On the day we hear that Chris Grayling hasn't been able to win a rigged election, the effects of his TR 'reforms' of probation nevertheless live on, albeit now in their death throws and as the privateers disgracefully cut corners to save cash. Surely HMI Justin Russell can't be surprised by any of this? Here's today's press release:-
Hampshire and Isle of Wight probation service – staff shortfall leads to ‘sharp decline’
A cost-cutting restructure has had a ‘profound’ effect on a probation service, according to inspectors. HM Inspectorate of Probation conducted a part-inspection of the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Rehabilitation Company (CRC) in March. The CRC supervises nearly 3,000 low and medium-risk offenders; some are serving community sentences while others have left or are preparing to leave prison.
Chief Inspector of Probation Justin Russell said: “In 2018-2019, Hampshire & Isle of Wight was the only one out of 21 CRCs to be rated ‘Good’. On our return, it was disappointing to find a sharp decline in the quality of work with individuals under probation supervision. We have concluded this is directly related to a shortfall in sufficiently trained and experienced probation staff.”
The CRC is owned by Purple Futures, a consortium of private and third-sector businesses. Senior leaders explained that they went ahead with a restructure because the consortium had reduced income and needed to cut costs.
The new operating model was based on an experienced and skilled workforce being in place. Senior leaders had failed to take sufficient account of the need for skilled staff and the time required to recruit and train new case managers. Inspectors found there had been a 38 per cent reduction in the number of senior case managers since the previous inspection. While the number of lower-grade case managers had risen significantly, 45 per cent were new to the service.
Mr Russell said: “After the last inspection, we warned that substantial changes to the workforce would put the quality of work at risk. It takes time for new probation staff to develop the knowledge, skills and experience to handle complex cases. The negative impact of the restructure on the service has been profound.”
Inspectors found new staff had been assigned complex cases that were beyond their level of experience. More established staff had high workloads, which compromised the quality of their work. Management oversight was stretched and did not pay enough attention to potential risks of harm.
In contrast, inspectors found a much-improved Through the Gate service for individuals preparing to leave prison and resettle in the community. The CRC received additional funding from central government and this area of work was rated ‘Outstanding’. The delivery of unpaid work schemes continued to be rated ‘Good’.
Mr Russell said: “This inspection was cut short because of the lockdown. As such, we have not rated parts of this CRC’s work or given an overall rating. All probation services – including Hampshire & Isle of Wight CRC – have been under enormous pressure during the lockdown. Local leaders understand the problems faced by this CRC and, to their credit, they have communicated openly with staff. We hope the organisation continues to pull together and make further improvements.”
A cost-cutting restructure has had a ‘profound’ effect on a probation service, according to inspectors. HM Inspectorate of Probation conducted a part-inspection of the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Rehabilitation Company (CRC) in March. The CRC supervises nearly 3,000 low and medium-risk offenders; some are serving community sentences while others have left or are preparing to leave prison.
Chief Inspector of Probation Justin Russell said: “In 2018-2019, Hampshire & Isle of Wight was the only one out of 21 CRCs to be rated ‘Good’. On our return, it was disappointing to find a sharp decline in the quality of work with individuals under probation supervision. We have concluded this is directly related to a shortfall in sufficiently trained and experienced probation staff.”
The CRC is owned by Purple Futures, a consortium of private and third-sector businesses. Senior leaders explained that they went ahead with a restructure because the consortium had reduced income and needed to cut costs.
The new operating model was based on an experienced and skilled workforce being in place. Senior leaders had failed to take sufficient account of the need for skilled staff and the time required to recruit and train new case managers. Inspectors found there had been a 38 per cent reduction in the number of senior case managers since the previous inspection. While the number of lower-grade case managers had risen significantly, 45 per cent were new to the service.
Mr Russell said: “After the last inspection, we warned that substantial changes to the workforce would put the quality of work at risk. It takes time for new probation staff to develop the knowledge, skills and experience to handle complex cases. The negative impact of the restructure on the service has been profound.”
Inspectors found new staff had been assigned complex cases that were beyond their level of experience. More established staff had high workloads, which compromised the quality of their work. Management oversight was stretched and did not pay enough attention to potential risks of harm.
In contrast, inspectors found a much-improved Through the Gate service for individuals preparing to leave prison and resettle in the community. The CRC received additional funding from central government and this area of work was rated ‘Outstanding’. The delivery of unpaid work schemes continued to be rated ‘Good’.
Mr Russell said: “This inspection was cut short because of the lockdown. As such, we have not rated parts of this CRC’s work or given an overall rating. All probation services – including Hampshire & Isle of Wight CRC – have been under enormous pressure during the lockdown. Local leaders understand the problems faced by this CRC and, to their credit, they have communicated openly with staff. We hope the organisation continues to pull together and make further improvements.”
Justin Russell
HM Chief Inspector of Probation
Only one word to describe sentiments on hearing of Graying's fall: schadenfreude.
ReplyDeleteI think there will be repercussions over Grayling not winning. Already Lewis has had the whip removed, and there's talk this morning of a parliamentary motion to oust him from the chair of the security committee already.
ReplyDeleteI think the real news (and concern) should be on the lengths this Government will go to avoid scrutiny by crushing any kind of opposition to their ideological desires. They are becoming a dictatorship, and it's pretty ugly.
As for CRCs, it seems pretty obvious to me that with no new contracts to bid for they'll all start busying themselves restructuring and reorganising to extract every penny they can before they close the door.
Why wouldn't they, its the money they're in it for, nothing else.
'Getafix
The look on Chris Grayling’s face said it all. The former minister had breezed into the first meeting of the newly convened Intelligence and Security Committee in the Macmillan Room in Portcullis House, fully expecting to be the only Tory name on the ballot paper.
DeleteGrayling was a picture of incredulity and puzzlement as he saw Julian Lewis’ candidacy in black and white next to his, before the swift realisation kicked in that he had been outmanoeuvred.
The difficulty for No.10 now is just what next step to take. In theory it could take the “nuclear option” and oust Lewis from the committee by tabling a Commons motion of selection, replacing him with another Tory MP, and thereby allowing a fresh internal election of a new chairman of the ISC. A 90-minute debate would be needed, followed by a vote on the floor of the Commons.
The danger is that would lay bare just how party political the chairmanship would be, itself seen by even some of the PM’s allies as a move that could undermine the committee and its relationship with the intelligence agencies - all of which need to be protected from any charge of party politics in their scrutiny.
The government would have to act very quickly too, and it may be too late to get any motion on the Order Paper in time. Tomorrow morning the ISC meets to discuss when to publish the ‘Russia report’, believed to cover donations to the Tory party among other issues. It is likely that the committee will recommend very swift publication.
https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/julian-lewis-chris-grayling-committee_uk_5f0f753dc5b619afc3fcb59b?utm_hp_ref=uk-politics
A long-awaited report into alleged Russian interference in the 2017 general election and the 2016 Brexit vote is to be published next week.
DeleteThe Intelligence and Security Committee voted unanimously for it to be released before Parliament's summer break.
The delay in publishing the report, which was completed last year, has led to speculation that it contains details embarrassing for the Conservatives.
But the government denies that political considerations were involved.
The report is thought to look at a wide range of Russian activity - from traditional espionage to subversion - but the greatest interest is in possible interference in the 2016 and 2017 votes.
Mr Lewis, MP for New Forest East, said the 2013 Justice and Security Act had "explicitly removed the right of the prime minister to choose the ISC chairman and gave it to the committee members".
DeleteHe added: "It was only yesterday afternoon [Thursday] that I received a text asking me to confirm that I would be voting for the prime minister's preferred candidate for the ISC chair.
"I did not reply as I considered it an improper request. At no earlier stage did I give any undertaking to vote for any particular candidate."
Mr Lewis also said the government had denied wanting to "parachute" a preferred candidate in to the chair, adding:"It is therefore strange to have the whip removed for failing to vote for the government's preferred candidate."
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-53428246
Vladimir Putin’s regime has altered the boundaries of Europe by force, murdered a former Russian spy in London with polonium, and deployed nerve agent in a British city in an attempt to murder another along with his daughter. It is hardly beyond the bounds of the possible that it has also meddled in this country’s political procedures. The government’s failure to be open about that threat, let alone to effectively confront it, is exemplified in its incompetence and vindictiveness surrounding the makeup of the House of Commons Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC). This is bad news for national security as well as the quality of public administration.
DeleteThe ISC oversees Britain’s intelligence services. Its report on Russian interference in British democracy, which was completed in October and has received all necessary security clearance, is still yet to be published. The formal reason is that the ISC hasn’t yet reconvened since the general election. Hence the unconscionable delay.
Why has it not met? Because the Conservatives, for some reason, dawdled. The prime minister eventually nominated five Tory MPs for the committee last week. It was universally expected that, with the the support of his Conservative colleagues, Chris Grayling would be appointed chair of the committee. He wasn’t. Instead, Julian Lewis was elected with the support of Labour and SNP members. The government then lashed out by stripping Dr Lewis of the Tory whip.
https://capx.co/the-grayling-lewis-farce-is-bad-news-for-national-security/
What Grayling would have helped to hide:
Delete"Russians almost certainly sought to interfere in the 2019 UK general election through illicitly acquired documents, the government has said.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said any attempt to meddle in UK democracy was "completely unacceptable".
The documents - on UK-US trade discussions - emerged online and were used by Labour in the 2019 campaign.
A much-delayed report into allegations of wider Russian interference into UK democracy is due next week.
This is the first time the government has acknowledged with such certainty that Russians interfered in the UK's democratic processes."
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-53433523
this inspection has found a sharp decline in the quality of case supervision and availability of services required to deliver court requirements
ReplyDeletethe shortage of skilled staff was predictable, work to address the shortage took effect too late.
the quality of management oversight was poor, particularly in respect of managing risk to keep other people safe.
Previously at HIOWCRC we recommended that the CRC:
- ‘Reconsider the ratio of senior case managers to case managers holding cases, in the context of findings around the quality of service’.
The CRC has made no progress on this recommendation.
- 'Develop a clearer focus on public protection in the implementation and review of the sentence in all cases’.
The CRC has made no progress on this recommendation
- ‘Use quality management systems to drive the delivery of high-quality work, as defined by HM Inspectorate of Probation standards’.
The CRC has made no progress on this recommendation
So where are the MoJ/HMPPS contract managers? Why aren't they hanging their heads in shame for failing to hold the CRCs to account?
It seems if you are canny enough you can grab a substantial slice of UK taxpayer money, do what the fuck you like and NO-ONE holds you to account. Ever.
Oh sure, people whine & complain (e.g. Napo) & HMIProbation write lengthy reports, but what about the embedded Contract Managers on c.£50,000 a year, employed to oversee & manage the contracts?
Andrew Selous: "Contract Management Teams are embedded in each CRC, closely monitoring how all monies are used and robust processes are in place to ensure all expenditure is correctly spent." (Citation: HC Deb, 15 June 2015, cW)
There are NO penalties, there is NO criticism from the government and the so-called "leaders" are always deemed 'excellent' & 'cohesive'.
Yet this government has just started yet another round of giveaway-to-your-chums with £5bn guaranteed to disappear from the UK public purse for probation services alone; this doesn't include the costs of private arrangements for prisons, immigration/detention centres, youth custody, prisoner transport.
And Grayling will be chairing that committee before the month is out.
Number Ten continues to flex its dictatorial muscles:
ReplyDeleteA civil servant in charge of an inquiry into alleged bullying by Priti Patel of her staff has been “moved on” amid claims that the report will ‘embarrass’ the government.
A deputy of ousted Cabinet Office secretary Mark Sedwill, [Helen] MacNamara led a probe into bullying allegation against the home secretary which stem as far back at 2015.
It is understood she is the only person preventing Downing Street from clearing Patel in a report which has been with the prime minister for several weeks.
One Whitehall source told the newspaper MacNamara’s departure was a “signal that No 10 will move on anyone who might challenge them on the legality or ethics of what Boris and Cummings want to do.
“Control that office and you no longer have to stick to the rules when it comes to outside appointments.”
Insiders say [Mark] Sedwill promoted MacNamara as a way of ensuring that she was protected from being “thrown under a bus” once he stood aside.
https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/top-stories/civil-servant-investigating-priti-patel-moved-on-says-the-guardian-1-6748636
Seen on @realDonaldTrump:
ReplyDelete"NAPO has endorsed President Trump in his reelection campaign. Here is our endorsement letter which was issued following today's meeting."
(don't worry, its the US national association of police organisations; Mr Lawrence hasn't completely lost it - yet!)
Staff shortages and inexperience won't prevent the extended hours and all the rest that comes from the opening of Nightingale courts.
ReplyDeleteThe lawyers aren't very happy, and I think make some good points that maybe probation and unions really need to start thinking about around now.
https://www.legalcheek.com/2020/07/lawyers-demand-action-on-blackstone-courts-amid-reports-one-will-be-in-moj-headquarters/
'Getafix
More public money on offer by MoJ, this time its £30m for yet further changes to probation training:
ReplyDeleteThe Ministry of Justice (‘the Authority’), intends to tender for the provision of academic learning for probation practitioners in England and Wales. The services to be procured are expected to comprise of:
— delivery of the current curriculum framework, including the professional qualification in probation (PQiP), to new learners from July 2021 until June 2024; and
— review and re-design of the current curriculum framework; and
— delivery of the revised curriculum framework to trainee learners from 2022 to 2025.
Trainee learner cohorts currently begin studying with universities on a twice-yearly basis. As currently conceived, the contract(s) would provide for at least six cohorts of learners from the July 2021 intake through to the January 2024 intake (and learning delivery therefore into 2025).
This PIN is being issued for market engagement purposes only. Any information provided is indicative only of the authority's current intentions and is subject to change.
Estimated total value: excluding VAT: 30 000 000.00 GBP
uk gov reported/recorded data Thurs 16 July 2020
ReplyDeletereported new cases: 642 (2,758 for the week so far)
recorded deaths: 66
Cases in Scotland 12-16 July inc. = 30
Cases in Wales 12 - 16 July incl. = 56
Cases in N.Ireland 12-16 July inc = 27
Cases in England 12-16 July incl. = 1,761
Strangely the split data comes up 884 short of the UK total.
Do we blame the Chinese? Or the Russians? Or Julian Lewis?
caseloads through the roof again, new cases starting to trickle through, lengthy risk management plan reviews on all medium cases (which is a lot). I struggle to see how i am supposed to also monitor 60 cases - ridiculous. No news at all about transition , has anyone heard anything i'm in the NorthWest.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-53436865
ReplyDeleteThere is "absolutely no reason" to change the guidance on working from home, the UK's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance has said.
Since late March the government has advised people to work from home if possible to help curb coronavirus.
Sir Patrick said home working was still a "perfectly good option" for many.
Speaking to the Commons science and technology committee, he said it was his view - and one shared by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) - that distancing measures were still important for containing the virus.
"Of the various distancing measures, working from home for many companies remains a perfectly good option because it's easy to do," he said.
But last week Prime Minister Boris Johnson signalled a change, saying: "I think we should now say, well, 'go back to work if you can'."
__________________________________
Wonder if Boris will sack him now?
The lying scumbags' revision of UK history is in full flow:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-53426297
Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth also asked Matt Hancock about UK chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance's comments to MPs earlier.
Sir Patrick told the Science and Technology Committe that Sage (Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies) had advised the government to implement lockdown measures "as soon as possible" on 16 March.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the UK lockdown on 23 March.
Ashworth asks why it took seven days for the government to implement a lockdown after Sage made the recommendation.
Hancock responded by claiming 16 March was when lockdown began.
He said: "Of course, the 16th of March is the day when I came to this house and said that all unnecessary social contact should cease. That is, precisely, when the lockdown was started"
______________________
I suppose grabbing back even just one week on a technicality qualifies as "every little helps" for those with considerable amounts of blood on their hands.
Secret Barrister on C4News was excellent
ReplyDeleteSo was John Bercows interview on Sky News.
DeleteGrayling is a nice chap but everything he touches...
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1310558/john-bercow-boris-johnson-security-intelligence-committee-chris-grayling-latest/amp
Grayling just does as told because he gets on that way party loyal and takes the flack happily ignorant and care free.
DeleteHe could in for all the leaders Cameron May and the killing field king pffifel. If there is a need for him the next Tory charge HR will be there.