomes. More working extra hours, more stress through uncertainty; I could go on again. So thanks Jim and all of us who've argued and fought to get to this stage. Good luck to all of us who'll have to get through it. We will because that's what we do but it shan't be easy. The battle is won today but the war to ensure that Probation returns to a sensible locally managed and integral part of the CJS continues. Stay committed my wonderful colleagues and stay safe.
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Two cheers for today’s news! As with everything else, the devil will be in the detail. Let us remember that the NPS is not a haven of tranquility. The silence from our ‘leaders’ over the last five years has been deafening and these are the people who will assume that they are taking control of the re- formulated service. A new broom is very much a necessity. We have another disaster looming with OMiC which once again delivers a two tier system between state and private prisons, seemingly with the support of the unions, and staff being ordered into prisons while the government is making noises about strengthening community sentences. Huge thanks to you Jim, the voice of sanity in the wilderness. A victory yes, and something to build upon, but by no means the end of the war. Anyway, let’s enjoy today, restore our energies and prepare for what is to come.
Two cheers for today’s news! As with everything else, the devil will be in the detail. Let us remember that the NPS is not a haven of tranquility. The silence from our ‘leaders’ over the last five years has been deafening and these are the people who will assume that they are taking control of the re- formulated service. A new broom is very much a necessity. We have another disaster looming with OMiC which once again delivers a two tier system between state and private prisons, seemingly with the support of the unions, and staff being ordered into prisons while the government is making noises about strengthening community sentences. Huge thanks to you Jim, the voice of sanity in the wilderness. A victory yes, and something to build upon, but by no means the end of the war. Anyway, let’s enjoy today, restore our energies and prepare for what is to come.
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Do we now worry about redundancies, pay parity, terms & conditions?
Do we now worry about redundancies, pay parity, terms & conditions?
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In a nutshell, yes. This isn't a joyous occasion.
In a nutshell, yes. This isn't a joyous occasion.
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There will certainly be some need for the a transfer process in both directions but lets see if the privateers pull out they will never deliver decent CP or Programmes. NPS already do its own intervention work in SOTP and less reliant for DV in CRCs as they are crap. Lone tutors large groups and massive attrition why pay for that off the failed rate card? New contracts will be a waste of money and they may want to reconsider re badging interventions as probation plus and attach it back to public services proper sharing the same infrastructure and sentence compliance will reduce risks and better the confidence of the whole organisation. No more pandering to failing private companies. I think many will want to see appropriate exit procedures agreements as was before with TR1 but these will need to be enforceable this time round lets hope the unions have learnt a lesson.
There will certainly be some need for the a transfer process in both directions but lets see if the privateers pull out they will never deliver decent CP or Programmes. NPS already do its own intervention work in SOTP and less reliant for DV in CRCs as they are crap. Lone tutors large groups and massive attrition why pay for that off the failed rate card? New contracts will be a waste of money and they may want to reconsider re badging interventions as probation plus and attach it back to public services proper sharing the same infrastructure and sentence compliance will reduce risks and better the confidence of the whole organisation. No more pandering to failing private companies. I think many will want to see appropriate exit procedures agreements as was before with TR1 but these will need to be enforceable this time round lets hope the unions have learnt a lesson.
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Big thanks to Jim, and contributors to the blog, Napo, Unison, Dame Glenys, Frances Crook, Russell Webster & many many more. But...... Gauke said on TV this morning that "the widespread reform of Probation Services was necessary in 2014". No, David, it was not. Do NOT mistake today's news as any sort of victory. As many posts on here are suggesting, its merely a political strategy for something equally or more divisive & damaging. TR was not such a stealthy process - hindsight shows it was openly discussed but either missed or dismissed. Do not make the same mistake with Gauke's reforms.
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Lets hope there is a redundancy package for those of us that have now been shafted twice.
Lets hope there is a redundancy package for those of us that have now been shafted twice.
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I'm currently with the NPS and after 5 years felt like I needed a change in terms of the role, type of caseload etc. I decided to apply and have been offered a position with the CRC. With today's news I'm unsure where to progress with my career
I'm currently with the NPS and after 5 years felt like I needed a change in terms of the role, type of caseload etc. I decided to apply and have been offered a position with the CRC. With today's news I'm unsure where to progress with my career
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Please remove Probation from the Civil Service as I did not sign up to the code of conduct when I joined NPS. I have take the comments within the documents 'We want to turn Probation back into a profession on a par with teachers and Social Worker's.' Are they having a laugh? Same people that have shafted our pay, terms and conditions over the last 10 years. Afraid I might not be around long enough to find out.
Please remove Probation from the Civil Service as I did not sign up to the code of conduct when I joined NPS. I have take the comments within the documents 'We want to turn Probation back into a profession on a par with teachers and Social Worker's.' Are they having a laugh? Same people that have shafted our pay, terms and conditions over the last 10 years. Afraid I might not be around long enough to find out.
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I so hope voluntary redundancy is offered. I've had enough!
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If we haven't seen any "innovative" approaches to reoffending (as opposed to innovative ways of cutting staff without paying the going rate) in the last 4-5 years, isn't that a fairly good signal that there aren't really any left to discover?
If we haven't seen any "innovative" approaches to reoffending (as opposed to innovative ways of cutting staff without paying the going rate) in the last 4-5 years, isn't that a fairly good signal that there aren't really any left to discover?
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Imagine if this had happened in a large company, listed on the London Stock Market. A director forces through a major organisational change without a clear rationale, against all advice from experts and without testing it first. Brooking no opposition, he goes on to push the reforms through at an unrealistically fast pace, with the deliberate intention of making them harder to reverse later. The outcome for the company is exactly as predicted... the reforms don’t work, there are numerous and serious customer complaints, the company loses credibility, and a very large amount of money.
The director responsible would almost certainly lose his job. If this didn’t happen before the next shareholder AGM, it would happen very soon after. So why are the consequences not the same in government as in business?
For me, the big story is more than simply a botched privatisation. It’s about the personalities involved and the lack of checks and balances. Surely, as UK PLC’s director responsible for the criminal justice system, Grayling’s role should have been to ask probing questions, to test assumptions, to heed advice, to operate on facts and to insist on a cautious, reversible approach. He did none of this, and so in my opinion he is not fit to hold a senior position within the government. But it looks as though he will get away without even having to explain or apologise. This is plain wrong.
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Renationalisation is great, but just announcing it won't make it happen. There's a lot of things to change, and I'd suggest there's not a lot of time left until the current contracts expire to implement all that needs to be done. I'd like to see the MoJ being pushed to make a statement on how they plan to go about renationalisation, what's the process, and what impacts there's likely to be on things like OMIC.A botched privatisation followed by a botched renationalisation wouldn't be in anyone's interest.
Imagine if this had happened in a large company, listed on the London Stock Market. A director forces through a major organisational change without a clear rationale, against all advice from experts and without testing it first. Brooking no opposition, he goes on to push the reforms through at an unrealistically fast pace, with the deliberate intention of making them harder to reverse later. The outcome for the company is exactly as predicted... the reforms don’t work, there are numerous and serious customer complaints, the company loses credibility, and a very large amount of money.
The director responsible would almost certainly lose his job. If this didn’t happen before the next shareholder AGM, it would happen very soon after. So why are the consequences not the same in government as in business?
For me, the big story is more than simply a botched privatisation. It’s about the personalities involved and the lack of checks and balances. Surely, as UK PLC’s director responsible for the criminal justice system, Grayling’s role should have been to ask probing questions, to test assumptions, to heed advice, to operate on facts and to insist on a cautious, reversible approach. He did none of this, and so in my opinion he is not fit to hold a senior position within the government. But it looks as though he will get away without even having to explain or apologise. This is plain wrong.
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Renationalisation is great, but just announcing it won't make it happen. There's a lot of things to change, and I'd suggest there's not a lot of time left until the current contracts expire to implement all that needs to be done. I'd like to see the MoJ being pushed to make a statement on how they plan to go about renationalisation, what's the process, and what impacts there's likely to be on things like OMIC.A botched privatisation followed by a botched renationalisation wouldn't be in anyone's interest.
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Managing a medium sized homeless charity we would sooner p*** glass than work with the MOJ.
Managing a medium sized homeless charity we would sooner p*** glass than work with the MOJ.
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It's been an expensive victory: the money wasted by Grayling, and the probation culture and infrastructure torn apart. If there is a positive, it's that outsourcing has its practical limits. Privatisation can make things worse. I know all this was known at the time and anyone with knowledge and experience of the criminal justice system told Grayling he was making a big mistake – but you can't reason with ideological fundamentalists who are 'irredeemably flawed'. I hope that in the future, when the probation culture is reimagined and reconstituted, it will have more backbone than it showed in the years leading up to TR, when it was in thrall to managerialism and all that jazz. Few come out of this mess with any credit, but I would say the probation inspectorate under Glenys Stacey told the truth to power and On Probation Blog kept the flame alive.
It's been an expensive victory: the money wasted by Grayling, and the probation culture and infrastructure torn apart. If there is a positive, it's that outsourcing has its practical limits. Privatisation can make things worse. I know all this was known at the time and anyone with knowledge and experience of the criminal justice system told Grayling he was making a big mistake – but you can't reason with ideological fundamentalists who are 'irredeemably flawed'. I hope that in the future, when the probation culture is reimagined and reconstituted, it will have more backbone than it showed in the years leading up to TR, when it was in thrall to managerialism and all that jazz. Few come out of this mess with any credit, but I would say the probation inspectorate under Glenys Stacey told the truth to power and On Probation Blog kept the flame alive.
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Everything that has been going on with probation, all the unneeded stress that is unrelated to the core values of rehabilitation, and all the political crap that goes with it, is what has now lead to me resigning. No one higher up the food chain actually seems to care about the clients, I've stuck it out for long enough purely for the sake of the clients, but not, I've had enough and will be leaving my dream job behind me. I may come back, but I highly doubt it.
Everything that has been going on with probation, all the unneeded stress that is unrelated to the core values of rehabilitation, and all the political crap that goes with it, is what has now lead to me resigning. No one higher up the food chain actually seems to care about the clients, I've stuck it out for long enough purely for the sake of the clients, but not, I've had enough and will be leaving my dream job behind me. I may come back, but I highly doubt it.
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Will staff be made redundant in CRCs? 'It is too early to confirm the impact on CRC staff.
The changes we have announced today are about strengthening probation services and supporting staff. Retaining the skills and knowledge of probation professionals within the system is a key priority for the department. However, we are aware of skills gap within the service which we will be addressing in the near future. We are in the process of gathering data on all those delivering services for or on behalf of CRCs to make sure we fully understand the roles and remits. This will inform our future planning.'
While everyone is celebrating just remember it could be tougher getting back into the new model then it was when we were all kicked out of it..... good luck to all, it's going to be a very stressful time. The Staff from the CRC's aren't all going to make it, at the end of the day both NPS and CRC staff have worked hard but CRC's are the underdogs in all of this so don't open that champagne bottle yet, not until you have that contract in your hands if that is where your future lies.
Will staff be made redundant in CRCs? 'It is too early to confirm the impact on CRC staff.
The changes we have announced today are about strengthening probation services and supporting staff. Retaining the skills and knowledge of probation professionals within the system is a key priority for the department. However, we are aware of skills gap within the service which we will be addressing in the near future. We are in the process of gathering data on all those delivering services for or on behalf of CRCs to make sure we fully understand the roles and remits. This will inform our future planning.'
While everyone is celebrating just remember it could be tougher getting back into the new model then it was when we were all kicked out of it..... good luck to all, it's going to be a very stressful time. The Staff from the CRC's aren't all going to make it, at the end of the day both NPS and CRC staff have worked hard but CRC's are the underdogs in all of this so don't open that champagne bottle yet, not until you have that contract in your hands if that is where your future lies.
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My view is that HR, Admin and IT are in the trouble zone. Frontline staff are likely ok but any specialist roles you may have been promoted to are likely worth zero. The SMT will, as always, make sure they are well looked after. SPOs may find it difficult to correlate a suitable transfer. I'm happy to be corrected if anyone has other views though.
My view is that HR, Admin and IT are in the trouble zone. Frontline staff are likely ok but any specialist roles you may have been promoted to are likely worth zero. The SMT will, as always, make sure they are well looked after. SPOs may find it difficult to correlate a suitable transfer. I'm happy to be corrected if anyone has other views though.
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I'm not sure even all CRC offender management staff in positions in the CRC are a done deal. NPS already has too many PSOs and not enough work for them, continues to recruit trainee POs and there is no hold on current SPO recruitment in the NPS either. It will all come down to the figures of what is needed. I suspect only a % of those CRC staff are likely to move into NPS, probably not all.
I'm not sure even all CRC offender management staff in positions in the CRC are a done deal. NPS already has too many PSOs and not enough work for them, continues to recruit trainee POs and there is no hold on current SPO recruitment in the NPS either. It will all come down to the figures of what is needed. I suspect only a % of those CRC staff are likely to move into NPS, probably not all.
As usual on this blog, lots of "woe is me" from probation staff and virtually no mention whatsoever of how all this will affect clients. Will anything get better for them? Will they actually get the help and support they need now? Will the ethos remain to control and punish those on probation rather than go back to the befriend and assist ethos? Simply renationslising the mess without root and branch reform of how probation operates would help
ReplyDeleteErm... If we don't know how we're going to be affected by this, then we don't know how clients are going to be affected either! I think we can be forgiven for thinking about our own positions first, just this once...
DeleteFacetiousness aside, I doubt you will find very much disagreement here about the need for root and branch reform. Getting it is very much less likely.
The effect on clients has always been the most upsetting aspect of this whole mess for me and my colleagues in the NPS and one of the first things we said when the news came We are not a service as we have no service to offer We’re just doing our best to keep on top of the ludicrous directives It will be another unholy mess for the next 5 years!
DeleteAs anyone knows, in order to look after or help others it is important to be emotionally healthy yourself. The stress we have been under since the start of TR has been enormous for most people working in the profession. Whilst I welcome this u turn I do not look forward to the stress that will be inevitable over the next few years. Unfortunately this is likely to have a knock on effect on our clients.
DeleteI agree looking after ourselves comes first. If we are not in a good place nor will be the clients. It is sad that crc staff find themselves in this position yet again. Lots to think about and worry about. I have heard bad stories regarding nps and that the same stubborn managers have not learnt to treat their staff with the respect they deserve.
ReplyDeleteI think it may be some time before anyone on either side of the desk feels any benefit from the renationalisation of probation.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I think there is an opportunity now to reimagine and redefine what probation is actually all about. As netnipper alluded to yesterday, more backbone may be needed going forward, but I believe there is now an opportunity for probation to shape itself and define its own identity in its own right.
It's a service that has been treated for many years now with utter contempt by the MoJ who have turned a deaf ear, ignored evidence, and have been unconcerned about human cost whilst fixated on driving profit for private enterprise.
It's worth noting I think, that whilst renationalisation was broadly expected, and will enevitabley have a major impact on thousands of peoples lives, it was the media that informed the workforce not the MoJ. That speaks volumes.
I hope probation can find its identity again, but it needs to be fought for.
'Getafix
I salute every single person who looked around and walked away and found meaningful jobs else where. We sit with clients day after day listening and motivating them to change. Sometimes their whole lifestyle or move areas to get back their self esteem. Practise what you preach and leave. I sat in a clients home last week with a whole family in despair of a family situation and we went through how things could change for the better and ways in which we could meet them. Do what you do with clients and make radical changes to your life if your wellbeing and family life are suffering. No one else is going to look after you. As management say, we are replaceable and only a name and number.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this .. I am coming to this realisation.
DeleteSorry to jump on back of your blog Jim but I’ve been an avid reader since before privatisation I’m tentatively trying to reach out to people who left the service through ill health brought on by privatisation or were sacked on trumped up charges but the reality was their resistance to privatisation. Sorry for posting anonymously but health still very fragile. just need to know I’m not alone.
ReplyDeleteNo, you are definitely not alone.
DeleteI'm aware of several who were affected & ejected by the Sodexo clearances in 2015, either through stress-related illness or simply because their outspoken resistance to & criticism of the TR model led them to be placed 'on notice'.
My own 'notice' came from the CEO in person during an impromptu one-on-one in a quiet corner of the office: "I'll be straight with you. You'd better take the severance package because there won't be any further opportunity to leave with something in your pocket. If you're still here after August I can guarantee you'll be leaving via disciplinary or capability. We don't want you."
That came a year after the Trust CEO wrote to all staff saying that if they challenged the 'shafting' decision he would regard it as an individual's stated intention to resign from the Trust.
And the Unions' response? To sign off on the world's worst Staff Transfer Agreement.
That's not all fair. Many able union activists have managed some incredible working protections and still are. Also everyone had recourse to law. Threatened staff who do as told only empower the bully. The staff transfer is as good as it gets but understand it before you criticise in error. As for the current position no CRC can attack any staff now as they will all have employed skills that will be transferable and everyone who want to return will have some rights for assesment after we are still subject to golden share government employees. It remains a fight for many.
DeleteYou are definitely not alone anon 12.02z
DeleteI get so stressed about how we are all being treated
13:29 - you miss the point 13:11 makes, i.e. that was *their* experience, and a shitty one at that. I doubt the "incredible working protections" you celebrate were evident in 13:11's workplace, certainly not when the CEO was so explicitly ruthless. It is an unkindness to dismiss others' experiences so casually because your own experience was different.
DeleteThe Staff Transfer was most certainly *not* "as good as it gets" - no TUPE, an EVR arrangement that was worthless for most, staff stripped of Ts&Cs, a 7 month moratorium on redundancy which opened the door to corporate skullduggery...
And the "golden share" only applies to the Sec of State holding a veto over CRC ownership or significant financial decisions. There's no 'golden' aspect for CRC staff. They were transferred to CRC employment. No CRC, no employment. There's no right of return to NPS.
I agree with you that the fight remains for many.
I accept your points thanks but no fighting back you get stuffed over. Any cpo who would have said such a thing to me formal harrasemnt and bullying policy no hesitation. Full on fight no question no compromise. If you don't fight your accepting and of course I feel for others situation .
Delete@13:11 here replying - I'm grateful to 15:48 for their comments & to 20:34 for rowing back to some degree from their earlier position.
DeleteYes, fighting back is important, but one needs evidence. When the Trust CEO sent the letter there was hard evidence, but the unions (both napo & unison) did nothing, despite complaints made. That fight was stopped by their inaction. As for the CRC CEO's comments to me, they were made privately. I could never prove it happened. What chance they would ever admit they said it?
I fought a few battles as a PO of many years' standing. I remained employed for 20+ years &, I believe, delivered a pretty damn good service to the cases I worked with - as well as to union members in my role as a local rep for a couple of years, when I both received & dealt out a few blows in some tough scraps.
The TR debacle simply gave the green light to the bigoted bullies at HQs around the country, which is why sifting became shafting as those management didn't like were 'punished'. Everyone has seen the subsequent, innumerable examples of CRCs & NPS shitting on staff from a great height.
Its really hard but sometimes you have to know when to walk. It wounded me & scarred me, but I can admit to having been gainfully employed in a covert role trying to undo TR.
I am still very angry - with Grayling & company, with the Trusts who rolled with it, with the managers who exploited it, with the corporate thieves who have stolen £millions, & with the unions, who were outplayed & out-manoeuvred - in fact just hopelessly out of their league. I hope they've been practising some new strategies because it will be an even tougher season coming their way...
Anon 12.02 No problem at all. We each have a responsibility to look after ourselves first - and for each other. I'm positive support can be found here and you are most definitely not alone.
ReplyDeleteI myself was subjected to years of bullying fron my line manager. The love of my job kept me in place. Times i would come home and cry on the end of the bed. I was happy at the time that i went to crc only bdcause my line manager would not folliw me. My time in crc had been up and down work load. But i still love my job. Hoping that i can carry on in nps. I am a strong person but i know tough times are ahead. But if i do not meet nps requirements then what will be will be. Everyine keep strong and have faith and look out for your work mates.
ReplyDeleteIn Dtv we've employed some former participants who have turned their life around and are now helping others. How will this U turn help them given the vetting procedures to become a Civil Servant???
ReplyDeleteAs usual, another badly thought out design from the MoJ.
I wonder how senior management who supported TR from the start will now face all those hard working professionals at the coal face who have been bullied and threatened because meaningless targets have not been archived through lack of staff and resources.
ReplyDeleteWhere who what do you mean they were just following orders. A well well known useless defence. Sounds like working links though
DeleteIt’s not really reunification and we won’t be returning to what we were as Trusts. The NPS view will be that it is taking low and medium risk offenders from the CRCs which will be allocated to PSOs. This will not include UPW and programmes, it will be business as usual for the NPS. There will be limited vacancies for lower-rated CRC offender management staff to transfer over and fill NPS vacancies and replace NPS agency staff.
ReplyDeleteIt is a start and to make progress; We need to eradicate all middle and senior management that assisted TR and those that became tyrants in the CRCs. We need to claw back the probation buildings that have been lost. We need to break free of HMPPS.
.. but I do stress ‘It is a start’ !
DeleteSo if you say there is limited vacancies in the nps. Who do you think is going to carry the crc caseload. I personally have 99 cases.
DeleteAnd also the thousands of stand alone cases held by UPW CPOs.Also those officers won't be needed in the NPS or in the new UPW design module.
DeleteNPS has numerous PSO campaigns ongoing and planned. These have not ceased following the announcement. CRC cases are low and medium risk so will goto PSOs. This is the future of probation.
DeleteNPS as you known do not have anything to do with UPW. The reply by 21.14 was stating the crc caseload. NPS at present do nit have the staff numbers to take over crc caseload.
ReplyDeleteAnd when did lack of staff ever make a difference to JFDI. Whatever we think will happen, it will be something else.
DeleteMore uncertainty. Humpty Dumpty May be back together, but he certainly won’t be a happy chappie. Spare a thought for CRC staff having to wait until 2020 to find out if they have a job in the NPS. Spare a thought for NPS staff having to wait until 2020 to find out if they’ll be pushed out of roles, jobs and teams by incoming CRC staff.
ReplyDeleteAwe poor NPS it's the CRC staff who are graylings refugees now. NPS have it all know all elitist self. No solidarity when it was required even less coming on that view.
DeleteI have been with NPS and now CRC for 23 years in total. I remember to well the stress caused to myself and others. Those who left. Those who had to take any job in CRC to stay employed. I cannit believe we are all at the same stage again. But this time i am looking after me. I will not allow them to stress me out again. Everyone look out for all. Everyone is needing support at this disgusting mess that we are in
ReplyDeleteThrown to the wovles.
Take stock of this shit
ReplyDeletehttps://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5c8f7d2bed915d07af076dc4/Miss_J_Hyland_v_The_Cheshire_and_Greater_Manchester_Community_Rehabilitation_Limited-2424492_2017-Reserved_Judgment_and_Reasons.pdf
This is frightening. The SPO is clearly shown to have decided the PO was guilty before carrying out what passed for an 'investigation', and then to have selected and presented only that 'evidence' fitting the picture she wanted to present. I don't suppose she's now suspended or under any investigation for her misconduct? Surely getting the service into the press for unfair dismissal has brought the service into 'disrepute' ?
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