Dear colleagues
This year we have been tested in ways none of us could have predicted. I have never known a period which has required us to continuously reshape and change our service for such an extended period of time. I am enormously proud of the way you have worked with courage, using your initiative and with the utmost care for the people and places you serve.
Even though our focus is on tackling the impact of coronavirus (Covid-19), it is my responsibility as chief executive to look to and prepare for the future. We know that next year, probation structures will change once again. I want to share with you some important developments regarding the changes.
Firstly, the Ministry of Justice communicated to prospective suppliers yesterday that they have suspended the process to appoint new probation delivery partners as they review the impact of coronavirus (Covid-19). We are seeking clarity from the Department on what that means in practice and will keep you updated.
My view is that the pandemic has underscored the value and resilience of the mixed economy of providers. We redesigned our services quickly, developed new ideas to support other public services through the crisis and used our financial strength to support you by setting up a hardship fund and implementing planned pay rises of up to 11 per cent, skewed towards the lowest pay bands. The pandemic has also created new challenges that are likely to continue for some time requiring an ethos focused on delivering value for money, flexibility and innovation. As the Secretary of State said last year in the House of Commons, KSS CRC is an example of where 'best practice has been achieved, showing an excellent delivery of unpaid work placements and a comprehensive range of programmes on offer'. We can be proud of our record delivering probation services for the communities we serve.
I want to secure what we have built and apply our expertise for the benefit of the whole system as we recover from the virus. As you know, I have chosen to remain in the private sector in order to lead Seetec's Justice division, which is bidding to operate and manage new activity hubs and the new probation delivery partners. Over the course of the coming year, our challenge will be to continue to deliver services while preparing for the new arrangements and our transition to a new organisation. My focus will be to use that time to strengthen the whole system, for those who will transfer to the public sector and those who will transfer into the new delivery partner. We will work closely with NPS leads in the respective regions who have already contacted us regarding engaging with those colleagues who will move to the public sector.
In terms of the new organisation, it's vital that stakeholders and partners are able to easily understand its role and purpose. Our focus on criminal justice should also be clear. With that in mind, we have chosen a new name - Justice Interventions Company - which provides both clarity about what we do and what can be expected from us.
Rest assured, we will embed into the Justice Interventions Company the best of our sector's identity and values. We will build on the culture, record of service delivery and goodwill that we have developed for KSS CRC because I truly believe that what you have achieved here is very special, vital and must be protected. As the Government's announcement of the new arrangements this time last year made clear, probation has a long history of providing the right kind of interventions that are effective in helping offenders to turn their lives around, reducing reoffending and protect victims. We have been at the forefront of that work. Our Justice Interventions Company will build on our record to date but will focus entirely on developing tailored, evidence-based approaches for the people in our local communities that you understand and serve so well.
While I know we are in the midst of responding to the Covid-19 crisis, I want to reassure you that we continue to prepare for our future. Thank-you for everything you have done in recent weeks, which comes on top of the challenges and obstacles you have overcome over recent years. Your professionalism and dedication to the people we support remains a source of pride and inspiration for many, including me.
Any queries as always feel free to contact me.
--oo00oo--
This from Napo yesterday:-
Probation Reform bidding process is suspended due to C-19 pressures
We were advised yesterday afternoon at our regular engagement with Senior Leaders from the Probation Reform Programme that a decision has been taken to suspend the current bidding process for the intended Probation Provider Contracts due to commence in 2021. This is not a cancellation of the programme and we understand has been caused by the current operational pressures on the MoJ and HMPPS caused by the C-19 pandemic.
The attached letter sets out the actual position and also confirms that CRC providers have been notified of this development. We can also confirm that no decision has yet been taken by the Minister as to whether existing CRC contracts are to be extended, and the previous speculation by some CRC providers to this effect is unfounded.
More information about the Probation Reform Programme will be included in a future member mail out as soon as it is available.
Ian Lawrence General Secretary
Katie Lomas National Chair
--oo00oo--
28/05/20
Dear all,
This from Napo yesterday:-
Probation Reform bidding process is suspended due to C-19 pressures
We were advised yesterday afternoon at our regular engagement with Senior Leaders from the Probation Reform Programme that a decision has been taken to suspend the current bidding process for the intended Probation Provider Contracts due to commence in 2021. This is not a cancellation of the programme and we understand has been caused by the current operational pressures on the MoJ and HMPPS caused by the C-19 pandemic.
The attached letter sets out the actual position and also confirms that CRC providers have been notified of this development. We can also confirm that no decision has yet been taken by the Minister as to whether existing CRC contracts are to be extended, and the previous speculation by some CRC providers to this effect is unfounded.
More information about the Probation Reform Programme will be included in a future member mail out as soon as it is available.
Ian Lawrence General Secretary
Katie Lomas National Chair
--oo00oo--
28/05/20
Dear all,
I am writing to clarify the current position in relation to the Probation Delivery Partner competition.
On Tuesday, we issued a notice to the organisations involved in the PDP competition that we were suspending the process. This is simply to provide us with a short amount of time to work through the implications of Covid19 on the Probation Reform Programme.
I am aware that there is some rumour that the PDP competition has been cancelled. That is not accurate.
Delivery of the Probation Reform Programme remains a top priority for the Ministry of Justice and we are committed to moving at pace to deliver reforms. You will understand that Covid19 is an unprecedented challenge and it is right that we take a small amount of time to ensure the programme is best placed to continue with reforms in this new and difficult operating context.
I am aware that there is some rumour that the PDP competition has been cancelled. That is not accurate.
Delivery of the Probation Reform Programme remains a top priority for the Ministry of Justice and we are committed to moving at pace to deliver reforms. You will understand that Covid19 is an unprecedented challenge and it is right that we take a small amount of time to ensure the programme is best placed to continue with reforms in this new and difficult operating context.
I would be very happy to discuss this further if you have questions on behalf of your members.
Yours Sincerely,
Jim Barton
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/uk-england-52835061
ReplyDeleteAnother 'excellent' leadership team I see:-
DeleteA probation company that supervises more than 5,500 offenders has been told for the second year running it needs to improve to ensure public safety. The Humberside, Lincolnshire and North Yorkshire Community Rehabilitation Company (CRC) was inspected in January.
Inspectors found only a quarter of recommended home visits took place and said the service needed to do better to manage the risk of harm. The CRC said it had put in measures to improve the quality of its service.
In its report, HM Inspectorate of Probation said the CRC needed to step up its domestic abuse and child safeguarding checks. The service supervises low and medium risk offenders, with some in the process of leaving prison and others serving community sentences.
Chief Inspector of Probation Justin Russell said: "It is disappointing that, despite the best efforts of leaders and staff, the CRC's overall rating has stayed the same."
In the report, he said work to "keep others safe was not good enough, and improvements must be made to better identify, manage and review the risk of harm".
"At the time of the inspection, staffing levels were too low. Workloads, sickness rates and vacancies for frontline staff were too high," he said. "In some cases, work was being allocated to individuals who felt they did not have the appropriate training and experience." But inspectors noted "an excellent leadership team and motivated staff". They also accepted staff training had improved since the last inspection but "the impact was yet to be seen in the inspected cases".
Jackie Green, director of operations at the CRC, said the organisation welcomed the report and had "developed a robust action plan" for improvements. She said public protection was a priority and that management were "committed and motivated to reduce re-offending and improve the quality of service delivery".
Justin clearly has the same myopic condition as Dame whoever-she-was: "an excellent leadership team"
DeleteWhat is it with this English disease that 'leaders' cannot be criticised, that piss-poor performance is simply tolerated, that everyone is so equivocal:
"Ah well, they're completely shit at what they do but what redeems them is that they do really nice hospitality and they are charming & thoroughly nice to us. We just can't fault their niceness."
Cummings had an eyesight condition as well. And the PM - he even brought up his failing eyesight in Monday's press briefing, waving his spectacles at the camera.
DeleteMaybe we're onto something...?
https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/health/coronavirus/watch-hilarious-parody-proclaimers-im-gonna-be-500-miles-pokes-fun-dominic-cummings-2867669
DeleteSome folks have been busy
Deletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5M1MzMsiic&list=RDijwiFP03hTk&index=2
Much better if the feckless brown-noser Mr Barton could update me on where my pay rise has gone. Has he eaten it?
ReplyDeleteThey really don't care and using Covid as an excuse. Even some colleagues moaning if you dare mention it as their view is we are lucky to have jobs and look at the state others are in. No doubt this will be an excuse to rescind it also in respect of current public funds.
DeleteWhat happens in prisons will enevitabley inform some part of how probation functions.
ReplyDeleteAlthough lockdown restrictions for the community are being relaxed, its reported that easimg restrictions in prisons will take between 12 to 18 months.
Such a period of time surely indicates that prisons are places that give safe haven to the virus.
Robert Buckland should be made to take his turn at the podium, and explain how Government policy on Coronavirus is impacting on the CJS.
I'd really like to know just how track and trace will work for example, for those leaving a high risk population in prison, to entering another High risk group in a homeless hostel?
https://insidetime.org/recovery-from-prison-lockdown-will-take-up-to-18-months/
'Getafix
What's going on? Mayhem. That's what.
ReplyDeleteRoads here have been heaving with camper vans since yesterday, shops are full of visitors stocking up on beer & barbecue fare - including those throwaway barbecue trays. Restrictions not meant to be implemented until Monday but, as ever, the English Clown Prince screws it up accidentally-on-purpose.
Police & Fire crews will be exhausted this weekend.
Well done Boris - just can't stop fucking anything & everything you see, can you?
At least the seetec people and leader Suki binning appears up front about the issues and relating the message to staff in a way of full information. Good on them at least staff have an idea and no news from other crcs.
ReplyDeleteSounds a little more humane than RRP who control DLNR/SWM CRCs. Motivational message to the troops this week - in addition to no pay rise again this year, no bonus for working in the front line, (and by the way, we're running low on PPE so only use it if 'essential'), we have now been told if we do not use our annual leave by end of year, this will be forfeited. You cannot carry it over under any circumstances. This is a smack in the face for loyal staff who have risen to the challenge during this pandemic - covering vacancies for shielding colleagues and putting themselves at risk to keep the show on the road. What an absolute disgrace RRP are proving to be. I am so hoping that they do not 'win' any contracts they are currently manoeuvring towards. Their treatment of staff belies belief.
DeleteAwful treatment. Seetec under Suki binning set a national record and matched NPS rates from April. At least she knows you have reward to motivate staff. Can't criticise seetec like other crcs let's hope the future contracts are given to mutual ethos contractors given the stark differences in treatment.
DeleteI can't understand how Suki Binning can write, 'My view is that the pandemic has underscored the value and resilience of the mixed economy of providers'. Where is the evidence that involving the private sector has been a raring success? TR imploded - so much for the resilience of the private sector.
ReplyDeleteLatest Napo Covid Bulletin 22:-
ReplyDeleteCOURT RECOVERY TU FEEDBACK 27.5.20
This is a very brief update, from National Vice Chair Siobhan Foreman, to advise members working in Court teams that TUs have recently been involved in preliminary discussions with the Probation Deputy Director, Courts to consider plans for Courts recovery. Just to clarify, The Exceptional Delivery Model (EDM) remains in place at this time.
There are several issues to consider due to the complexities of working in non-probation buildings. As members will expect, the focus of our talks has been regarding H&S issues to ensure Court staff are working in a safe environment. I hope you will appreciate due to the confidential nature of discussions I am unable to provide members with specific details at this time. I can, however, inform you that Napo, (together with other recognised TUs) have insisted that prior to all NPS staff moving back into Courts a risk assessment is undertaken which involves local TU H&S reps, SPO’s, practioners and HMMPS H&S Leads. We have also requested that H&S reps are given facility time and work load relief to undertake their TU commitments.
Regular Court TU engagement meetings will continue and as Napo Court Lead, I will provide members with regular updates. If members have issues, please raise with your line manager in the first instance.
FROM THE TUC
As reported last week, TUC General Secretary, Frances O’Grady announced at the Better Recovery conference that the TUC would be hosting a major free festival (online) in the summer showcasing new models of organising
The festival “Organise 2020” will take place from 9 to 11 July, and will feature union organising stories from around the UK and around the world, host debates on major trends in organising, and offer online training sessions in key organising topics and new digital technologies.
The aim is to link reps and organisers around the country, build their skills and inspiration, and support unions in working together to recruit and organise new members and their workplaces.
If you are interested in joining in with any or all of these events – that’s the good thing about online conferences you can pick and choose – you can pre-register at https://www.tuc.org.uk/organise-2020
Further news from the TUC on government engagement
An announcement on the next stage of the job retention scheme is expected shortly and the TUC is pushing for the Chancellor to bring forward the date from which short time working will be allowed to as soon as possible. It has suggested that any employer contributions should be phased in gradually to protect jobs.
The unions are also pushing for a wider package of support to protect jobs and workers. That should include introducing a jobs guarantee as set out in their report “A New Plan for Jobs” industry recovery panels to give tailored support to sectors as covered in the Better Recovery Report and an extension to the Self Employed Income Support Scheme for those who have lost income due to the crisis.
The TUC has also been engaged with the Department for Business to develop ‘Working Safely’ guidance and with the Department for Digital Culture, Media and Sports, which has now set up a recreation and le sure taskforce to produce guidelines for safe working in sectors ranging from libraries to broadcasting. TUC Deputy GS, Paul Nowak, has joined the taskforce and the TUC is co-ordinating union engagement with DCMS across the working groups.
Napo HQ
due to the confidential nature of discussions I am unable to provide members with specific details at this time.
DeleteWhat's the secret then collusion while frontline face risk. How could anyone not fear workplace risk without full proper c19 specific risk assessments undertaken as the HS process requires it anyway nothing Napo have done here.
Probation Deputy Director, Courts - who is this?
DeleteTR 2 will is going to place probation services exactly how they wanted it to be in 2015. OMs will just be enforcement officers and all rehabilitation work will be carried out by the crcs.
ReplyDeleteSPOILER ALERT - SPOILER ALERT - SPOILER ALERT -
DeleteSsshhh! Don't spill the beans. That's not how we play the game. We have to pretend we don't know. Just look at the spoilsport scientists - they're ruining Boris's weekend with their "we don't agree with you" rhetoric. They're obviously just "corona-remoaners".
https://soundcloud.com/uniofbath/dr-jo-farrar-transforming-public-services-in-a-time-of-austerity?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+public-lecture-podcast+%28Public+Lecture+Podcast%29
ReplyDeletelink to podcast lecture "Dr Jo Farrar: Transforming Public Services in a Time of Austerity" from 2016
In this IPR Public Lecture, Dr Jo Farrar - Chief Executive of Bath and North East Somerset Council - examines the changing nature of public services and how the transformation efforts of recent government administrations play out in the delivery of local services.
DeleteShe also considers how innovative use of data and technology can improve the performance of public services at a time of unprecedented budget reductions.
Finally, Farrar discusses new approaches to the reform of local public services including through income generation, encouraging growth and empowering communities.
Financial Times 28 May 2020 - "The UK has suffered the second-highest rate of deaths from the coronavirus pandemic after Spain, according to excess mortality figures. The UK has registered 59,537 more deaths than usual since the week ending March 20, indicating that the virus has directly or indirectly killed 891 people per million. Until Thursday, the UK had a higher rate of death than in any country for which high-quality data exist. However, Spain made a revision to its mortality estimates, adding 12,000 to its toll of excess deaths from coronavirus in a one-off adjustment to 43,000. This increased its death rate to 921 per million. The absolute number of excess deaths in the UK is the highest in Europe, and second only to the US in global terms, according to data collected by the Financial Times."
ReplyDeleteSo obviously Thursday is the perfect time to announce the relaxing of lockdown measures on Monday 1 June, just in advance of a blistering weekend and as a means of "drawing a line" under the Cummings row.
Boris & Dominic - In Conversation on Thursday - "We'll throw the little people some crumbs of hope - they'll be so grateful that they'll be unable to contain themselves, they'll go bar-b-q-ing in the sun, get drunk, forget the rules and then they won't be able to blame us for the inevitable resurgence of the virus because they'll have brought it all upon themselves. Then we can properly punish them by withdrawing the furlough scheme altogether and starving them to death because they were such naughty children. Wizzard Wheeze Dommy. Ha Ha!!"
Found this surprisingly familiar precis of the main character in the Just Boris books:
DeleteBoris Johnson – The main character in the series, a schoolboy who plagues a number of villages in England. Leader of the Outlaws, Boris is unique in schoolboy literature – confident, strong-willed, independent-minded with original world-views, a born leader who is keen to be chief in any undertaking of the Outlaws. He does not care about his clothes or appearance, wears a scowl as his best "company manners" and hates small talk. He loves to play pirates, and readily embarks on any project, from catching coronavirus, leaving the European Union to editing a "newspaper" or organising a "circus" or "show", often featuring his pet dog Gove as reluctant star.
Boris usually has a withering contempt for girls and women (except his mother) but can occasionally be chivalrous. He has a soft spot for the neighbour, Carrie, who admires him enormously. A rebel and die-hard optimist, Boris often shows a strong sense of irresponsibility when the situation demands, an unwillingness to back down and a bulldog-like determination to hold on to his friends. His imagination and love of himself constantly get him into strange and difficult situations.
A number of guesses have been made about exactly where the stories are set. It has been suggested many are set in the little known Westminster Village, but also (in the book Growing Up with Just Boris) that one village is situated somewhere around Chevening, Bucks. A road sign shown in a Thomas Henry illustration from "Dominic Gets A Move On" in "Boris Does His Bit" reads "London A1", which would place one of the villages north of London.
A Boris story often starts when Boris or the Outlaws set out to do something, such as leaving the European Union, unseating a Prime Minister or dismantling the public sector. Boris always manages to get into trouble, although he can never see why. His well-meaning efforts often result in unfortunate outcomes. Peculiar complications often arise when he tries to "help" others, but as fortune favours the privileged, Boris usually wins.